Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Monophonic
Nittaku Monophonic combines advanced hybrid construction with a design philosophy centered on modern defensive play. It offers a notably large sweet spot and the versatility to transition seamlessly from tenacious defense to surprising offensive attacks. Engineered for intermediate to advanced players, this blade provides a well-balanced blend of control and capability, supporting a wide range of strokes from delicate pushes to powerful loops. Its unique feel and performance make it a versatile choice for players who value precision and tactical versatility.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply build with a wood core. From the surface inward, the sequence is: wood, wood, glass fiber, wood (core), glass fiber, wood, wood. This specific arrangement sandwiches the composite layers close to the core, aiming to enhance the sweet spot and blend wood's feel with the fiber's stabilizing effect.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Monophonic operates in the OFF+ category, providing a balanced speed suitable for a dual-style game. It offers enough pace for initiating attacks and driving through counter-hits, yet it remains controlled enough not to overpower defensive maneuvers. This makes it an excellent platform for players who want to dictate the pace of a rally, transitioning from defense to offense without changing equipment.
Control is where this blade truly shines. It provides an exceptional level of precision, allowing players to execute defensive chops, drops, and pushes with pinpoint accuracy. The high level of consistency and feedback instills confidence during long rallies, making it a top-tier choice for tacticians and players who rely on shot placement over raw power.
The blade offers a medium-soft feel, characterized by good ball feedback and a comfortable touch. The wood plies provide a familiar, nuanced sensation, while the integrated glass fiber adds a subtle firmness without making the blade feel hard or brittle. This creates a responsive yet forgiving contact.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is advantageous for offensive strokes, helping loops and drives clear the net comfortably and land deep on the table. It supports an attacking style from mid-distance while remaining controllable in short play.
Monophonic provides a notably long dwell time, which is a key asset for its defensive and spin-oriented playstyle. This extended contact allows players to impart heavy spin on serves and loops, and provides extra time for precise control during passive shots and blocks.
It possesses a medium level of flexibility. The blade has a slight give that aids in spin generation and absorption, but it is not overly flexy. This balanced stiffness provides a stable platform for blocks and drives while allowing enough whip for effective looping.
Vibration is very low, contributing to a clean, solid feel on contact. The composite layers help dampen unwanted frequencies, resulting in a quiet and focused feedback that many defensive players prefer, as it minimizes distraction and enhances the sense of control.
Crafted in Japan, Monophonic reflects Nittaku's renowned commitment to quality. The construction is meticulous, with precise lamination of its five wood and two glass fiber plies. The finish and durability are excellent, resulting in a blade that feels solid, consistent, and built to perform reliably over time, justifying its position in the premium segment.
Technology
Nittaku Monophonic utilizes a sophisticated hybrid construction, layering five plies of wood with two plies of glass fiber. This design philosophy aims to expand the sweet spot significantly, merging the controlled, tactile feel of wood with the added stability and speed infusion from the composite layers. The technology focuses on creating a blade that excels in defensive control while retaining a direct and responsive character for attacking play, offering a modern take on a defensive-oriented racket.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
For players who admire Nittaku's craftsmanship but prefer a pure wood experience, the Acoustic is a superb 5-ply all-wood alternative. It shares the Monophonic's emphasis on exceptional feel, control, and spin capability, offering a more traditional, flexible, and tactile feedback loop, though with less inherent speed from composite materials.
Nittaku Septear Feel Inner
Septear Feel Inner serves as a closer hybrid alternative within the Nittaku lineup. It also focuses on delivering good dwell time, low vibration, and a balanced offensive-defensive profile. Players considering the Monophonic for its feel and controlled power might find the Septear Feel Inner offers a similar playing philosophy in a different construction.