Weight
74g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
15.5x14.9
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
R57 Soft-Carbon
Palio R57 Soft-Carbon is an offensive table tennis blade designed for players who want a blend of spin, control, and a lightweight feel. Its 5+2 construction with inner soft carbon layers creates a larger sweet spot and enhanced stability while maintaining a soft, woody touch. This makes it ideal for European loop-driven styles, offering good dwell time for spin generation and manageability for aggressive play. The low weight ensures comfort during long rallies and quick hand movements.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply construction with Limba outer layers, followed by unknown wood, soft carbon, a balsa core, another soft carbon layer, and mirroring back to Limba. This design aims for a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to blades with outer carbon layers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Palio R57 Soft-Carbon offers good offensive speed that supports looping and attacking play. It provides enough power for decisive shots, especially when paired with faster rubbers, though it's not an extreme speed blade. Players report good pop for kill shots, with spin shots feeling a bit slower, making it well-suited for controlled aggression.
This blade excels in providing excellent feel and predictability, allowing for precise shots and consistent rallies. The soft carbon and wood construction contributes to a linear speed progression and high control, making it suitable for all-around play. Players prioritizing placement and tactical variety will find it highly reliable.
Players describe a woody feel with muted vibrations, offering a softer contact compared to traditional carbon blades. This is attributed to the soft carbon layers and balsa core, providing good control and a comfortable, responsive touch.
Players report a tendency for higher-arching balls on topspin shots, indicating a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic benefits looping backhands and executing effective topspin shots over the net.
Our testing shows good dwell time, allowing for increased spin generation on serves and loops. This characteristic is crucial for players who rely on spin to dictate rallies and create opportunities.
The blade offers moderate flexibility, which enhances dwell time and spin-friendly performance. This flex allows the blade to bend slightly on impact, effectively pocketing the ball for better spin creation.
Vibration is medium, with muted characteristics that contribute to a cleaner feel. This balanced level helps absorb excess shock while still providing clear feedback from ball contact.
Palio R57 Soft-Carbon offers good quality for its price point, with solid construction and neat processing. Some users note the finish might benefit from light sanding, but overall durability is acceptable for its class. It delivers a reliable playing experience that meets the needs of its intended user base.
Technology
Palio R57 Soft-Carbon utilizes a 5+2 ply construction, integrating two layers of soft carbon fiber between five layers of wood. This configuration enhances stability and expands the sweet spot without the harshness of stiffer carbon materials. The internal carbon placement preserves a natural wood feel and higher dwell time, crucial for spin-oriented play. The balsa core contributes to the blade's lightweight characteristics and unique responsive touch.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon (MLC)
Some players note a resemblance between Palio R57 and Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon, though the R57 is lighter (around 75g vs. 86g) and may have a more 'inner' carbon feel. As a significantly more affordable option, it serves as a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking similar playing characteristics with a focus on spin and control.