Weight
82.5g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
6-ply
Head Size
162x162
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Rapier 44
Re-Impact Rapier 44 is a specialized table tennis blade celebrated for its exceptional control and unique playing feel, born from innovative German engineering. Designed for the modern game, it blends offensive power with defensive stability, offering versatility for players who value precision and adaptability. Its construction emphasizes a superb touch for nuanced play at the table while providing enough punch for attacking shots. The ultra-lightweight and ergonomic design aims to reduce strain on joints, promoting a more comfortable and sustainable playing style. Rapier 44 excels at enhancing various rubber types, giving players a customizable platform to create unpredictable shots and control the rally.
Rapier 44 features a distinctive six-ply construction with outer Mahogany plies, followed by Cork plies, and a dual-layered Balsa core (2mm on the forehand side, 4mm on the backhand side). This asymmetrical core and material combination is engineered to provide a unique feel, enhanced control, and significant vibration dampening.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rapier 44 offers variable speed that depends heavily on your technique and how actively you engage the blade. It ranges from moderate to high, providing enough pace for solid offensive shots when paired with harder rubbers or an aggressive stance. While not a pure speed demon, its responsive nature allows for good speed generation close to the table, making it a versatile all-round option.
Control is the standout feature of the Rapier 44. Its construction and materials deliver an incredible feel and the highest degree of precision, making it exceptionally easy to execute precise placements, blocks, and defensive chops. This high level of control allows players to dictate the pace of the rally and disrupt opponents with consistent, accurate shots.
Rapier 44 provides a distinct feel characterized by excellent touch and significant vibration dampening, thanks to its balsa core and cork layers. This creates a soft yet responsive connection with the ball, allowing players to accurately sense spin and trajectory, which is particularly beneficial for touch shots and passive play.
Rapier 44 offers a versatile, medium throw angle that can be influenced by rubber choice and playing technique. It provides a reliable arc for effective topspin attacks while remaining capable of producing lower, flatter trajectories for controlled drives and blocks.
The blade provides a noticeably long dwell time, allowing players to impart significant spin on the ball. This extended contact is crucial for spin-heavy shots and precise control during rallies, especially beneficial when using rubbers that thrive on a longer ball-to-paddle interaction.
Rapier 44 strikes a balanced flex profile. It offers enough stiffness for direct power on drives while maintaining sufficient flexibility to absorb incoming pace and spin, providing a good launch angle for loops. This balance prevents it from feeling either overly rigid or mushy.
Designed to minimize feedback, the Rapier 44's unique construction absorbs much of the impact, leading to a very low vibration feel. This not only enhances control and a pure feel but also significantly reduces stress on the player's arm and joints, contributing to playing comfort.
Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, the Rapier 44 is handmade in Germany by a master craftsman. This handcrafted process, use of premium materials, and a two-year warranty ensure a durable, high-quality product with a fantastic finish. It represents a significant step up in craftsmanship from mass-produced blades, offering superior build quality and longevity.
Technology
Re-Impact blades incorporate patented technologies focused on performance and comfort. The Rapier 44 features a dual-layer balsa core, a hallmark of their design, combined with specific Mahogany and Cork outer plies to achieve exceptional lightness and unique playing traits. The proprietary 'Re-Impact Technology' is described as enhancing attached rubbers, providing a catapult and spin effect reminiscent of speed-gluing. Furthermore, the design philosophy aims to minimize stress on joints by reducing air resistance and vibration. The company offers advanced custom handle systems like the 'MCP-System' and 'Ship screw-system,' allowing for highly personalized ergonomics based on individual hand measurements for ultimate comfort and control.
Similar Blades
Re-Impact Smart
The Re-Impact Smart is another model from the brand with a classic design that allows the ball's impact to spread over a larger area of the blade head, further reducing balsa core vibration. This suggests a similar focus on control and feel, though it may present different speed characteristics compared to the Rapier 44.
Re-Impact Barath
The Re-Impact Barath is a well-regarded blade within the Re-Impact lineup that some players use regularly. While direct comparisons are nuanced, it shares the brand's commitment to quality and player-specific design. Some users note a preference for the Barath or Rapier Active on the forehand, indicating subtle performance differences in feel and response.