Weight
88.5g
Thickness
6.05mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
15.3x15.1
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Banana
Sauer & Troger Banana is an offensive all-wood 5-ply blade crafted for players who blend disruptive long pimple play with aggressive inverted rubber attacks. It delivers a moderate OFF- speed that instills confidence for both powerful topspins and controlled flat returns, especially with pimples. Designed to synergize with pimple rubbers like the Sauer & Troger Monkey, it creates a challenging combination for opponents. The construction strikes a fine balance between offensive power and ease of control, making it a versatile and dangerous weapon for active play close to the table.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction features Beech outer plies, Limba mid-plies, and an Ayous core. This classic wood combination is designed to provide a good balance of speed, flexibility, and feel, making the blade suitable for a dynamic game that blends direct attacks with controlled placement.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Banana provides a moderate offensive speed, landing in the OFF- to OFF category. It offers ample power for aggressive forehand attacks while maintaining a controlled feel that is crucial for effective pimple play. This speed profile allows for active and dangerous shots without sacrificing the precision needed for placement and disruption.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. Despite its offensive capabilities, players report exceptionally good and easy control. This is vital for pimple users who rely on precise placement and active disruption. The blade provides a controlled, flat ball bounce that gives players a significant tactical advantage.
The 5-ply construction of dense woods provides a responsive feel that offers good feedback without being overly soft or stiff. Players describe it as delivering good control and precision, contributing to a confident touch on the ball.
The offensive nature of the blade, combined with its suitability for aggressive forehand strokes, suggests a medium to medium-high throw angle. This facilitates powerful topspin loops and attacking play from mid-distance.
The moderate speed and emphasis on control suggest a dwell time that allows for solid ball contact and effective spin generation, especially when paired with suitable rubbers. It provides enough time for active play and manipulation without being excessively long.
The 5-ply all-wood construction typically results in a medium level of flexibility. This contributes to a balanced performance, aiding in both power generation for attacks and a forgiving feel for controlled strokes.
As an offensive all-wood blade, it likely provides a moderate level of vibration feedback. This allows players to feel the ball contact comfortably without excessive harshness, contributing to a good sensory connection during play.
The build quality and finish of the Banana blade are outstanding. Attention to detail in manufacturing is a recurring positive comment, with many noting the craftsmanship appears made to perfection. This high standard contributes to a reliable and premium playing experience.
Technology
Sauer & Troger Banana exemplifies expert craftsmanship in all-wood blade construction. Its 5-ply composition utilizes carefully selected wood veneers: Beech for the resilient outer plies, Limba for the responsive mid-plies, and Ayous for the lightweight core. This specific wood combination is engineered to create a harmonious balance of speed, control, and tactile feel. The design caters to aggressive attacking styles while maintaining significant touch and precision, making it particularly effective for players who employ disruptive pimple rubbers alongside powerful inverted attacks.
Similar Blades
Tibhar ALLround Evolution
While not a direct blade alternative, a successful rubber pairing noted by players involves using a rubber like Tibhar Hybrid MK on the forehand. This combination complements the OFF- characteristics of the Banana blade well, making every stroke feel easy to execute and highlighting a compatible setup for similar playing styles.