First Strike II

Weight

72.5g

Thickness

7.5mm

Plies

5-ply

Head Size

155x152

Handles

FL / ST

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Spinlord

First Strike II

Spinlord First Strike II is an offensive blade built for players who demand a harmonious blend of speed and control. Its 5-ply construction centers on a 5.5mm balsa core, flanked by Avodire and finished with Limba outer veneers, creating a medium-hard feel with a satisfying, non-tinny sound. This design supports powerful European topspin play while remaining effective for blocking and counter-attacks with harder rubbers or short pimples. Robust and surprisingly capable against backspin, it offers a sensitive touch and a generous sweet spot, making it a reliable and versatile choice for offensive-minded players.

5-Ply Construction

The 5-ply construction centers on a 5.5mm Balsa core for a unique feel, surrounded by harder Avodire intermediate veneers and finished with Limba outer plies. This layering contributes to the blade's offensive power while delivering pleasant, direct feedback.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.5

Spinlord First Strike II delivers speed in the medium-offensive range, performing as a solid OFF- to OFF blade. Its construction generates enough power for decisive attacks while maintaining a stable, controlled feel, making it ideal for players who rely on a blend of pace and precision in their game.

Control
7.5

With excellent control, this blade offers superb maneuverability and clear feedback. The balsa core contributes to a distinct, communicative feel for the ball, allowing for precise shot execution, particularly effective in the short game, during blocks, and when launching counter-attacks.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

It provides a medium-hard feel that is harmonious and avoids the hollow, tinny sensation sometimes found in other balsa blades. This offers players clear, tactile feedback to better sense ball contact and refine their strokes.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

The blend of speed and dwell time produces a medium-high throw angle, well-suited for modern topspin play that requires a pronounced arc and deep placement on the table.

Dwell Time
7.5

The balsa core and wood veneer combination creates a moderate dwell time. This allows for effective spin generation on loops while still enabling quick, snappy attacks and counters without excessive drag on the ball.

Flexibility
4.5

The blade strikes a balance, feeling relatively rigid yet not overly stiff. This moderate flexibility supports both powerful, direct shots and the controlled, brushing contact needed for spin-oriented play.

Vibration
4.0

Vibration is well-managed, resulting in a harmonious feel with a distinctive sound that aids shot perception. While balsa can vibrate more, this blade's construction effectively moderates it to a comfortable level.

Quality
8.0

Spinlord First Strike II is recognized for its solid build quality, especially considering its price point. Players report it feels robust and durable despite the balsa core, with a construction that holds up well to regular play, offering good value and longevity.

Technology

Spinlord First Strike II leverages a specially selected 5.5mm balsa wood core, prized for its lightweight and vibration-dampening qualities. This core is strategically paired with Limba outer veneers and harder Avodire intermediate layers. The construction aims to produce a harmonious, communicative feel, eliminating the hollow sound sometimes associated with balsa and creating a larger, more forgiving sweet spot for enhanced control and feedback. The handle is typically crafted from solid balsa, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip.

Similar Blades

Spinlord First Strike

Spinlord First Strike II is an evolution of the original First Strike. While visually similar, the II version offers a slightly more sensitive ball touch and a larger sweet spot, refining its gameplay. Players might consider the original for a very similar feel, though the II is generally the preferred, upgraded model.

Spinlord Ultra Balsa

TTSensei experts note the First Strike is considered a slower, more controlled version of the Spinlord Ultra Balsa. The Ultra Balsa likely provides more raw speed and a different tactile experience due to its balsa-focused build. Players seeking maximum power may look to the Ultra Balsa, while those prioritizing control and feel will favor the First Strike series.