Weight
78g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Resist II
Nittaku Resist II is a classic Japanese defensive table tennis blade built for players who value supreme control and stability. Its five-ply all-wood construction features willow (Yanagi) outer layers, delivering a soft feel and excellent ball absorption. This design excels at neutralizing powerful topspin, making it a favorite for choppers and defensive specialists. While its primary focus is defense, it remains versatile for blocking, disruptive play near the table, and occasional attacks when players supply their own power. As a discontinued model, it holds a special place for enthusiasts of traditional defensive craftsmanship.
The blade features a 5-ply all-wood construction. The prominent use of willow (Yanagi) wood on the outer plies is key to its defensive characteristics, providing excellent dwell time and ball absorption. The inner wood plies contribute to a cohesive and flexible structure suitable for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Resist II is a very slow blade, a deliberate design choice that serves as its primary asset for defensive play. This low speed allows for exceptional control and enables players to effectively absorb the pace of incoming shots. For offensive play, significant player-generated power is required to drive the ball with authority.
Control is the standout feature of the Nittaku Resist II, earning a high rating due to its excellent dwell time and low speed. This combination allows for precise shot placement, which is critical for defensive maneuvers like chopping and blocking. Players report feeling a high degree of confidence in their touch and placement during rallies.
Nittaku Resist II delivers a soft feel, a result of its all-wood construction and willow outer plies. This soft touch provides superior ball absorption and clear feedback, which defensive players highly value for executing precise chops and controlled blocks.
Although primarily a defensive blade, its construction allows for a medium-high throw angle when generating offensive strokes. This provides a good arc on drives and loops when the player commits to an attack, adding a layer of versatility.
The blade offers an extended dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the wood. This characteristic is vital for defensive players, enabling them to generate heavy spin on chops and maintain meticulous control over the ball's trajectory and placement.
While categorized as stiff due to its defensive purpose and ability to absorb pace, there's an underlying flexibility that allows for good dwell time and feel. This balance ensures stability for blocking while retaining enough flex for effective spin generation on defensive shots.
Nittaku Resist II provides a dampened vibration feel, which contributes to its controlled playing characteristics. This reduced vibration helps absorb incoming ball energy and offers a comfortable, stable sensation for the player during extended defensive exchanges.
The Nittaku Resist II is regarded as having very good build quality. Our assessment notes its solid construction and fine finishing, which is consistent with expectations for a Japanese-made Nittaku product. This quality contributes to the blade's durability and provides consistent performance for defensive players over time.
Technology
Nittaku Resist II is crafted using a traditional 5-ply all-wood method, reflecting a commitment to blades that emphasize feel and control. The specific use of willow (Yanagi) wood for the outer plies is a defining choice, selected for its unique properties that absorb incoming ball speed and enhance dwell time. This deliberate material selection and construction are focused on creating a blade that delivers exceptional defensive capabilities without relying on composite materials. Its design prioritizes classic table tennis principles of touch, control, and stability for dedicated defensive players.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Shake Defence
Nittaku Shake Defence is another classic defensive blade from Nittaku that shares many characteristics with the Resist II, including its 5-ply wood construction and focus on control. While the Resist II is noted for its softness and exceptional dwell time, the Shake Defence offers similar defensive capabilities. TTSensei experts note the Resist II may have a slightly softer feel and more damping. Both are highly regarded for players who rely on chopping and blocking.
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive is a highly regarded modern defensive blade that shares the Nittaku Resist II's emphasis on control and defensive play. Like the Resist II, it's a 5-ply all-wood blade designed for choppers. While the Resist II is known for its softness and dwell, the Koji Matsushita often offers a slightly larger head size and a feel conducive to both chopping and more controlled offensive bursts, making it a contemporary alternative for defensive specialists.