Weight
79g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Narcus
Nittaku Narcus is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade that masterfully balances speed and spin. Its lightweight construction, averaging around 79 grams, provides exceptional maneuverability for quick attacks and dynamic rallies. The alternating soft and hard wood layers create a responsive feel, offering players excellent dwell time to generate heavy spin while maintaining crisp power for drives. This blade excels in both close-to-table exchanges and mid-distance topspin battles, making it a versatile weapon for intermediate to advanced players seeking a classic wood blade with modern offensive capabilities.
The 5-ply structure alternates soft and hard wood layers. The soft outer plies enhance dwell time and feel for spin generation, while the harder inner plies contribute to the blade's speed and structural stability. This classic design effectively balances offensive power with player control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Narcus is consistently recognized as a fast blade, enabling powerful drives and aggressive topspin loops. Its construction efficiently transfers energy into the ball, resulting in quick shots that pressure opponents. Players find it delivers excellent pace for offensive rallies without sacrificing the connected feel needed for spin generation.
Despite its speed, Narcus provides a very commendable level of control. The blade offers a good sense of connection with the ball, allowing for precise placement and confident touch on blocks and short game. This balance makes it suitable for players who want to attack aggressively while still maintaining accuracy and tactical variety.
Narcus delivers a medium-hard feel that is crisp and responsive. The combination of soft outer plies and harder inner layers creates a feedback-rich touch that is not overly harsh. You get a clear sensation of ball contact, which aids in stroke adjustment and spin sensing.
The blade typically produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for offensive play. This trajectory helps topspin shots clear the net comfortably and arc effectively onto the table, supporting an aggressive, looping style of play.
The blade provides a medium to long dwell time, thanks to its soft outer plies. This allows the ball to sink into the blade surface, giving players ample time to brush and impart heavy spin on loops and serves, making it a top choice for spin-oriented attacks.
Narcus possesses a medium level of flexibility. This gives it a lively character that aids in generating power from a full stroke while still providing the stability needed for solid blocks and direct hits, creating a well-rounded offensive profile.
Vibration is present at a medium level, offering useful feedback without being distracting or numb. This level of vibration helps players sense the quality of their contact, contributing to the blade's overall informative and engaging feel.
The build quality of the Narcus is consistently praised, reflecting Nittaku's reputation for craftsmanship. It exhibits excellent durability, consistent performance across production batches, and a refined finish. This high-quality construction ensures the blade feels solid and reliable during intense play.
Technology
Nittaku Narcus utilizes a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction, focusing on the inherent properties of carefully selected timber. Nittaku's expertise in wood lamination, often associated with their instrument-making heritage, ensures precise layer bonding and consistency. This technology aims to maximize the natural dwell and feel of wood, creating a blade that offers direct feedback, excellent spin potential, and a balanced blend of speed and control for the offensive player.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
Nittaku Acoustic is another celebrated 5-ply all-wood blade from the same brand, renowned for its exceptional feel and control. It shares the Narcus's emphasis on dwell time and spin, often presenting a slightly different balance that some players find offers even greater touch and feedback for an offensive, feeling-based game.
Nittaku Violin
Nittaku Violin, part of the brand's 'musical instrument' series, is a 5-ply all-wood blade that prioritizes control and feel. While it may be slightly slower than the Narcus, it serves as an excellent alternative for players who want the classic wood sensation with a stronger emphasis on precision and touch in their offensive play.