Weight
86.5g
Thickness
6.05mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
S-Series S-5
Nittaku S-Series S-5 is a German-crafted, five-ply all-wood blade built entirely from European spruce. This material, prized in musical instruments, delivers a soft touch, resonant feedback, and significant dwell time for easy spin generation. As a midweight offensive blade, it provides a balanced feel with a broad range of gears, excelling in controlled short play and aggressive looping. Its consistent performance and high-quality construction make it a versatile choice for all-round and attacking players who value feel and precision.
The construction is a straightforward yet effective 5-ply stack of European spruce. Using the same wood throughout all layers creates a uniform and predictable response, directly responsible for the blade's soft touch, high dwell time, and resonant feedback that players favor for spin and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
S-5 delivers solid offensive speed, rated around 8.2, making it effective for attacking play without being overwhelming. It possesses accessible 'gears,' meaning speed increases naturally with more aggressive strokes, providing good pace for loops and drives when paired with modern rubbers. This makes it a dependable choice for players who want offensive capability without sacrificing the controllable feel of an all-wood blade.
Control is a standout strength, reflecting its precision and security. The soft touch and high dwell time grant excellent command over ball placement, excelling in the short game, blocking, and controlled opening loops. You get a very secure feeling that lets you execute a wide variety of strokes with confidence—impressive for a blade with clear offensive intentions.
The blade offers a distinctly medium-soft feel, characterized by a soft touch and ample, resonant feedback upon contact. The spruce wood construction creates a pleasant tactile sensation that players who enjoy 'feeling' the ball will appreciate. This feel is a major contributor to its spin-friendly and controllable nature.
The throw angle is medium-high, which is beneficial for topspin-oriented play. This trajectory helps the ball clear the net comfortably during loops and aggressive shots, working in harmony with the blade's dwell time to facilitate spin-heavy, attacking rallies.
Dwell time is exceptionally high, rated at 8.5, due to the five spruce plies. This allows the ball to sink into the blade surface longer, which is crucial for loading the ball with heavy spin on loops and serves. This extended contact also enhances the overall soft and controllable sensation during play.
It exhibits moderate flexibility, which aids in ball pocketing and adds a helpful catapult effect during loops. This balance prevents it from feeling overly stiff, contributing to its spin generation and allowing for a blend of powerful drives and delicate touch play.
Vibration levels are moderate, typically described as muted or non-intrusive. This is common for all-wood blades and provides sufficient feedback to feel the ball without transmitting harsh or unpleasant sensations to the hand, contributing to a comfortable playing experience.
Manufactured in Germany, the S-5 exhibits exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The precise construction, use of premium European spruce, and attention to detail in the finish—including the laser-marked black cherry handle—result in a durable and aesthetically pleasing blade. Our assessment confirms it represents excellent value within its category.
Technology
Nittaku S-Series S-5 technology centers on its pure, five-ply construction of European spruce—a wood renowned for its acoustic properties in musical instrument making. Manufactured in Germany, the blade emphasizes precision craftsmanship. A distinctive laser-marked seal on the elegant black cherry wood handle preserves the wood's natural beauty. This approach aims to deliver a unique synergy of exceptional feel, high control, and potent spin generation, offering premium performance at a competitive price point.
Similar Blades
Donic Ovtcharov Feat
Donic Ovtcharov Feat is often mentioned as a comparable blade, with the S-5 typically noted as having a slightly heavier feel. Both are quality all-wood options that deliver good speed, control, and tactile feedback, making them solid alternatives for players in this performance category.
Stiga Infinity
Stiga Infinity shares a similar speed profile and all-wood, 5-ply construction. Players find both blades offer a commendable balance of offensive capability and control, serving as excellent traditional choices for attackers who appreciate good feel.
Tibhar SPW
Compared to the Tibhar SPW, our testing shows the S-5 generally provides more dwell time, a slightly head-heavier balance, and enhanced spin potential. They operate in a similar class, but the S-5 leans more towards a spin-oriented, feel-focused game.
Nittaku Acoustic
Within the Nittaku family, the S-5 is sometimes viewed as a compelling alternative to the Acoustic. Players report the S-5 can offer slightly better performance for looping and often features superior fit and finish, potentially providing greater value.