Weight
90g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
161x152
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Ma Long Five
Nittaku Ma Long Five is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted in collaboration with the legendary Ma Long for the Japanese market. It delivers a masterful blend of exceptional touch, feeling, and power, making it a top choice for aggressive topspin attackers. The blade provides a medium shot feel, striking a perfect balance between control and offensive capability. Its larger head size offers a stable block and a generous sweet spot. Renowned for its spin generation and precise control, this blade is ideal for advanced players seeking sophisticated techniques and powerful, confident gameplay.
The blade features a 5-ply all-wood construction. Koto is used for the outer layers, known for its hardness and ability to provide good spin and speed. The exact composition of the inner plies is not publicly detailed, but this all-wood structure is responsible for the blade's distinct feel, dwell time, and control characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Ma Long Five provides a strong level of speed for a 5-ply all-wood blade, perfectly suited for offensive play. Our testing shows it delivers enough power for aggressive topspin and counter-attacking, though it isn't as explosive as carbon composite blades. Its speed is notably enhanced when combined with modern tension-type rubbers, enabling sharp, fast-paced drives.
Control is the standout feature of the Ma Long Five. Players report a predictable response, a large sweet spot, and excellent feel that allows for precise shot placement and consistent execution. This high level of control provides confidence during fast rallies, making complex techniques feel more manageable and reliable.
Ma Long Five offers a distinct medium-hard feel with clear, responsive feedback. It strikes a balance between sensing the ball on contact and maintaining enough stiffness for powerful shots. Many players find it provides more vibration and a livelier sensation compared to some other classic wood blades.
The throw angle is medium-high, creating a good arc for powerful shots, which is ideal for aggressive topspin play. Players report that this helps shots, especially backhand topspins, to dive sharply onto the table.
The blade's construction promotes an extended ball contact time, which is crucial for generating heavy spin and controlling trajectory. This long dwell time makes it exceptionally effective for topspin loops, serves, and any shot where spin manipulation is key.
Nittaku Ma Long Five is a notably flexible blade. This flexibility is a core characteristic that enables excellent ball-pocketing, significantly enhancing spin generation and contributing directly to its superior dwell time and control.
Vibration levels are moderate to high, providing clear and informative feedback on ball impact. This sensory input helps players with shot development and making subtle tactical adjustments during play.
Crafted with high-quality wood and superior construction techniques, the Ma Long Five reflects its premium positioning. TTSensei experts note its excellent durability and consistent playing characteristics over time, with a finish and feel that meet the expectations of discerning players seeking top-tier equipment.
Technology
Nittaku Ma Long Five embodies classic table tennis design philosophy, focusing on the synergy between carefully selected wood plies to achieve optimal performance. It highlights expertise in wood blade manufacturing, with input from Ma Long to tailor it for aggressive, modern offensive play. The technology centers on achieving a long dwell time through a flexible nature and specific wood combination, enabling players to impart significant spin. This focus on natural wood properties delivers superior feel and control, which are fundamental for developing advanced techniques and executing precise, powerful shots.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ma Long
The blade is named after and designed with input from Ma Long for the Japanese market, aiming to capture a blend of touch, feeling, and power suitable for his aggressive, all-around game. While direct confirmation of his current match use is scarce, his involvement signifies the blade aligns with a high-level style emphasizing powerful topspin and precise control.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
Nittaku Acoustic is frequently mentioned as a blade with similar qualities, particularly in touch, feeling, and control. TTSensei experts note that the Ma Long Five often offers more vibration and flexibility, while the Acoustic can feel slightly duller or stiffer by comparison. Both are highly regarded 5-ply all-wood blades for players seeking a classic wood feel with offensive capabilities.
DHS Hurricane Wang Liqin (WL)
Some players have transitioned from the DHS Hurricane WL to the Ma Long Five. Players report the Ma Long Five provides more feeling and allows the ball to stay on the blade longer, resulting in better control and spin. While both are offensive blades, the Ma Long Five offers a more refined touch tailored for modern offensive play.