Weight
70g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x150
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Handle-Heavy
CAT
Palio CAT is an exceptionally lightweight offensive blade engineered for players who prioritize speed and agility without sacrificing control. Developed with input from national teams, its unique 3 wood + 2 carbon construction centers on a thick Kiri core. This design minimizes weight while expanding the sweet spot for enhanced consistency. Ideal for offensive all-rounders, it excels in fast, variable topspin games, offering a dynamic advantage through quick movements and responsive play.
Palio CAT features a 5-ply, 3 wood + 2 carbon layer construction. It uses a thick Kiri wood core, which is sandwiched between two light carbon fiber layers. These are then encased by outer wood layers. This symmetrical hybrid build is designed to provide a lightweight feel while enhancing both speed and control through an enlarged sweet spot.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Palio CAT earns high marks for speed, consistently rated around 8.1. Our testing shows its lightweight build and integrated carbon layers facilitate explosive topspin shots and quick offensive plays. This makes it a potent weapon for players looking to generate significant pace and dominate rallies with aggressive strokes.
Control is a standout feature, with ratings consistently between 8.7 and 9.0. TTSensei experts note the carbon layers significantly enlarge the sweet spot, boosting consistency and precision. This high level of control makes it suitable for players who rely on precise spin and placement within an offensive framework.
Despite its carbon composition, Palio CAT provides a relatively soft, medium-soft feel. This offers good ball feedback and dwell, and it's recommended to pair it with medium to hard sponge rubbers to fully unlock its offensive potential and create a powerful, spin-heavy game.
Palio CAT produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps in executing effective loops with a good margin over the net. This trajectory is ideal for powerful topspin shots, allowing players to generate heavy spin and arc the ball confidently, especially when combined with complementary rubbers.
Dwell time is rated very high at 8.9, indicating the ball stays on the racket face longer than average. This allows players to impart heavy spin during strokes, which is a huge benefit for aggressive, spin-focused play and contributes to the blade's ability to produce powerful, looping shots.
Flexibility sits in the medium range, aligning with its 'ALL' category designation. This balanced flex allows for both powerful, direct shots and controlled, nuanced placement. It's neither overly stiff nor too whippy, catering perfectly to a versatile, all-around offensive game style.
Vibration is generally considered moderate. While carbon blades can sometimes feel buzzy, the CAT's design—including its softer feel and enlarged sweet spot—helps dampen vibrations to a manageable level. This results in a balanced playing experience with good tactile feedback without being harsh.
Palio CAT offers good quality for its price point. While some players mention the edges may arrive unfinished and require light filing, the overall construction and performance are highly praised. It's widely regarded as a well-built blade that delivers excellent value, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious players seeking high performance.
Technology
Palio CAT utilizes a hybrid construction of three wood plies and two carbon layers, engineered to create an exceptionally lightweight blade with maintained offensive power. The carbon layers are strategically integrated to expand the sweet spot, significantly boosting control and consistency. This design philosophy focuses on delivering a fast and variable topspin game, making it perfectly suited for aggressive, all-round attacking play where quick reactions and spin variation are key.
Similar Blades
Sanwei CC
Sanwei CC is a comparable carbon blade, also known for being faster than traditional 5-ply woods but not excessively so. Many players find both blades share a surprisingly soft feeling despite their carbon composition, and they are both celebrated as super affordable options that punch above their weight class in terms of performance.
Palio R57
Palio R57 is another blade from the same brand, often mentioned in comparisons. Players report that the R57 can feel noticeably heavier than the CAT, even at similar nominal weights. This makes the CAT a more suitable choice for players who prioritize extreme lightness and a more maneuverable, handle-heavy balance in their setup.