Weight
87g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
258x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Runlox-5
Nittaku Runlox-5 is a highly regarded all-wood, five-ply table tennis blade celebrated for its exceptional feel and perfect balance of speed and control. Crafted with advanced Swedish woodworking techniques, it delivers a soft touch that provides excellent ball feedback and spin generation. Players who prioritize a consistent and reliable platform for offensive play, especially for looping and short-game tactics, favor this blade. Its construction ensures a large sweet spot and remarkable stability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of playing styles from allround to offensive. The quality finish and ability to pair effectively with various rubber types round out its appeal.
This 5-ply all-wood construction features Koto outer plies and a Spruce core with Ayous center—a classic design known for providing a good balance of speed, flexibility, and feel. The Koto outer layer offers a good surface for spin generation, while the Spruce and Ayous core contributes to the blade's dwell time and control. This construction is identical to the Avalox P500.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Runlox-5 offers a good level of speed, providing sufficient power for offensive play, particularly for looping and aggressive strokes. While not a composite blade designed for extreme speed, it delivers nice pace and is well-suited for players who want offensive capability without sacrificing control. The blade's construction gives it a responsive feel that translates well into powerful shots when needed.
Runlox-5 excels in providing excellent control and feel, with players reporting superb touch for short balls and great blocking capabilities. This high control factor allows for precise placement and facilitates spin-oriented play, making it suitable for players who value accuracy and consistency. The blade gives you confidence in your shots, whether you're placing delicate drops or engaging in fast exchanges.
Runlox-5 is characterized by a soft feeling and excellent ball feedback, making it a great choice for players who enjoy a sensitive touch. It provides a good 'bite' on the ball that aids in spin generation, feeling slightly softer and more direct than some comparable blades. The sensation is one of connectedness with each shot.
The blade's construction and feel suggest a medium-high throw angle, which is conducive to aggressive looping and powerful shots while still maintaining good control for placement. This makes it particularly effective for players who like to arc the ball over the net with topspin.
The 5-ply all-wood construction, particularly with the Spruce and Ayous core, contributes to good dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, facilitating spin production and providing a more controlled feel, especially during loops and short-game exchanges where touch matters most.
This blade offers a good degree of flexibility, described by players as 'flexy,' which is beneficial for generating spin and providing a softer feel. This flexibility allows for more dwell time, enabling players to impart greater rotation on the ball while maintaining control over their shots.
Runlox-5 offers a well-balanced vibration level that aids in feel and feedback without being excessive. The soft touch of the blade contributes to a pleasant vibration profile that helps players sense ball contact while remaining comfortable during extended play sessions.
Nittaku Runlox-5 is frequently praised for its excellent build quality and superior finish. The use of advanced Swedish woodworking techniques contributes to its durability and aesthetic appeal, with many players noting it feels more refined than similar blades. From the smooth handle to the consistent wood grain, every aspect speaks to careful craftsmanship.
Technology
Nittaku Runlox-5 is manufactured using excellent Swedish woodworking techniques, emphasizing precision engineering and material selection common in high-quality Swedish-made blades. While specific proprietary technologies aren't detailed, the focus on craftsmanship points to a well-constructed blade designed for optimal performance and feel. The blade shares construction characteristics with the Avalox P500, indicating a shared design philosophy or manufacturing origin that prioritizes traditional woodworking excellence.
Similar Blades
Avalox P500
Nittaku Runlox-5 is frequently identified as being the same blade as the Avalox P500, or having identical construction with Koto/Spruce/Ayous/Spruce/Koto layers. While the Runlox-5 is said to have a nicer finish and woods, their playing characteristics are considered very similar, making the P500 a direct alternative for players seeking comparable performance.
Nittaku Acoustic
While not identical, Nittaku Acoustic is often compared to Runlox-5. Both are excellent looping blades with good feel. The Acoustic is generally considered faster and more direct, while Runlox-5 offers a slightly softer feel and better control in the short game. Players choosing between them should consider whether they prioritize raw speed or enhanced touch.