Weight
85g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
3-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
APOLLO-8 FL Octagonal 3 Ply Japan Kiso Hinoki
PP APOLLO-8 FL Octagonal 3 Ply Japan Kiso Hinoki is a distinctive blade built for players who value a unique feel and performance. Its patented octagonal head shape aims to enlarge the sweet spot and increase fault tolerance, making it easier to control high-speed and high-spin shots. Crafted from three plies of premium Japanese Kiso Hinoki, this all-wood construction delivers a lightweight, flexible, and natural playing experience that prioritizes touch and spin generation. The flared handle provides an ergonomic grip for shakehand players seeking a blend of innovation and classic wood feel.
The blade uses a simple three-ply construction entirely from Japanese Kiso Hinoki. This all-wood build is known for providing a soft, flexible feel with good dwell time, enabling excellent spin generation and control while maintaining a direct connection with the ball.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rated as an offensive blade, the speed from the 3-ply Hinoki construction is more controlled and spin-oriented rather than purely explosive. It provides sufficient pace for offensive play, especially when paired with modern rubbers, but relies heavily on player input and proper technique to unlock its potential.
Players report excellent control thanks to the soft Kiso Hinoki and the innovative octagonal head shape. The larger sweet spot and high fault tolerance contribute to consistent placement and a confident feel, making it easier to execute precise shots and maintain control during fast rallies.
The 3-ply Kiso Hinoki construction delivers a soft and flexible feel, offering excellent ball feedback and dwell time. This allows players to sense the ball clearly on the racket, which aids in spin development and controlled, touch-oriented play.
A medium to medium-high throw angle is typical for flexible all-wood blades like this one. This characteristic allows for good lifting of the ball with spin, making it easier to execute topspin shots with a satisfying, arcing trajectory.
The natural flexibility and softness of Kiso Hinoki, combined with the three-ply build, typically result in a long dwell time. This extended contact is crucial for generating heavy spin and gives players more time to position themselves and execute strokes with accuracy.
Kiso Hinoki is known for its inherent flexibility, which translates directly to this blade. This flexibility enhances dwell time, spin potential, and the soft feel, allowing the blade to bend slightly on impact to aid in imparting spin and control.
A moderate level of vibration is expected with this 3-ply Hinoki blade. While not as dampened as some composite options, the natural wood provides a pleasant vibration that offers useful feedback without being harsh, contributing to the overall sensory experience.
Crafted from premium Kiso Hinoki with a unique octagonal design, the build quality is expected to be good, reflecting the craftsmanship associated with Japanese wood processing. The focus on a specific, high-grade wood type indicates a commitment to material quality and attention to detail.
Technology
PP APOLLO-8 FL features a patented octagonal racket face design. This innovation aims to enlarge the sweet spot and increase the blade's fault tolerance by altering the length and angle of the sidelines, effectively creating an elliptical sweet spot. The larger sweet spot is intended to improve consistency and scoring rates, especially for players who may not always hit the ball perfectly in the center. Combined with three plies of premium Japanese Kiso Hinoki wood, the technology delivers a traditional, natural playing feel that emphasizes touch, control, and spin generation.
Similar Blades
PP APOLLO FL-3 Ply Cypress
This blade shares the APOLLO name and a 3-ply construction, suggesting a similar playing philosophy focused on wood feel and spin. While it uses Cypress instead of Kiso Hinoki, it likely offers a comparable experience in terms of control and dwell time, making it a potential substitute within the PP brand for those seeking a similar tactile response.
PP Taiwan Apollo 3-Ply Hinoki
This blade also features a 3-ply Hinoki construction, similar to the APOLLO-8. Many players find it to be stiff and fast, potentially offering more speed than the APOLLO-8 due to differences in thickness or Hinoki sourcing. It serves as an alternative for those who enjoy the Hinoki feel but desire a slightly different speed and stiffness profile.