Weight
86g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
15.3x15.1
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Unicorn
Sauer & Troger Unicorn is a meticulously crafted all-round table tennis blade designed for exceptional control and versatility. Developed over a year, it caters to players using pimpled rubbers who seek a harmonious balance between offense and defense. Its 5-ply construction with Masonia outer veneers, Ayous inner veneers, and an Awan wood core excels at controlling incoming attacks, especially with long pimples, while providing sufficient power for offensive shots. The blade is optimized for modern ABS balls, ensuring a flat, controlled trajectory. A visually striking unicorn artwork by artist Maria Degel adds a unique aesthetic touch.
This 5-ply all-wood construction combines stiff Masonia outer veneers for direct ball feedback and control with softer Ayous inner veneers for feel and offensive capabilities, all centered around an Awan core. This layered approach is designed to enhance control and feel, especially for players using pimpled rubbers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Unicorn is rated with a speed of 7.5 out of 10. While primarily a control-oriented blade, its stiff outer veneers allow for effective offensive shots and spin when power is applied. Our testing shows it offers more offensive potential than some purely defensive blades, providing a good balance for all-round play.
Sauer & Tröger Unicorn is highly acclaimed for its exceptional control. This makes it ideal for players who rely on precise placement, blocking, and disruptive shots, especially when using pimpled rubbers. Its controlled trajectory is also beneficial for developing defensive players.
The combination of Masonia outer veneers and an Awan core provides a direct and intense playing experience, often described as having excellent feel. While not overly soft, it offers enough feedback for precise shot execution.
The blade produces low throw trajectories, which is particularly beneficial for defensive play and blocking with pimpled rubbers, allowing for more controlled and disruptive returns.
The blade's construction is noted for its ability to absorb incoming spin and allow for controlled returns, suggesting a medium to long dwell time that facilitates spin reversal and effective blocking.
Unicorn is generally perceived as a stiff blade, which contributes to its direct feel and speed capabilities, especially when offensive strokes are executed. This stiffness aids in fast blocking and powerful shots.
Despite its speed potential, the blade is very effective at dampening vibrations, contributing to its high control rating and comfortable feel, even when playing fast shots or blocking heavy topspins.
The blade is consistently praised for its high build quality and excellent craftsmanship. Players report a very well-made product with a premium feel and impressive precision, contributing to its overall positive reception.
Technology
Sauer & Troger Unicorn blade is designed with a focus on optimal adaptation to the characteristics of modern ABS balls. Its 5-ply all-wood construction is engineered to provide exceptional control and feel. The Masonia outer veneer is specifically noted for causing the ball to bounce directly off the wood, thereby better transmitting the cut of the ABS ball, which is crucial for players utilizing pimpled rubbers for disruptive play. The development process involved close collaboration with the Hellfire X long pimple rubber, aiming for perfect synergy.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Sebastian Sauer
Sebastian Sauer, co-founder of Sauer & Troger and a known pimple player, uses the Unicorn blade in promotional materials and videos. This suggests he personally endorses the blade and its capabilities for his playing style, which likely involves disruptive pimple play combined with controlled offensive elements. The blade is part of his demonstration setups, highlighting its effectiveness for players who value control and versatility.
Similar Blades
Sauer & Troger Defplay Senso V3
Unicorn offers more offensive potential while still maintaining a high level of control suitable for all-round play, making it a potential upgrade or alternative for players seeking a bit more speed compared to the Defplay Senso V3.