Weight
85g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x148
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Strike
Nittaku Strike is a 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade crafted in Japan for beginners and developing players. Its compact head size and slightly thicker profile create a forgiving balance of speed and control, ideal for learning new techniques. The natural wood grain handle provides a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing grip. This blade emphasizes user-friendliness and foundational development, offering a reliable platform for aspiring players to build their skills.
A standard 5-ply all-wood construction, typical for blades prioritizing control and feel. This layered structure offers balanced playing characteristics suitable for a wide range of shots and learning stages.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Strike offers a moderate level of speed, classified as ALL+ (all-round plus). Its slightly thicker construction provides a decent catapult effect, allowing for effective offensive shots, particularly for developing players. While not designed for extreme pace, it delivers enough power to support developing offensive play without being overwhelming.
Control is a standout feature of the Nittaku Strike. Its forgiving nature and predictable response make it ideal for players learning to place the ball accurately. This high level of control allows players to focus on technique development without being hindered by an overly sensitive blade, building confidence with every shot.
The 5-ply all-wood construction provides a medium feel, striking a balance between the directness of stiffer blades and the softer touch of more flexible ones. This allows for decent dwell time on the ball, aiding in spin generation and controlled play for developing techniques.
The combination of its ALL+ speed rating and medium feel results in a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is beneficial for generating spin and playing offensively, particularly helpful for players developing their looping technique and topspin game.
Nittaku Strike offers good dwell time thanks to its all-wood construction, allowing the ball to sink into the rubber and blade. This characteristic is beneficial for generating spin and developing a nuanced feel for the ball, which is crucial when learning new techniques.
As a 5-ply all-wood blade, Nittaku Strike offers moderate flexibility. This allows for a good catapult effect on offensive shots while maintaining enough stiffness for control during defensive play and blocking, creating a versatile foundation for all-around development.
This blade provides a medium level of vibration feedback. It transmits enough information about ball contact for players to learn and adjust, without being excessively jarring or uncomfortable. This balanced feedback helps in developing proper stroke mechanics and touch.
Nittaku is renowned for quality craftsmanship, and the Strike exemplifies this with its Japanese manufacturing. The use of natural wood and attention to detail in construction result in a durable, well-finished product. The natural wood grain handle not only looks good but also enhances the overall tactile experience.
Technology
Nittaku Strike is constructed using a traditional 5-ply all-wood method, showcasing Nittaku's expertise in blade manufacturing. This straightforward yet effective construction emphasizes the natural properties of wood to deliver a balanced playing experience. The design prioritizes a comfortable grip with a natural wood grain finish, enhancing the tactile connection between player and equipment. While not incorporating advanced composite materials, the Strike's strength lies in its simplicity and focus on fundamental performance characteristics like control and feel, making it an accessible tool for player development.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Classic
Both Yasaka Sweden Classic and Nittaku Strike are 5-ply all-wood blades favored for their control and feel. The Sweden Classic is also a popular choice for developing players who appreciate a classic wooden blade's consistent performance. They offer a similar pathway for players to build their game on a reliable, controllable foundation.
Nittaku Latika
Nittaku Latika is another 5-ply all-wood blade from Nittaku often recommended for players seeking good control and feel. While potentially offering a slightly different character due to wood selection, it serves a similar purpose as the Strike by providing a solid, controllable platform for learning and improving table tennis skills.