Nova Carbon

Sanwei Nova Carbon is firmly in the OFF category, offering a strong level of speed suitable for offensive play. It generates sufficient, linear power for most attacks, with good acceleration that feels direct and manageable. Our testing shows it provides a solid offensive punch, though it doesn't reach the extreme speeds of some top-tier carbon blades. The speed is reliable and well-integrated, making it effective for powerful strokes without feeling excessive or uncontrollable.

Control is a standout feature for this carbon composite blade. The thicker Hinoki outer plies contribute significantly, providing a good feel and allowing for precise shot placement. Players report it is versatile in controlled play, with effective blocking and consistent performance close to the table. The blade maintains a strong connection to the ball, offering confidence in touch shots and short game exchanges that is sometimes lacking in faster carbon blades.

Sanwei Nova Carbon delivers a feel that combines the natural woodiness of Hinoki with the direct feedback of carbon. It's generally perceived as firm but not harsh, with a dampened carbon sensation rather than a sharp 'ping.' On light contact, it can feel medium-soft, but it firms up noticeably during powerful shots. This provides clear, informative feedback from the ball across a range of strokes.

Sanwei Nova Carbon produces a medium-low throw angle, which is ideal for direct, forward-oriented attacks. This trajectory supports aggressive loop drives and power shots, allowing players to keep the ball low and fast over the net, suiting a pressing, offensive style of play.

The thicker Hinoki surface increases dwell time compared to many carbon blades, allowing players to feel the ball longer for enhanced control. However, the carbon layers do reduce overall dwell time relative to all-wood blades. This requires a slight adjustment for players who rely heavily on extreme spin generation through prolonged contact, but it offers a good compromise for offensive play.

This is a stiff blade, a characteristic driven by the carbon fiber layers and overall ply construction. The stiffness contributes directly to its offensive power and linear, direct feel. Players who prefer very flexible, catapult-like blades might find it less accommodating, but this rigidity is beneficial for powerful, controlled shots that require a solid hitting platform.

Vibration is managed effectively by the construction. The Kiri wood core helps reduce vibration, contributing to a stable, controlled feel. While carbon layers can sometimes introduce harsh feedback, the overall design balances this out, providing clear but not excessive sensation upon impact for a carbon blade.

Build quality is generally impressive for its price range, featuring pre-sanded edges, smooth surfaces, and a robust construction that feels premium in hand. However, TTSensei experts note there can be inconsistencies in manufacturing, with some blades exhibiting slight variations in design, weight, and balance. These variations suggest production tolerances to be aware of, but the overall finishing and materials reflect a strong commitment to value.