Weight
93g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
15.7x15.1
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Flow
Red+Black Flow is a versatile all-around table tennis blade designed for the modern game, offering a harmonious blend of control, feel, and spin. Its classic five-ply all-wood construction emphasizes a natural, soft feel and high dwell time, making it ideal for players who prioritize spin generation and precision. This blade excels in the short game and mid-distance rallies, providing a rewarding and controllable experience for intermediate to advanced players looking to develop a consistent offensive style.
The blade uses a symmetrical five-ply all-wood construction: Limba outer plies, Spruce second and fourth plies, and an Ayous core. This classic layup is renowned for producing good dwell time, a soft feel, and high control, reminiscent of traditional European blade designs.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Red+Black Flow operates in the All+ to Off- range, offering a well-balanced speed suitable for offensive play. Players report it feels quicker than its rating suggests, providing ample pace for effective rallies from mid-distance, especially when combined with dynamic rubbers.
Control is where this blade truly shines. Its five-ply wood construction creates a large sweet spot and high dwell time, resulting in exceptional forgiveness and precision during rallies and in the short game. This makes it remarkably easy to manage for a wide range of skill levels.
The blade provides a delicate, soft sensation upon contact, particularly noticeable in the short game. This medium-soft feel offers excellent feedback and dwell time, which directly aids in spin generation and precise ball placement.
The wood construction and high dwell time typically produce a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps players generate powerful, spin-loaded topspin shots with a good arc over the net.
Extended dwell time is a defining characteristic. This allows players to feel the ball on the rubber longer, facilitating greater spin imparted on loops and providing enhanced control during touch shots.
Red+Black Flow strikes a balanced middle ground in flexibility. It offers enough give to aid in spin generation and provide a connected feel, while remaining sufficiently stable for confident offensive strokes.
The five-ply wood construction naturally dampens vibrations, resulting in a comfortable, medium-low level of feedback. This contributes to a controlled playing experience without harsh or jarring sensations.
Red+Black Flow features a high-quality finish with an elegant, classic design. Many players find the construction feels meticulous and handmade, contributing to a premium perception that stands out in its category.
Technology
Red+Black Flow incorporates a Linear Response System designed to ensure a consistent and predictable response across the entire blade face. This technology, combined with the careful selection of wood veneers, aims to create a large sweet spot and optimal dwell time. The construction leverages the natural properties of Limba, Spruce, and Ayous to deliver a classic feel that is well-suited for the demands of the modern plastic ball, emphasizing control and spin potential.
Similar Blades
Stiga Offensive Classic
Red+Black Flow shares a very similar construction and playing philosophy with the Stiga Offensive Classic. Both blades use a Limba/Spruce/Ayous layup and are celebrated for their excellent control, classic medium-soft feel, and suitability for all-round offensive play, making them direct competitors in the classic wood blade category.
Red+Black Ruby
Within the Red+Black lineup, the Ruby is another all-wood option. While the Flow is a dedicated five-ply construction focused on control and feel, the Ruby's specific positioning suggests it offers a similar natural wood sensation, though the exact performance profile may differ slightly.