Weight
78g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Sanalion S
Nittaku Sanalion S is a 5-ply all-wood blade built for versatile all-round play. It finds a sweet spot between control and speed, making it a reliable choice for players developing their game or anyone seeking a balanced blade for varied strokes. Its relatively light weight and controlled characteristics make it easy to handle, reducing errors in passive play while still offering secure topspins and spin-rich openings. This makes it a compelling option for intermediate players and advanced juniors looking for dependable, well-rounded equipment.
Sanalion S features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction (outer wood, inner wood, core wood, inner wood, outer wood). This traditional layering is known for providing a good balance of speed, control, and a consistent, predictable response.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Sanalion S is characterized by its mid-slow speed, making it more controllable than high-speed offensive blades. While not designed for sheer power, it offers enough pace for effective all-round play, especially when paired with responsive rubbers that can help unlock its potential.
Control is a significant strong point of the Sanalion S. Its predictable response and manageable speed allow players to place the ball accurately and execute various strokes with confidence, from precise blocks to well-placed topspins.
Sanalion S offers a firm but not overly stiff feel, often described as having a hard shot sensation with a slightly consolidated touch. This provides good feedback during play without being harsh.
The combination of a 5-ply wood construction and a mid-slow speed suggests a medium-high throw angle, which aids in generating spin and allows for effective ball placement over the net.
The 5-ply wood construction, combined with its medium-hard feel, provides a moderate dwell time. This allows for sufficient ball contact to generate spin while still maintaining a quick enough release for offensive shots.
With a 6.4mm thickness and medium-hard feel, Sanalion S has moderate flexibility. It is not overly stiff, allowing for some flex during powerful strokes which aids in spin generation and feel, but it lacks the significant flex of very soft all-wood blades.
While described as hard, the blade does not have excessive vibration. The all-wood construction generally offers a more dampened feel compared to composite blades, with some flex that aids in vibration absorption.
The blade is well-crafted, utilizing durable wood materials which suggest good build quality and longevity. This consistent craftsmanship aligns with Nittaku's reputation for producing reliable and trustworthy table tennis equipment.
Technology
Nittaku Sanalion S utilizes a classic 5-ply all-wood construction. This traditional method focuses on selecting and layering high-quality wood veneers to achieve specific playing characteristics. The emphasis is on the natural properties of the wood, providing a feel and response distinct from blades with synthetic materials. Nittaku's expertise in wood selection and pressing techniques ensures consistent and reliable performance, aiming to offer a balanced blend of speed, control, and feel suitable for a wide range of players. The blade is factory sealed for protection.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Sanalion R
Nittaku Sanalion R is part of the same Sanalion series and shares the 5-ply wood construction. However, it is a Japanese penhold version with slightly different dimensions (160x142mm) and a marginally faster medium speed rating compared to the Sanalion S's mid-slow. It offers a similar all-round playing style but is specifically tailored for penhold grip players.
Nittaku Sanalion D
Nittaku Sanalion D is another blade from the Sanalion series, specifically designed for defensive play (DEF). It features a softer touch and slower speed than the Sanalion S. While sharing the 5-ply wood construction, its larger head size (165x156mm) and thicker profile (5.7mm) contribute to its enhanced defensive capabilities and supreme control.