Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
nullxnull
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Roots Speed Offensive 1
Soulspin Roots Speed Offensive 1 is a 7-ply hybrid blade built for offensive players who command the game. It delivers high speed and direct feedback, perfect for powerful topspin, counter-attacks, and flat drives. The integrated carbon layer enhances power and enlarges the sweet spot, providing surprising control to complement its inherent stiffness. With a balanced weight and an ergonomic handle designed for a firm grip, this blade offers a comfortable and versatile feel for aggressive, pace-dictating play.
This 7-ply construction features an outer layer of Koto, followed by Ayous, a carbon fiber layer, a Kiri core, another carbon fiber layer, Ayous, and an outer Koto layer. The carbon layers provide stiffness and speed for a direct feel and flat trajectory, while the wood layers offer dampening and contribute to the blade's overall control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed Offensive 1 delivers on its name with a high-speed performance. The 7-ply construction with integrated carbon layers provides significant power for offensive shots like topspins, drives, and counters. Players experience a fast game suitable for aggressive play both close to the table and from mid-distance, allowing them to dictate the pace with forceful attacks.
Despite its high speed and stiffness, this blade offers commendable control. The enlarged sweet spot, attributed to the carbon inlay and medium head size, helps maintain accuracy during rapid attacks. However, its stiff nature means control in passive play or delicate touch shots requires solid technique and practice to master effectively.
The blade delivers a very stiff and hard feel due to its carbon layers, resulting in direct feedback and a firm impact on the ball. This characteristic is excellent for powerful offensive shots but may feel less forgiving compared to blades with a softer, more dampened touch.
The stiffness and carbon composition produce a flat ball trajectory with a low throw angle. This is advantageous for fast, direct shots and counter-attacks, helping the ball stay low and penetrate through an opponent's defense effectively.
The stiff nature and carbon layers contribute to a shorter dwell time. This allows for quick ball release and powerful shots, facilitating rapid exchanges. Players seeking longer dwell time for heavy spin generation might find other all-wood options more suitable.
The construction with carbon layers makes the blade quite stiff and inflexible. This contributes directly to its speed and direct playing character but means it offers significantly less flex than typical all-wood blades.
The carbon inlay provides effective vibration dampening, resulting in a blade that feels stiff and direct with minimal unwanted vibration. This offers clear, crisp feedback to the player without any jarring sensations.
Soulspin is renowned for high-quality craftsmanship, and the Roots Speed Offensive 1 exemplifies this. Attention to detail is evident in the perfect wood finish and ergonomic handle design. This premium build quality ensures durability and provides a consistently excellent feel that players can rely on match after match.
Technology
Soulspin Roots Speed Offensive 1 utilizes a 7-ply construction that integrates carbon fiber layers between wood veneers. This hybrid design aims to fuse the speed and stiffness of carbon with the natural feel and control of wood. The carbon inlay is engineered to enlarge the sweet spot, reduce unwanted vibration, and significantly boost the blade's overall power and speed. Soulspin's reputation for handmade quality and customizability points to a high level of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in every blade, including unique handle designs that enhance ergonomics and specialized feel.
Similar Blades
Soulspin Roots 9 Z-Carbon Speed
Soulspin Roots 9 Z-Carbon Speed is another high-speed offensive blade from the same brand. While the Speed Offensive 1 is a 7-ply carbon blade, the 9 Z-Carbon Speed incorporates Zylon-Carbon (ZLC), offering an even harder feel and direct feedback with similarly impressive speed. Both are designed for power-hungry offensive players, with the Z-Carbon variant providing a distinct, potentially harder impact due to the Zylon fiber.
Soulspin Spin Offensive 3
Soulspin Spin Offensive 3 presents a contrasting option as an all-wood, 5-ply blade. Where the Speed Offensive 1 focuses on raw speed and stiffness, the Spin Offensive 3 emphasizes spin generation, a softer touch, and more dwell time, often compared to Hinoki blades. Both are offensive tools but cater to different styles: one for power-driven attacks and the other for spin-oriented play with greater feel.