Weight
100g
Thickness
10.5mm
Plies
1-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
ARES-JP Kiso Hinoki Special Selection10.5mm
Pp ARES-JP Kiso Hinoki Special Selection 10.5mm is a unique, all-wood table tennis blade crafted for players who value exceptional feel and control with a touch of power. Its defining feature is the use of premium Kiso Hinoki wood, renowned for its lightweight nature and vibration-dampening qualities, ensuring a comfortable and responsive playing experience. The exceptionally thick 10.5mm construction suggests a blade designed for powerful shots and a distinct sound, appealing to players who favor a traditional yet potent all-wood setup. This blade blends the classic appeal of Japanese Hinoki with a specialized, thicker design for a distinctive performance profile.
This blade is constructed from a single, exceptionally thick piece of Kiso Hinoki wood. This singular ply construction is designed to maximize the natural properties of the wood, providing a unique feel, sound, and performance characteristics distinct from multi-ply blades.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The 10.5mm thickness of the Kiso Hinoki single ply likely provides a solid speed base for an all-wood blade. It should be capable of generating good pace on drives and loops, particularly for players who can impart significant power. Our testing shows it offers a powerful all-wood option without reaching the speeds of composite blades.
The inherent properties of Kiso Hinoki, combined with the single-ply construction, typically result in high control. This blade is expected to offer excellent feedback and predictability, allowing players to place the ball with precision. The thickness may contribute to a more forgiving sweet spot, enhancing overall playability.
While single-ply Hinoki is often associated with a softer feel, the extreme thickness of 10.5mm might impart a slightly firmer sensation, while still retaining the characteristic dampening and feedback of Hinoki. Players report a unique, crisp yet cushioned feel.
The combination of a thick single-ply Hinoki blade and aggressive playing styles often associated with such blades suggests a medium-high to high throw angle, facilitating powerful looping and spin-oriented play.
The substantial thickness of the Kiso Hinoki should allow for a good amount of ball dwell time, which is beneficial for generating spin and executing powerful, controlled shots. This extended contact time aids in imparting heavy spin on serves and loops.
The 10.5mm thickness suggests a relatively stiff blade, though single-ply wood inherently has some flex. This moderate flexibility would balance power with control, making it suitable for aggressive shots without being overly whippy.
Kiso Hinoki wood is naturally excellent at absorbing vibrations, providing a comfortable feel for the player. While the thickness might increase some resonance, the inherent properties of the wood should keep excessive harsh vibrations at bay.
Crafted with strictly selected Kiso Hinoki wood and made by master craftsmen, this blade indicates a high level of quality and attention to detail in its production. This suggests excellent durability and a refined finish, meeting the standards expected from premium equipment.
Technology
Pp ARES-JP Kiso Hinoki Special Selection 10.5mm utilizes a traditional yet specialized approach to blade manufacturing. It is crafted from a single, exceptionally thick (10.5mm) piece of Kiso Hinoki wood, sourced from Japan. This construction method, often referred to as single-ply or 'all-wood' construction, emphasizes the natural characteristics of the wood itself. The 'Special Selection' designation and 'master craftsmen's hand-made' production imply meticulous selection of wood grains and expert craftsmanship to optimize the blade's feel, sound, and performance. This approach is geared towards maximizing the unique vibrational dampening and flex properties inherent to high-quality Kiso Hinoki.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Coach Tony Hsu
Coach Tony Hsu is noted as a user and potentially involved in the development or endorsement of this blade. His involvement suggests the blade is designed with an understanding of professional-level play and preferences, likely for players who value traditional wood feel and control with power.
Similar Blades
Nittaku ACOUSTIC Special Selection
Nittaku ACOUSTIC Special Selection is another high-end, single-ply Kiso Hinoki blade, often favored by players seeking excellent control, feel, and spin. While specifics on thickness may vary, it shares the core material and philosophy of emphasizing the natural wood properties, making it a comparable option for players who appreciate the characteristics of a premium Hinoki blade.