Weight
90g
Thickness
5.3mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Violin Carbon Inner
Nittaku Violin Carbon Inner is a premium hybrid blade for intermediate to advanced players seeking a powerful yet controlled offensive game. It builds upon the classic Violin series by incorporating two inner layers of FE Carbon, which enlarge the sweet spot and add stiffness for more speed and stability. Inspired by string instrument manufacturing, its unique bonding process enhances ball retention and provides a distinctive, nuanced feel. This blade delivers a faster, more direct response than all-wood options while maintaining the sensitivity and precision needed for strategic shot-making, making it an excellent choice for dynamic attackers.
The 5+2 construction features two layers of FE Carbon strategically placed inside the outer wood plies and around the Kiri core. This 'inner carbon' configuration enhances stiffness and enlarges the sweet spot while preserving a softer, more natural wood feel compared to blades with outer carbon layers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Violin Carbon Inner delivers a significant speed boost over traditional wood blades thanks to its FE Carbon layers. While not as explosively fast as some outer-carbon models, it provides ample pace for aggressive offensive play, characterized by powerful smashes and fast loops. The inner carbon construction makes this speed more manageable and less jarring, offering a controlled acceleration that players can harness effectively.
Despite its enhanced speed, this blade excels in control. The inner carbon placement and inherent flexibility allow for excellent ball retention and a sensitive feel, enabling precise shot-making. Players report high effectiveness in controlled looping, blocking, and strategic placement, even at higher speeds, making it a standout for those who value touch alongside power.
FE Carbon layers provide a stiffer, more direct, and crisp contact than the all-wood Violin. However, the inner placement and Nittaku's string instrument technology retain significant wood-like feedback, avoiding the harshness of many outer-carbon blades. The result is a balanced, informative feel that aids shot execution without sacrificing responsiveness.
The combination of carbon and wood produces a medium-high throw angle, conducive to generating effective topspin loops with good trajectory and power. This arc allows for aggressive attacking while maintaining controllability, making it suitable for loop-driven offensive styles.
Violin Carbon Inner offers good dwell time, allowing players to impart significant spin during loops and serves. While carbon layers slightly reduce dwell compared to pure wood, the inner construction maintains a satisfactory level for spin-oriented play, helping generate heavy topspin with control.
The blade has medium flexibility. It is stiffer than a standard 5-ply all-wood blade due to the carbon, aiding speed and stability, but not as rigid as many outer-carbon models. This allows for some flex that supports dwell time and a connected feel, offering a balanced response.
FE Carbon layers contribute to a stiffer, more stable feel, reducing excessive vibrations common in very flexible blades. This results in a controlled and predictable impact, especially during powerful strokes, providing clear feedback without harshness or unwanted chatter.
Nittaku is renowned for exceptional manufacturing, and the Violin Carbon Inner upholds that reputation. Precision construction, high-quality wood and carbon plies, and unique bonding techniques result in a durable, aesthetically pleasing blade. The finish and consistency are top-tier, contributing to reliable performance and a premium in-hand experience that justifies its position in the market.
Technology
Nittaku Violin Carbon Inner employs signature 'String Instrument Manufacturing Technology,' a specialized bonding process where adhesive penetrates deeply into wood plies. This method aims to create a unique core feel and enhance integrity and responsiveness. FE Carbon, a supple and stable fiber, is strategically placed between the center and inner plies. This 'inner fiber' construction balances the increased speed and stiffness of carbon with a softer, more controllable feel and greater ball retention, distinguishing it from outer-carbon blades.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon Inner
Both blades share the 'inner carbon' philosophy and are part of Nittaku's 'Instrument' series, focusing on feel and craftsmanship. Acoustic Carbon Inner also uses FE Carbon between inner plies for a balance of speed and control. Players who find Violin Carbon Inner slightly too stiff might appreciate Acoustic Carbon Inner's softer feel and potentially more dwell time, though both are offensive blades suited for aggressive play.
Victas ZX-Gear In
Victas ZX-Gear In is a comparable inner carbon blade that offers a similar balance of speed and control. Like the Violin Carbon Inner, it is designed for modern offensive play with enhanced power while retaining good feel, making it a solid alternative for players transitioning from all-wood blades and seeking a responsive hybrid option.