Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Oxford
Nittaku Oxford is a 5-ply hybrid blade that strikes a compelling balance between speed and control. Its construction blends wood's natural feel with carbon's responsiveness, creating a platform ideal for players developing an offensive, spin-oriented game. The blade offers a consistent, reliable performance with good dwell time, making it a solid choice for intermediate players seeking to enhance their attacking shots without sacrificing precision. Crafted with Nittaku's renowned Japanese quality, it delivers a durable and predictable playing experience.
The blade uses a 5-ply construction with outer hinoki plies, two internal carbon layers, and a central kiri wood core. This hybrid setup combines the tactile feedback of wood with the performance boost of carbon, aiming to deliver a balanced blend of feel, speed, and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Oxford offers a good offensive balance, providing enough pace for effective topspin attacks and drives without being overly extreme. The embedded carbon layers contribute noticeable pop, giving it more speed than a typical all-wood blade while remaining controllable for developing players.
This blade excels in control, allowing for precise ball placement, easy serve execution, and reliable blocking. Its forgiving nature makes it highly adaptable for various techniques, providing a stable platform that helps players build consistency and confidence in their shots.
The blade delivers a medium-hard sensation with clear feedback. Carbon layers add a degree of stiffness and crispness, while the wood plies prevent the feel from becoming overly harsh, resulting in a controllable and responsive touch that players appreciate for both power and finesse shots.
Oxford produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for generating aggressive topspin shots that clear the net with a good arc. This trajectory helps players create effective attacking loops with both safety and offensive potential.
Oxford provides good dwell time, allowing players to brush the ball effectively and impart significant spin. The combination of wood and carbon creates a contact window that supports spin generation for topspin loops and serves without compromising too much on direct speed.
Flexibility sits in the medium range, providing a balanced response. Wood plies contribute some flex for ball pocketing and spin, while carbon layers add stiffness for power and stability, creating a versatile feel suitable for all-around offensive play.
Vibration levels are moderate, offering enough feedback to feel ball contact without being excessive or uncomfortable. The construction helps dampen harsh vibrations, resulting in a controlled and comfortable feel that enhances overall playing sensation.
Built with Nittaku's signature Japanese craftsmanship, Oxford features excellent manufacturing standards with a smooth finish and durable construction. Players report high consistency and predictable performance, reflecting the attention to detail and reliable build quality expected from the brand.
Technology
Nittaku Oxford benefits from the brand's renowned Japanese craftsmanship, emphasizing precision wood selection and lamination techniques. The integration of carbon layers within the wood plies is a key technology, designed to enhance speed and stiffness while aiming to retain the natural feel and resonance of wood. This approach creates a responsive blade with a distinctive playing character.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
Nittaku Acoustic is a popular 5-ply all-wood blade known for its excellent feel, control, and spin capabilities. It shares a focus on tactile feedback and consistency with Oxford, making it a strong alternative for players who prefer a pure wood construction, though it may deliver a slightly different speed and feel profile without carbon layers.