Weight
85g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Rapscallion
Ross Leidy Rapscallion is a handcrafted 5-ply all-wood blade designed for loopers who demand a perfect blend of power, control, and dwell time. Its unique construction uses progressively harder layers from a soft Kiri core to Mahogany and finally Masur Birch outer veneers, creating a noticeable flex that supercharges spin generation. This design delivers potent offensive power from mid-distance while maintaining excellent control for varied gameplay. As a premium custom blade, it offers exceptional craftsmanship and a forgiving nature, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced players focused on consistency, spin, and precise ball placement.
The Rapscallion features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction with a soft Kiri core, flanked by Mahogany medial plies, and finished with medium-hard Masur Birch outer veneers. This progressively harder plies design from center to surface contributes to noticeable flex that enhances dwell time and spin, while the harder outer plies provide stability for blocking and hitting.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Players report the Rapscallion delivers unbelievable speed and a remarkably powerful response, particularly for loop drives from mid-distance. While officially categorized as OFF-, our testing shows its power output often compares favorably to OFF+ blades, making it a fast offensive weapon that doesn't sacrifice control.
Rapscallion offers exceptional control that feels very forgiving, allowing players to guide the ball with palm-like precision. This high level of control benefits placement and consistency even from difficult positions, with many players finding it offers slightly better control than comparable blades like the Nittaku Barwell.
The blade delivers a noticeable flex with good ball feedback, created by combining soft Kiri core, medium-soft Mahogany medial layers, and medium-hard Masur Birch outer plies. This blend provides a feel that's not overly hard yet offers enough crispness from the outer veneers for direct shots and blocks.
The blade's design, particularly its flex and spin generation capability, makes it exceptionally easy to pick up the ball in a loop and position it with heavy spin. This indicates a medium-high throw angle that aids topspin generation and net clearance.
Rapscallion is characterized by a long dwell time primarily attributed to its significant flex. This predictable flex greatly facilitates looping, allowing players to generate heavy spin and carry the ball effectively, with significantly more dwell time compared to other offensive blades.
Rapscallion is notably flexible, with a medium flex that's specifically engineered to reward aggressive loops and loop-drives. This flexibility increases the blade's dwell time and is a key characteristic for spin generation.
The blade is designed to subdue unnecessary vibration, providing a clean and comfortable feel upon impact. This low vibration feedback enhances touch play and allows for better ball feel during all strokes.
Ross Leidy blades are renowned for superior handcraftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Users consistently praise the exquisite finish and heirloom-quality construction, with many considering these among the finest custom blades available in terms of build quality and materials.
Technology
Ross Leidy Rapscallion incorporates a unique design philosophy focused on player customization and optimized material layering. Each blade is individually handcrafted, allowing tailored head and handle shapes. The core technology lies in its 5-ply all-wood composition with progressively harder plies from center to outer layers—Kiri core, Mahogany medial, Masur Birch outer. This specific arrangement leverages distinct wood properties to create noticeable flex that enhances dwell time for looping while maintaining stability for other strokes. This meticulous craftsmanship aims to provide a power-control-feel blend often unmatched by mass-produced blades.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Barwell
Many players find the Rapscallion offers slightly better control and more consistent loop drives compared to the Barwell. While both are capable blades, the Rapscallion's unique flex and enhanced dwell time provide a distinct advantage for spin generation and consistency, particularly for aggressive loopers seeking that extra performance edge.
Timo Boll ZLF
Our testing shows the Rapscallion's power often compares to the Timo Boll ZLF, but with significantly more dwell time. This makes the Rapscallion a compelling alternative for players seeking high power output but with enhanced ability to generate spin and control the ball more effectively during rallies.
Nittaku Violin
TTSensei experts note some conceptual similarities, as both blades share a Kiri core and similar hardness outer plies. However, the Rapscallion's overall composition and progressive hardness design create a distinct feel and performance profile that sets it apart as a unique offering in the custom blade market.