Weight
83g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Redshank
Nittaku Redshank is a versatile offensive blade that masterfully balances speed, control, and a natural wood sensation. Its 5+2 ply construction integrates thin carbon layers within a wood core, creating a lightweight and responsive tool ideal for topspin-focused play. Players appreciate its exceptional spin generation for serves and loops, solid blocking capabilities, and overall forgiveness, making it a superb choice for developing and advanced attackers who value a connected feel and agile handling during extended rallies.
The blade uses a symmetrical 7-ply (5+2) build: wood outer plies, followed by wood inner plies, then thin carbon layers sandwiching a wood core, mirrored on the other side. This configuration enhances speed and stiffness from the carbon while the multiple wood layers maintain feel, elasticity, and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Redshank is a fast blade, with the integrated carbon layers providing a clear speed advantage over traditional all-wood designs. This facilitates powerful shots and quick counter-exchanges, placing it firmly in the offensive category while remaining manageable for players seeking a significant but not extreme power boost.
Despite its offensive pedigree, Redshank offers exceptional control. The balanced construction and dominant wood feel provide excellent feedback, allowing for precise placement. It shines in the short game and during blocking, maintaining consistency in rallies and giving players high confidence in their touch shots.
Redshank presents a nuanced medium-hard feel. The carbon layers provide underlying firmness and a crisp response, while the wood plies ensure a connected, classic sensation that offers good feedback on all strokes, from soft touches to powerful loops.
Redshank produces a high throw angle, making it exceptionally well-suited for generating heavy, high-arching topspin loops that easily clear the net. This trait is a major asset for spin-oriented attackers but may require adaptation for players who prefer a flatter, more direct trajectory.
It provides a medium to medium-high dwell time. The wood composition allows the ball to sink in sufficiently for spin generation, while the carbon layers ensure a quick, responsive rebound, creating an effective balance for looping and controlled attacking play.
Redshank is a flexible blade. The wood plies allow it to bend during strokes, which greatly aids in spin generation and provides a catapult effect for loops. This flexibility softens the inherent stiffness from the carbon, enhancing control and feel.
Vibration is well-managed and on the lower side. The wood plies effectively absorb and mute vibrations, preventing a hollow or overly buzzy sensation. This contributes significantly to the blade's comfortable and solid feel upon contact.
Redshank is praised for its high-quality construction and finish. The execution of the hybrid design is excellent, successfully delivering a desirable 'woody feel' despite the carbon layers. The overall build and feel are consistently noted as very good, reflecting solid manufacturing standards.
Technology
Nittaku Redshank employs a 5+2 ply construction, strategically placing two thin carbon fiber layers within a wood composite frame. This design philosophy aims to inject the speed and spin potential of composite materials while meticulously preserving the tactile feedback and elastic properties of a traditional wood blade. The thinness of the carbon is crucial; it prevents excessive stiffness, ensuring the blade retains a natural, connected feel. This technology creates a responsive and dynamic hitting experience that supports a wide range of offensive techniques without sacrificing the control and touch many players rely on.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kirill Gerassimenko
Kirill Gerassimenko has favored the Redshank for his topspin-oriented game, particularly when playing from mid-distance. The blade's ability to generate heavy spin and provide adequate power for dynamic attacks from a meter behind the table complements his aggressive style, and its high throw angle aligns well with his preference for high-arcing loop shots.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (MLC)
Players report that Redshank offers a faster and more solid feel compared to the Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive. While both are offensive blades, Redshank is often preferred for its direct feedback and absence of the sometimes-noted 'hollow' sensation, providing a more connected playing experience.
Waldner Senso Carbon
Some players switching from the Waldner Senso Carbon to the Redshank have found the transition liberating, noting that 'everything became easy.' They report an improved ability to generate spin, execute delicate touch shots, and smash effectively, suggesting Redshank offers a more user-friendly and versatile offensive profile for similar styles.