Weight
96g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
155x143
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
ARES Japan Kiso Hinoki RS 10 Mm
Pp ARES Japan Kiso Hinoki RS 10 Mm is a specialized blade for players who crave a pure, traditional feel with significant power. Crafted from a single ply of high-grade Japanese Kiso Hinoki wood, its 10mm thickness provides a substantial, direct presence on the table. This design emphasizes clear feedback and powerful strokes, making it ideal for aggressive, close-to-the-table play. The natural properties of Kiso Hinoki are harnessed to deliver excellent speed and spin potential, a hallmark sought by many advanced players, representing a commitment to quality materials and traditional craftsmanship.
This is a single-ply blade, meaning it consists of only one layer of wood. The specific wood used is high-grade Japanese Kiso Hinoki, renowned for its density, responsiveness, and natural speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The 10mm thickness and inherent properties of Kiso Hinoki wood contribute to a high speed rating. This blade is designed for aggressive, fast-paced play, offering powerful strokes and quick counter-attacks that excel in offensive rallies.
Despite its high speed, the blade offers a good level of control, particularly for direct shots like drives and smashes. Players accustomed to single-ply Hinoki blades will find it manageable for close-to-the-table exchanges where precision is key.
As a 10mm single-ply Hinoki blade, the feel is predominantly hard and direct. This provides immediate, deep feedback on ball impact, allowing players to feel the ball clearly, though it offers less cushioning compared to multi-ply constructions.
The combination of speed and stiffness typical of a 10mm Hinoki blade results in a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates aggressive attacking shots with a good, arcing trajectory over the net.
While primarily speed-oriented, the natural properties of Hinoki allow for a decent dwell time, enabling players to impart significant spin, especially on powerful topspin shots crucial for aggressive serves and drives.
This blade is characterized by its stiffness, which contributes directly to its speed and power. It lacks the flexibility of multi-ply blades, meaning loopers must rely on technique rather than blade flex to create spin and trajectory.
The substantial thickness and single-ply construction of Kiso Hinoki naturally lead to higher vibration levels. This creates a lively, resonant feel that some players enjoy, but it might be too pronounced for those sensitive to hand shock.
The blade is praised for its excellent build quality, utilizing premium Japanese Kiso Hinoki wood. Expert craftsmanship ensures durability and a premium feel, making it a reliable choice for serious players.
Technology
Pp ARES Japan Kiso Hinoki RS 10 Mm is a testament to traditional table tennis blade craftsmanship, focusing on the intrinsic qualities of a single material. It utilizes high-grade Japanese Kiso Hinoki wood, celebrated for its unique combination of lightness, density, and resonance. Kiso Hinoki is known for its excellent elasticity and stiffness, which are crucial for generating power and spin. Expert manufacturing ensures a perfect cut and grain consistency. This approach bypasses the need for composite materials, relying solely on the natural performance characteristics of premium wood to deliver speed, feel, and control.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kim Taek Soo
Kim Taek Soo, a legendary South Korean penholder, was known for using thick, single-ply Kiso Hinoki blades, often around 10mm or thicker. This type of blade perfectly complemented his aggressive, close-to-the-table attacking style, characterized by powerful forehand drives and precise backhand flicks. The direct feedback and speed offered by such blades allowed him to dictate play and execute his signature offensive shots with great authority. While not definitively confirmed for this exact model, the specifications and material align perfectly with the type of blade he favored.
Similar Blades
PP Moby Japan Kiso Hinoki FL
PP Moby Japan Kiso Hinoki FL is another single-ply, 10mm Kiso Hinoki blade from the same manufacturer. Both blades share the core material and construction, aiming to provide the inherent benefits of pure Kiso Hinoki wood, such as speed, feel, and spin potential. The 'RS' designation on the ARES model might imply a specific shape or cut, while the 'FL' on the Moby typically denotes a Flared handle. Performance-wise, they are expected to be very similar, offering a powerful and direct playing experience ideal for aggressive attackers.