Weight
88g
Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hidden Dragon
Palio Hidden Dragon is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade built for players who value a soft feel and high control. It delivers a balanced performance that supports a looping style, offering ample dwell time for spin generation and precise shot placement. This blade is an excellent choice for all-round attackers and developing players seeking a responsive, forgiving platform that doesn't sacrifice offensive capability for touch.
The blade is built with seven layers of wood, creating a symmetrical, all-wood construction. This design is responsible for its characteristic soft feel, good control, and moderate flexibility, which collectively benefit a looping style of play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
While classified as offensive, the Hidden Dragon's soft feel and all-wood construction prioritize control and spin over raw power. It delivers a moderate speed that supports powerful looping strokes without sacrificing the consistency and touch needed for tactical play, making it suitable for aggressive yet controlled attackers.
The 7-ply all-wood build and soft feel grant this blade excellent control. Players report precise ball placement and a forgiving nature on touch shots, which is crucial for developing technique and executing tactical plays. This high level of control makes it a standout for loopers and all-round attackers.
The blade provides a distinctly soft, responsive feel upon contact. This characteristic offers excellent feedback, allowing for precise touch and enhanced ball control, which is particularly beneficial for spin-oriented strokes and developing players.
The soft feel and offensive nature, tailored for looping, produce a medium-high throw angle. This creates a good arc on shots, helping players clear the net comfortably while maintaining offensive pressure.
The soft, all-wood construction allows the ball to sink into the blade face longer, creating extended dwell time. This helps players impart more spin and have greater control over the ball's trajectory during loops and touch shots.
The blade exhibits a moderate level of flexibility, which contributes to its dwell time and spin potential. This flex allows it to grip the ball during impact, aiding players in generating heavy spin and feeling connected to their shots.
It provides a moderate level of vibration feedback, which is typical for all-wood blades. This offers a good sense of ball contact without being overly harsh, striking a balance between feel and comfort.
Our testing shows the Hidden Dragon represents solid value in its price range. Palio is known for delivering reliable performance, and this blade maintains good construction standards typical of the brand. It's a dependable choice for players seeking quality without a premium price tag.
Technology
Palio Hidden Dragon utilizes a 7-ply all-wood construction designed to emphasize a soft feel and enhanced dwell time. While the specific wood types are not detailed, the layering is engineered to provide a responsive and forgiving platform. This technology prioritizes control and spin generation, making it ideal for players who rely on looping strategies and precise shot-making, offering a solid foundation for skill development.
Similar Blades
Palio Emperor Dragon Blade
Within the Palio family, the Emperor Dragon is often positioned as a more aggressive sibling. While the Hidden Dragon focuses on control and feel, the Emperor Dragon typically caters to players seeking greater speed and direct power, offering a clear contrast for those deciding between control-oriented and power-oriented options from the same brand.
Stiga Allround Classic
This classic all-wood blade shares a similar philosophy of control and feel, making it a common reference point. Many players find both blades suitable for developing a well-rounded, looping-based game, though the Stiga may offer a slightly different feel due to its specific wood composition and brand characteristics.