Weight
85g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Ristal
Nittaku Ristal is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for players who value control and a soft, responsive feel, making it a favorite for penhold technique development. Its design emphasizes dwell time and predictable feedback, ideal for learning defensive strategies, touch shots, and spin-oriented play. While not built for blistering speed, its consistent response supports steady improvement and precise placement, serving as a reliable tool for intermediate players focused on refining their game.
The blade is built from five plies of wood. While the specific wood species for each layer are not publicly detailed, Nittaku's selection and layering process is engineered to create the soft, controlled, and dwell-friendly playing character that defines the Ristal.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ristal operates in the medium speed range, fitting an ALL to OFF- style. It doesn't propel the ball with explosive force, even when paired with medium-hard rubbers. This deliberate pace is a key contributor to its high level of control and allows for longer dwell time on the blade face.
Control is where this blade truly shines. It offers predictable, forgiving feedback that builds confidence, especially for players developing their skills. The blade provides excellent command for precise placement and is particularly noted for facilitating controlled reverse penhold backhand (RPB) techniques.
The blade delivers a distinctly soft and woody sensation upon contact. This plush feel allows players to sense the ball on the rubber for an extended period, which greatly aids in spin generation and nuanced shot control, a boon for developing touch.
The combination of soft feel and good dwell naturally produces a medium-high throw angle. This helps topspin shots clear the net with a good arc, making looping and attacking from mid-distance more accessible, particularly for players still refining their stroke mechanics.
Dwell time is a major strength. The soft, all-wood construction lets the ball sink into the blade, giving you more time to brush and impart heavy spin. This makes looping against backspin and controlling touch shots notably easier and more effective.
The blade exhibits a noticeable flex, which aligns with its soft feel. This flexibility works in tandem with the dwell time, allowing the blade to cup the ball slightly during contact, which enhances control and spin potential compared to very stiff designs.
Our analysis suggests vibration is on the lower end. The soft wood composition absorbs impact effectively, resulting in a muted, comfortable feedback that lacks the harsh or buzzy sensation sometimes found in stiffer blades.
Reflecting Nittaku's heritage, the Ristal is well-made with good craftsmanship. Players report a durable construction and consistent performance that meets expectations for its category, offering reliable quality that supports long-term development.
Technology
Ristal relies on Nittaku's refined mastery of traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This technology focuses on selecting and bonding wood plies to optimize natural vibration damping, feel, and dwell time. By forgoing modern composites, it delivers a pure, classic 'woody' touch that prioritizes player connection with the ball and controlled, spin-focused play.