Weight
90.5g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
F1 Classic
Sanwei F1 Classic is an offensive table tennis blade built for aggressive players who prioritize speed and spin. As Sanwei's first carbon blade, refined over 15 years, it features Arylate Carbon technology within a 7-ply construction. This design delivers a potent combination of power for loop drives and quick attacks while maintaining a balanced feel for precise shot placement. It's a modern weapon for players seeking high performance without the premium price tag.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply '5+2' construction. It uses flexible Ayous wood for the outer layers and core surround, with two layers of stiff Arylate Carbon placed internally. A Kiri wood core sits at the center. This structure aims to balance speed from the carbon with touch and feel from the wood.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
F1 Classic delivers impressive speed, consistently rated highly for offensive play. The Arylate Carbon layers provide a significant power boost, enabling fast topspins and powerful hits. This makes it an excellent blade for players who want to dictate the pace and finish points with authority.
While built for speed, the F1 Classic offers a respectable level of control. The combination of Arylate Carbon and Ayous wood provides a good feel for precise placement and controlled looping. Players report it requires a confident touch to master, but it rewards aggressive play with reliable accuracy.
Players describe a medium-hard feel that is stiff and direct, yet retains a good sense for spin. The Arylate Carbon provides a crisp, responsive touch, while the Ayous outer plies add a slight softening effect for better ball feedback.
The throw angle is medium-high, perfect for aggressive looping and attacking shots over the net. This characteristic helps generate heavy, arcing topspins that are difficult for opponents to handle.
Dwell time is medium, providing enough pocketing for effective spin generation on loops and drives. The material combination allows the ball to sink in just enough to impart heavy rotation before catapulting forward with speed.
This is a stiff blade. The Arylate Carbon layers create a firm, direct flex profile that prioritizes power transfer and stability over whip-like bending. This stiffness contributes to its explosive speed and solid block.
Vibration is moderate. The carbon layers transmit some feedback, which can feel crisp to some players. Our testing shows the construction manages vibration reasonably well for an offensive blade, though the acoustic signature can be pronounced on hard hits.
Sanwei is known for producing durable, well-constructed carbon blades, and the F1 Classic upholds this reputation. The build quality is solid and reliable, especially considering its price point, making it a trustworthy choice for regular competitive play.
Technology
Sanwei F1 Classic utilizes Arylate Carbon (ALC) technology, a composite material woven into the blade's core. ALC enhances speed and expands the sweet spot while maintaining a softer, more controlled feel compared to pure carbon. This technology gives players increased power for offensive shots, improved spin potential, and a more forgiving hitting area. It represents Sanwei's focused development in creating high-performance carbon blades that deliver professional-level attributes.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
F1 Classic is often discussed as a blade with a 'Viscaria-like' structure and a more affordable price point. Both share a 5+2 ply build with Arylate Carbon, targeting aggressive players who want speed, spin, and a large sweet spot for dominant offensive play.
Sanwei F1
The original Sanwei F1 blade from the same series is also noted for providing a similar feel and performance profile. The F1 line, in general, offers a competitive entry point into the world of high-performance Arylate Carbon blades suitable for looping and blocking.