Weight
86.5g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x158
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Cybershape
Balance
Balanced
ORCA 8 Octagon ALC
Pp ORCA 8 Octagon ALC is an innovative table tennis blade featuring a unique octagonal shape designed to expand the sweet spot and improve control. This hybrid construction combines synthetic ALC materials with wood layers, offering a potent blend of speed and spin for aggressive play. The blade provides a larger hitting area, enhancing fault tolerance and making it easier to execute powerful shots with precision. Its construction focuses on balanced weight distribution, ensuring comfortable handling and effective power transfer. It's a high-performance tool for players seeking to elevate their offensive game with modern technology.
Construction follows a 7-ply sequence with Koto outer layers, fiber layers (ALC and ALCarbon), and wood cores (Kiri and Ayous). This hybrid arrangement balances speed from the fibers with feel from the woods, though one inner fiber layer remains unspecified in available information.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Pp ORCA 8 Octagon ALC is rated as a fast blade, with our testing showing scores consistent with high-performance ALC models. This speed stems from its ALC material and construction, allowing for powerful drives and quick attacks. Players report it delivers explosive power comparable to top-tier offensive blades, making it ideal for aggressive shot-making.
Despite its high speed, ORCA 8 Octagon ALC maintains excellent control. The octagonal shape and blend of materials contribute to a larger sweet spot and enhanced fault tolerance, making it easier to control the ball during fast exchanges. Many players find they can place shots with precision even at high speeds, thanks to this intelligent design.
Feel is described as crisp and direct, similar to high-performance ALC blades. While offering good dwell time for spin, the presence of ALC and hybrid construction creates a firmer feel compared to all-wood blades, providing clear feedback during ball contact that many offensive players appreciate.
The blade's design produces a medium-high throw angle that facilitates powerful looping and attacking shots. This allows the ball to clear the net with sufficient arc, especially when combined with high-spin rubbers, making it effective for creating offensive opportunities from various positions.
The blade offers very good dwell time, allowing for significant spin generation especially on serves and loops. While not as long as some all-wood blades, the ALC material in combination with the unique shape helps increase ball contact time, facilitating spin-heavy shots that can trouble opponents.
The blade leans toward stiffness rather than high flexibility, supporting powerful, direct shots and fast exchanges. This medium-stiff characteristic still allows for some flex during spin-oriented strokes, creating a good balance between power and touch that suits modern offensive play.
Vibration level is perceived as medium. The ALC material contributes to a crisp feel with noticeable feedback, but the construction and octagonal shape help manage excessive vibrations, providing a balanced response that gives enough information for touch shots without being overwhelming.
Build quality of Pp ORCA 8 Octagon ALC is exceptional, with premium materials like ALC and Koto combined with unique octagonal design suggesting meticulous manufacturing. TTSensei experts note the craftsmanship results in a blade that feels solid and reliable, with players describing it as one of the finest they've encountered in terms of construction and finish.
Technology
Pp ORCA 8 Octagon ALC features an innovative octagonal racket surface designed to increase the sweet spot and improve fault tolerance. This unique shape, combined with ALC (Arylate-Carbon) material, enhances centrifugal force and control. The blade's construction offers a superior hitting experience by optimizing the center of gravity, making it easier to generate power and spin while maintaining control. It represents a modern technological advancement that rethinks traditional blade geometry for improved performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
JimWeng
JimWeng, a noted blade collector and experienced player, uses Pp ORCA 8 Octagon ALC as his primary weapon, having replaced blades like Butterfly Viscaria. He highlights its powerful feel, spin capability, and ease of use, comparing it favorably to other top-tier blades. His experience shows it enhances his playing style for more wins, finding it particularly versatile for mid-to-far distance play where its power and control shine.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Pp ORCA 8 Octagon ALC is frequently compared to Butterfly Viscaria, with players reporting it feels as powerful and plays similarly in mid-to-far distance engagements. Both blades excel in strong forehand drives and backhand strokes, making ORCA 8 a compelling alternative that rivals this benchmark ALC blade while offering unique geometric advantages.
Stiga Dynasty Carbon
Some players note ORCA 8 offers control comparable to Stiga Dynasty Carbon, suggesting it provides a similar balance between offensive power and precision. This makes it a versatile option for players who value both aspects of their game, offering Dynasty Carbon-like control with the added benefit of octagonal sweet spot expansion.