Weight
83g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
FEXTRA 5 Classic
Sanwei FEXTRA 5 Classic is a 5-ply all-wood blade that delivers a traditional, crisp feel with excellent control for all-round offensive play. Its construction provides a flexible yet stable response, offering long dwell time ideal for generating heavy spin and precise placement. This blade is perfect for loopers and players transitioning to a faster offensive game who still want a strong, natural connection with the ball. It balances classic wood touch with modern acceleration, making it a reliable choice for spin-focused attacks and controlled short game play.
This symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction uses Koto outer plies and a Spruce/Ayous core. The Koto provides a crisp feel and aids spin generation, while the Ayous core offers power and stability. The combination results in a blade that is flexible yet stable, delivering clear feedback, good dwell time, and balanced speed and control for a classic wood experience.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Sanwei FEXTRA 5 Classic is an offensive blade with a speed rating around 7.0, placing it in the All+ to OFF- range. It provides sufficient speed for effective attacking play, particularly excelling in smooth acceleration for topspin shots rather than raw power. This makes it highly controllable for players who rely on technique and timing, offering enough pace for most amateur and intermediate levels without feeling overwhelming.
FEXTRA 5 Classic is highly praised for its exceptional control, making it a forgiving and reliable blade. This high level of control allows for precise shot placement, effective blocking, and consistent execution of spin-based techniques. Its balanced properties ensure stable performance, providing confidence for players still refining their game or those who depend on tactical variation and accuracy.
FEXTRA 5 Classic offers a clear and crisp batting feeling, characteristic of traditional all-wood blades. It provides a soft, somewhat flexy sensation with excellent feedback, allowing players to feel ball contact distinctly without excessive harshness. The touch is direct and communicative, supporting a strong connection for spin and control.
FEXTRA 5 Classic produces a medium-high throw angle, which can generate aggressive loops with a steeper trajectory. This characteristic may require a slightly more closed bat angle and firm grip to manage effectively, rewarding players with powerful, arcing attacks.
This blade is noted for its long dwell time, which greatly assists in generating heavy spin on strokes. The extended contact allows for deeper engagement with the ball, facilitating powerful loops and effective spin-loaded serves that are a hallmark of its performance.
The blade is described as flexible yet stable, striking a good balance that aids in both control and spin generation. This moderate flexibility allows for a good feel of the ball and supports a dynamic looping game without feeling overly stiff or rigid.
Sanwei FEXTRA 5 Classic exhibits minimal vibration, offering a clean and consistent feel without excessive buzzing. This controlled feedback contributes to a purer ball contact and more predictable response, especially during powerful shots and blocks.
Players report a high quality of construction for the Sanwei FEXTRA 5 Classic, especially considering its affordable price point. The blade features a fantastic finish and solid build that contributes to reliable performance and a satisfying feel. It offers a quality that rivals more expensive blades, presenting excellent value with consistent positive feedback on its craftsmanship and durability.
Technology
Sanwei FEXTRA 5 Classic is built using a traditional 5-ply pure wood construction designed to harness the natural properties of selected woods. The specific layering of Koto outer plies with a core of Spruce and Ayous wood is engineered for optimal performance. The Ayous core provides foundational power and stability, while the Koto and Spruce layers work together to enhance control, crisp feel, and fault tolerance. This construction method aims to replicate the classic blade experience—offering excellent control and a direct feel—while delivering modern offensive capabilities suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Extra
Many players find the Sanwei FEXTRA 5 Classic plays very similarly to the Yasaka Sweden Extra, particularly in terms of speed and overall balanced feel. Both are 5-ply all-wood blades renowned for their control, classic wood sensation, and suitability for all-round offensive play, making them comparable choices for players seeking that traditional, responsive experience.
Avalox P500 / Butterfly Hadraw 5 / Stiga Offensive Classic
Our testing shows the FEXTRA 5 Classic's specific Koto-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Koto construction and 5.8mm thickness share strong similarities with classic blades like the Avalox P500, Butterfly Hadraw 5, and older Stiga Offensive Classic models. These blades are all celebrated for their classic 5-ply wood builds and well-rounded, offensive-oriented characteristics, offering a familiar feel for enthusiasts of traditional designs.