Weight
85g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Apollo III (3)
Sword Apollo III (3) is a balanced table tennis blade crafted for players developing their offensive game. With an average weight of 85g and a 10mm thickness, it provides a substantial, reliable feel in hand. Its all-Ayous wood construction delivers excellent control and a medium-soft feel, making it a forgiving platform for learning strokes and building power. This blade offers commendable performance at an affordable price point, ideal for beginners and intermediates seeking a cost-effective tool to improve consistency and technique.
The blade features a straightforward 5-ply construction, with all layers made from Ayous wood. This symmetrical, all-wood build is designed for balance and consistency, providing a uniform feel across the entire blade surface.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 8.2, Apollo III (3) generates good pace suitable for offensive play. It offers decent acceleration for drives and smashes, especially when paired with faster rubbers. While it won't match the explosive speed of advanced composite blades, it provides more than enough power for developing players to execute effective attacks and transition from defense to offense smoothly.
This blade has excellent maneuverability and predictability. It allows for precise placement, spin variation, and tactical execution. You get confidence in serves, blocks, and controlled drives—ideal for those who rely on consistency and strategic play to build points rather than sheer power.
Apollo III (3) provides a medium feel. While not as soft and sensitive as blades made with Hinoki, the Ayous wood offers decent feedback and a solid connection with the ball. It strikes a balance, giving enough sensation for touch shots without being overly stiff or harsh on impact.
The combination of offensive speed and strong control suggests a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps create effective arcs on loop drives and topspin shots, allowing players to generate both depth and spin comfortably over the net.
The all-wood construction and strong control contribute to a medium dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade sufficiently for good spin generation and trajectory control, aiding in loops and brush contact, without feeling sluggish or delaying shot execution.
The blade exhibits medium flexibility. It offers a slight flex during powerful strokes, which can aid in creating spin and a good arc on loops. This flexibility is balanced with enough stiffness to maintain stability and directness for faster drives and blocks.
Players experience a medium level of vibration. This provides clear, manageable feedback on contact, helping you feel the shot without excessive jarring or numbing sensations. It contributes to the blade's overall sense of control and connection.
For its price point, Apollo III (3) offers good quality. The all-Ayous wood construction is durable and solidly built, providing reliable performance. While it may lack the premium finish and exquisite feel of higher-end blades, users find it to be a robust and trustworthy piece of equipment that represents strong value, especially for a first serious blade.
Technology
Sword Apollo III (3) employs a classic 5-ply all-wood design using Ayous wood. This traditional construction method focuses on achieving a harmonious balance between speed and control through the natural properties of wood. While Sword incorporates advanced technologies like JLC fiber and NRF Foam Filling in other models, the Apollo III (3) represents a more fundamental approach, prioritizing a reliable and consistent playing feel that supports skill development.