Weight
85g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x148
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Tenaly Carbon
Nittaku Tenaly Carbon merges classic wood construction with modern carbon technology in a 5+2 ply hybrid design. Its standout feature is the ergonomically curved 'Tenaly' handle, engineered to promote a natural wrist and arm alignment for enhanced control and comfort. This unique grip has earned a dedicated following, particularly in Japan, and works well for both shakehand and penhold styles. The blade delivers a compelling balance of offensive speed and manageable control, offering an enlarged sweet spot and crisp power transfer. It's an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking to boost their attacking game without losing touch and feel.
The construction follows a symmetrical 7-ply build: wood outer layers, followed by thin carbon, wood, a central wood core, another wood layer, carbon, and finally the outer wood. This places the carbon layers close to the surface for a direct, crisp response while the wood core provides stability and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tenaly Carbon delivers impressive offensive speed, with the ball shooting off the racket for quick attacks. The thin carbon layers provide a firm, energetic response that excels in aggressive rallies and powerful drives, making it a potent weapon for players looking to dictate the pace of the game.
Despite its high-speed nature, this blade maintains respectable control. The wood core and thin carbon construction help stabilize shots, allowing for accurate placement during drives and opening loops. Players report it feels manageable and precise for an offensive blade, offering a good balance between power and placement.
The feel is crisp and responsive, leaning towards medium-hard. You get a satisfying, solid pop on contact with clear feedback, though it's notably firmer than its all-wood sibling, the Tenaly Acoustic. This provides an engaging, direct connection to the ball.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for offensive topspin play. The arc helps lift the ball over the net with safety and depth, facilitating powerful loops and aggressive shots that can challenge opponents from mid-distance.
Dwell time is moderate, striking a balance between the quick release of carbon and the slight holding effect of wood. This allows for effective spin generation on loops while still providing a direct, fast response for drives and blocks, suitable for a varied offensive game.
The blade exhibits a medium-stiff flex. The carbon layers provide a firm backbone for power, while the wood plies introduce just enough give to aid in spin creation and absorb some impact. It's not overly rigid, allowing for controlled bending during heavy topspin strokes.
Vibration is moderate and well-damped. The carbon layers filter out excessive harshness, resulting in a clean, satisfying pop sensation upon impact. This provides useful tactile feedback without being distracting or numb, helping players sense their shots effectively.
Build quality is consistently praised, with a solid finish and reliable performance. Its approval by the Japan Table Tennis Association (JTTAA) confirms it meets professional standards. Players find it offers excellent value, delivering premium features and consistent playability that justifies its position in the market.
Technology
The core innovation is the 'Tenaly' ergonomic handle, curved to promote optimal alignment of the wrist, hand, and forearm with the racket head for improved comfort and control. The blade construction utilizes two ultra-thin carbon layers sandwiched within a five-ply wood core. This hybrid design aims to expand the sweet spot and increase offensive power while maintaining a degree of flex and feel often lost with thicker carbon. JTTAA approval signifies it meets stringent quality and performance standards.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Tenaly Acoustic
For players who love the Tenaly handle but prefer a classic wood feel, the Tenaly Acoustic is the perfect alternative. It shares the same ergonomic grip but uses an all-wood construction, resulting in a softer, more dwell-oriented touch with slightly less outright speed and a more traditional feedback.
Nittaku Tenaly Acoustic Carbon Inner
This variant offers a different carbon experience within the Tenaly family. It places the carbon layers closer to the core (inner carbon), which typically creates a slightly softer initial feel and a more linear power progression compared to the Tenaly Carbon's outer carbon placement. It's a great option for exploring subtle differences in feedback and power delivery.