Weight
95g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
16x15.7
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Castro
Pimplepark Castro is a meticulously crafted defensive blade designed for modern disruptive players. Inspired by the Latin word for fortress, its nine-ply all-wood construction delivers exceptional control, sensitive ball feedback, and a medium-high bounce with significant spin potential. Ideal for spin-rich defensive actions and effective disruptive play, especially with long pimples in OX format, it also offers sufficient speed for assertive counter-attacks. Known for low vibration and a slightly head-heavy balance, it provides a comfortable, maneuverable playing experience as a solid foundation for your game.
Castro features a unique nine-ply all-wood construction. Unlike blades with carbon or arylate layers, it relies solely on the precise combination of nine wood veneers to achieve high control, excellent feedback, and spin-generating capabilities, creating a solid, stable platform for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
While classified as a defensive blade, Castro possesses surprising speed reserves. It provides enough pace for effective counter-attacks, aggressive pushes, and disruptive shots from half-distance, enabling players to transition smoothly from defense to offense without being a pure offensive tool.
Control is the standout feature of Castro. Its nine-ply construction delivers exceptional ball feedback, allowing for high-precision shot placement. This is crucial for disruptive play, blocking, and controlled defensive maneuvers, ensuring great ball security even during aggressive actions.
Castro provides a direct, sensitive medium-hard feel. The nine-ply wood construction offers good ball feedback without excessive vibration, beneficial for sensing impact during disruptive play while maintaining comfort for defensive strokes.
Castro produces a medium-high throw angle, advantageous for defensive play as it allows for deeper clears and effective backspin generation from further off the table, while also helping lift the ball over the net with sufficient arc during attacks.
The nine-ply wood construction provides ample dwell time, allowing for significant spin generation on serves and returns. This extended ball contact is crucial for defensive players to impart heavy backspin and execute tricky chops.
The blade offers a medium level of flexibility, balancing stiffness for offensive actions with enough give for controlled defensive play. This moderate flexibility supports good spin development and a comfortable feel during both blocking and attacking strokes.
Castro is designed with minimal vibration, contributing to a very controlled playing experience. This low vibration helps absorb incoming spin and speed, making it easier to control the ball and execute disruptive shots, especially with long pimples.
Pimplepark's German craftsmanship shines in Castro. The blade is built with nine precisely matched wood veneers, resulting in a durable, well-balanced product. Attention to detail in manufacturing ensures a premium feel and consistent performance, embodying high-quality standards.
Technology
Pimplepark Castro is built around a unique nine-ply all-wood construction, deliberately avoiding modern composites like carbon. This choice emphasizes pure wood principles, focusing on precise veneer matching and layering to achieve optimal playing characteristics. Designed by the German brand Pimplepark for the plastic ball era, the blade provides a stable, controlled platform with excellent feel and feedback, essential for nuanced disruptive and defensive play. Its name, derived from 'castrum' (fortress), reflects its purpose as a solid, reliable foundation.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Special / Defensive
Victas Koji Matsushita blades are often discussed alongside Castro as high-control defensive options. They share the goal of providing a stable platform for defensive play with effective use of long pimples and controlled attacking options, though they may use different construction methods.
Sword 309
Sword 309 is mentioned as a comparable blade. Our analysis suggests that while Sword 309 is good for safe, far-table defense, Castro is superior for on-the-table play with OX rubbers. Castro offers more forehand power, a harder play, and a more direct feel, making it better suited for active, close-to-the-table disruptive play.