Weight
88g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
So-Ten
Nittaku So-Ten is an OFF- class blade designed for players who want a balanced mix of speed, control, and spin. Part of the Irodori Series, it uses a unique 5-ply wood construction with two inner layers of KVC3 composite. This 'inner type' design places the composite beneath wood plies, enhancing dwell time and creating a softer feel while maintaining solid repulsive power. The blade produces a high trajectory, supporting aggressive play with excellent ball-holding for precise control and heavy spin generation. Crafted in Japan, So-Ten offers a comfortable grip and responsive surface suitable for a wide range of offensive techniques.
So-Ten features a 5-ply wood construction with two inner layers of KVC3 composite material. This 'inner type' configuration places composite layers closer to the core, beneath several wood plies. The design aims for a softer feel and increased dwell time, aiding spin generation and control while offering good speed and power from the KVC3 composite.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
So-Ten is classified as an offensive blade with a mid-fast speed rating. It offers good repulsive force and offensive capabilities but prioritizes controlled power and spin over sheer speed. Our testing shows it is well above average in speed but not in the highest tier of offensive blades, making it suitable for players who want pace without sacrificing touch.
So-Ten delivers notably high control, attributed to its inner composite layers and flexible wood construction. This design provides excellent ball-holding capabilities and a softer feel, allowing for precise placement and safe execution of various strokes. Players report it is highly consistent and ideal for tactical play where placement matters as much as power.
So-Ten offers a medium to medium-soft feel with a slight woody sensation due to its inner composite construction and wood plies. The inner placement prevents it from feeling overly stiff or numb, providing a good connection to the ball that supports effective spin generation and control, especially for players moving from all-wood blades.
So-Ten produces a high trajectory or medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps generate heavy topspin loops that dip sharply over the net, making returns difficult for opponents. Combined with good dwell time, it supports aggressive offensive play.
Inner-type construction with KVC3 composite layers beneath wood plies significantly enhances dwell time. This extended contact allows the ball to sink into the blade, facilitating greater spin potential on serves, loops, and chops—a key feature for spin-based tactics.
So-Ten is a flexible blade, bending more than some expect for a composite design. This flexibility contributes to dwell time and spin generation by allowing deeper ball pocketing. It also helps absorb incoming pace for blocking and counter-attacking, making it more forgiving.
So-Ten exhibits medium vibration, balancing composite materials with wood plies. The inner placement of KVC3 moderates vibration compared to outer-fiber blades, resulting in a feel that is neither dead nor buzzy, providing sufficient feedback without distraction.
So-Ten is consistently praised for its high-quality construction and finish. Japanese manufacturing ensures precision, with attention to detail evident in smooth edges and overall solid build. Users find it durable and well-made, offering a premium feel that instills confidence during play.
Technology
So-Ten incorporates Nittaku's proprietary KVC3 composite material in two inner layers. This 'inner type' construction is a key technological feature, differentiating it from outer-fiber blades. By positioning composite beneath wood plies, Nittaku blends the elasticity and power of composites with the dwell time, feel, and control of all-wood blades. This approach enables high spin generation and a natural ball-holding sensation, contributing to the blade's high trajectory and overall offensive performance.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce ALC
So-Ten is frequently compared to the Butterfly Innerforce ALC. Both are inner-fiber composite blades that emphasize control, dwell time, and spin generation. Many players find So-Ten has a similar feel and playing characteristics, making it a strong alternative for those seeking a blend of modern composite technology and a traditional wood-like feel.