Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159x150
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
F1
Sanwei F1 is a hybrid offensive table tennis blade engineered for players who demand power and precision. Its 5+2 construction, featuring Arylate Carbon layers between wood plies, creates a unique blend of speed, dwell time, and vibration feedback. This combination makes it an excellent choice for aggressive topspin players and those relying on quick attacks close to the table. The blade offers a lively feel, enabling powerful smashes, explosive counter-hits, and consistent blocking. Despite its offensive capabilities, it provides a balanced playing experience, making it a versatile tool for modern table tennis.
Sanwei F1 features a 5+2 construction, with two layers of Arylate Carbon placed between five wood plies. The outer layers are Ayous, providing a good feel for spin, followed by inner layers of Ayous and a Kiri core. This specific arrangement aims to balance speed and control, with the ALC layers enhancing power and dwell time, while the wood plies offer feedback and flexibility.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Sanwei F1 is an offensive blade with a high speed rating, designed for fast attacks and powerful topspins. The Arylate Carbon layers contribute significantly to its speed, allowing for explosive shots close to the table. While rated as OFF+, it offers a good balance, making it manageable for players transitioning from slower blades.
Despite its high speed, Sanwei F1 offers commendable control, attributed to its wood veneers and the feel provided by the Ayous outer plies. This control allows for precise placement during rallies and effective blocking, making it suitable for players who value both power and accuracy.
The blade offers a medium-hard feel, typical for ALC composite blades. It provides a good connection to the ball without being overly stiff, allowing players to feel the spin and trajectory of their shots, which is crucial for developing offensive strategies.
The blade typically produces a medium-high throw angle, advantageous for aggressive looping and generating steep, penetrating shots. This arc helps players clear the net with power and put pressure on opponents.
The Arylate Carbon layers in Sanwei F1 contribute to a good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade's surface. This extended contact time is beneficial for generating heavy spin on serves and topspins, enabling players to control the pace and arc of their shots more effectively.
Sanwei F1 strikes a balance between stiffness and flexibility. While the ALC layers provide inherent stiffness for speed, the wood construction allows for a degree of flex, contributing to the dwell time and spin generation capabilities.
Players report noticeable and good vibration feedback, indicating the blade transmits ball impact effectively without being jarring. This clear feedback helps players adjust their shots and optimize power transfer.
Sanwei F1 is generally considered to have good build quality for its price point. While some users note the finish might not be as refined as premium Japanese brands, the overall construction is solid, providing durability and consistent performance. Some players recommend sealing the blade to prevent splinters.
Technology
Sanwei F1 utilizes a 5+2 ply construction, a popular configuration in modern offensive blades. This design integrates two Arylate Carbon layers within a five-wood-ply structure. The ALC material, known for its elasticity and vibration-dampening properties, is strategically placed to enhance speed and spin while maintaining a comfortable feel. The outer layers are Ayous, a wood species chosen for its ability to impart good spin and provide a direct feel, complemented by a Kiri core for lightness and responsiveness. This construction aims to deliver a blade that offers a potent combination of power, spin, and control suitable for aggressive players.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Sanwei F1 is frequently described as a direct clone or a cost-effective alternative to the Butterfly Viscaria. Both blades share a similar 5+2 ALC construction and are designed for aggressive, spin-oriented play. Players seeking the performance characteristics of the Viscaria but on a tighter budget often turn to the Sanwei F1.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
While not a carbon blade, some players have found Sanwei F1 to offer a comparable feel and spin potential to certain well-regarded all-wood offensive blades when paired with specific rubbers. The Stratus Power Wood is known for its excellent spin and control, and while the F1 is faster, the comparison arises from the balanced feel and spin-friendliness that both blades can offer within their respective categories.