Weight
80g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
159x138
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Sou MF R
Nittaku Sou MF R is a specialized Japanese penhold blade crafted from a single ply of premium Kiso Hinoki wood. It's designed for players seeking a traditional feel with modern functionality. The 'MF' signifies its Multi-Function grip, featuring a unique protrusion for enhanced control and versatility, allowing comfortable use of both sides of the blade. The 'R' indicates a slightly rectangular head shape. This blade offers a good balance of speed and control, making it suitable for all-round and offensive playstyles, particularly for those developing traditional and modernized penhold techniques.
A single ply of Kiso Hinoki wood forms the entire blade construction, providing a natural, classic feel known for its excellent dwell time and vibration characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rated as OFF- or Medium, Nittaku Sou MF R offers a speed suitable for offensive and all-round play. While not as fast as modern composite blades, its single-ply Hinoki construction provides a lively feel that allows for effective drives and attacks when combined with appropriate rubbers. The speed is generally considered good for traditional penhold play where quick strokes and spin are emphasized.
The blade's control is highly regarded, attributed to its single-ply Hinoki construction and the unique MF grip. This combination allows for precise placement of the ball, stable blocking, and consistent execution of strokes. The inherent dwell time of Hinoki wood helps players feel the ball better, leading to superior control, especially for developing penhold techniques.
The single-ply Kiso Hinoki wood provides a distinctly soft and cushioned feel, characteristic of traditional Japanese blades. This allows for excellent ball feedback and dwell time, making it easier to generate spin and control the ball. Players often describe the feel as natural and connected.
The combination of single-ply Hinoki and its flexible nature typically results in a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for lifting topspin shots and playing aggressive loops, as it allows the ball to clear the net with good height and spin.
The inherent nature of single-ply Hinoki wood offers extended dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This extended contact time is crucial for generating spin and provides players with a great sense of control and feedback, making it easier to execute various strokes effectively.
Single-ply Hinoki blades are generally known for their flexibility, and Sou MF R is no different. This flexibility contributes to its excellent dwell time and ball-holding properties, which are essential for generating spin and achieving good control. It allows for a more dynamic and elastic playing style.
As a single-ply Hinoki blade, Sou MF R typically exhibits a medium level of vibration. This is not excessive but provides enough feedback to the player, allowing them to feel the ball's contact and make necessary adjustments. It balances responsiveness with a comfortable playing experience.
Nittaku is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, and Sou MF R is no exception. Players consistently praise the excellent build quality, the beautiful finish of the Hinoki wood, and the durability of the unique MF grip. This attention to detail ensures a premium feel and reliable performance over time.
Technology
Nittaku Sou MF R utilizes the unique MF (Multi-Function) grip design, which features a protrusion on one side of the handle. This innovative feature allows players to comfortably switch between using the forehand and backhand sides of the blade, enhancing versatility and control, particularly for penhold players. The blade is constructed from a single ply of premium Kiso Hinoki wood, a traditional material celebrated for its natural feel, dwell time, and vibration dampening properties.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Miyabi
TTSensei experts note that Nittaku Miyabi is a superior choice compared to Sou MF R if seeking a Nittaku one-ply Hinoki blade. Miyabi is described as larger and heavier, suggesting it might offer more power and a different playing experience, potentially appealing to players who find Sou MF R too small or light.
Nittaku Rorin
Our testing shows that Nittaku Rorin is an even better option than Miyabi and, by extension, Sou MF R. This indicates that Rorin might offer enhanced performance characteristics, possibly in terms of speed, control, or overall playing feel, making it a potential upgrade for those looking to explore higher-tier Nittaku single-ply Hinoki blades.