Weight
90g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x161
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Chopper 1
Palio Chopper No. 1 is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade built for players who dominate with chopping and long-distance defensive play. Its oversized head provides a generous sweet spot and ample surface area for executing powerful, spin-heavy chops. While its core identity is defensive, the blade supports confident offensive counter-attacks, offering versatility for the modern defender. The construction prioritizes control and feel, delivering stability and precise feedback to handle a wide range of incoming shots effectively. Known for its high-quality build and excellent value, it's a popular choice among dedicated defensive players.
The blade features a straightforward 5-ply all-wood construction. This classic design emphasizes natural flex, feel, and control, providing excellent dwell time for enhanced spin generation on chops and effective ball feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Categorized as a defensive blade, Palio Chopper No. 1 carries a speed rating that indicates more offensive capability than a traditional slow defensive blade. This allows for effective counter-attacks and smashes when opportunities arise, making it well-suited for a modern defensive style that requires occasional aggression.
The blade's primary strength is its exceptional control, a direct result of its 5-ply all-wood construction. This design provides excellent dwell time and feel, allowing players to execute precise chops, blocks, and defensive maneuvers with great consistency and spin generation.
The feel is primarily soft, providing good dwell time and feedback essential for defensive shots. Some players also note a 'soft but stiff' character, indicating a unique blend of flexibility for dwell and inherent stiffness that adds stability and directness for offensive play.
A medium-high throw angle is beneficial for a defensive blade, allowing players to lift the ball over the net with spin, especially when returning heavy topspin. This provides a greater margin of error and enhanced control during defensive rallies.
The 5-ply all-wood construction and emphasis on control result in significant dwell time. This is crucial for defensive players to generate heavy spin on chops and to effectively absorb and redirect incoming ball pace.
While offering good dwell time, the blade is perceived by some as having a medium flexibility that balances control with a degree of directness. It provides enough flex for spin generation but retains stability for counter-attacks.
Vibrations are minimized, contributing to a dampened and controlled feel. This characteristic is typical for defensive blades designed to absorb incoming power and provide a stable, predictable feedback.
Players generally report good build quality for the Palio Chopper No. 1, especially considering its price point. The construction feels solid with pleasant craftsmanship, offering a reliable and well-made platform for defensive play.
Technology
Palio Chopper No. 1 employs a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction, a design celebrated for its natural feel, control, and dwell time. While specific wood types are not detailed, this construction is optimized for defensive play, enabling precise execution of chops and blocks. The blade's design focuses on maximizing feedback and stability, allowing players to consistently perform defensive maneuvers and launch effective counter-attacks. Its larger head size further enhances defensive capabilities by providing a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving playing surface.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Joo Se Hyuk
Palio Chopper No. 1 is often considered an analog to the Butterfly Joo Se Hyuk. Both blades are designed for modern defenders, emphasizing control, stability, and the ability to transition smoothly from defense to offense.
Sanwei Defence Alpha
The Sanwei Defence Alpha is frequently discussed alongside the Palio Chopper No. 1 in comparisons of defensive blades. Both are noted for their strong defensive capabilities, large head size, and excellent control, making them popular choices in this category.