Weight
89g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Koki Niwa ZC
Victas Koki Niwa ZC is a premium offensive blade crafted in Japan in collaboration with professional player Koki Niwa. It's engineered for dynamic, close-to-the-table power play, blending speed, control, and feel. The innovative Zexion carbon fiber layer sits directly beneath a high-quality Hinoki outer veneer, creating an enlarged sweet spot for precision while delivering excellent power and dynamics through efficient energy transfer. This results in a crisp, direct feel with impressive offensive capabilities, perfectly suited for modern attacking styles that demand both aggression and touch.
The blade features a 7-ply construction with a symmetrical build. It starts with a Hinoki outer layer, followed by Zexion carbon, then three central wood plies (specific types not specified by the manufacturer), another Zexion carbon layer, and finishes with a Hinoki outer layer. This places the carbon fibers close to the surface to enhance speed and sweet spot size while the wood core provides stability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Victas Koki Niwa ZC is rated as a very fast blade, characteristic of its OFF+ designation. The Zexion carbon layers and Hinoki outer ply work together to produce high speed and powerful shots, making it a formidable tool for aggressive offensive play where quick, decisive attacks are essential.
Despite its high speed, Koki Niwa ZC offers a commendable level of control. The elasticity of the Zexion carbon and the feedback from the Hinoki outer ply contribute to a large sweet spot, allowing players to manage the ball effectively for precise shots, controlled blocks, and consistent placement even during powerful rallies.
Koki Niwa ZC offers a crisp and direct feel, often described as slightly firmer than traditional all-wood blades. Players report a satisfying connection to the ball, with a good balance between the stiffness provided by the carbon and the tactile feedback from the wood, resulting in a responsive yet not overly harsh touch.
Koki Niwa ZC offers a versatile, medium-high throw angle suitable for both looping and powerful drives. This trajectory provides a good balance, allowing players to generate heavy spin on loops while still maintaining a direct, penetrating path for flat hits and counter-attacks.
The blade provides excellent dwell time, allowing for significant spin generation and better control during powerful strokes. This is attributed to the Zexion carbon and Hinoki construction working in harmony to keep the ball on the blade surface slightly longer, enhancing brushing and looping techniques.
The combination of wood and carbon layers results in a blade that is generally stiff, providing a solid platform for power and speed. However, the specific elasticity of the Zexion carbon prevents it from feeling overly rigid, offering a balanced stiffness that supports powerful drives while still allowing for spin development.
Players report feeling a clear, distinct vibration upon impact, which aids in ball feedback. The transmission is noticeable without being excessive, providing a good sense of connection that helps players gauge their shots effectively.
Manufactured in Japan with premium materials like Hinoki and innovative Zexion carbon, the blade exhibits excellent build quality and craftsmanship. TTSensei experts note the meticulous construction, though players should be aware that, as with many wood products, occasional natural variations can occur.
Technology
Victas Koki Niwa ZC utilizes innovative Zexion carbon fiber technology, a highly elastic material positioned directly beneath the outer Hinoki veneer. This strategic placement is key to achieving a large sweet spot for enhanced precision and control, while simultaneously promoting excellent power and dynamics through efficient energy transfer. The premium Hinoki outer ply further contributes to the blade's superior feel and attacking power. This construction represents a focused approach to developing high-performance blades that expertly balance speed, spin, and control for modern offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Koki Niwa
As the blade's namesake and key development contributor, Koki Niwa uses this blade to complement his creative and dynamic close-to-the-table attacking style. It supports his powerful topspins, sharp counter-attacks, and precise short-game play, perfectly reflecting his fast-paced, spin-oriented approach to the game.
SHIBATA Ko
Shibata Ko's adoption of the Koki Niwa ZC indicates the blade aligns well with his professional offensive strategies. While specific usage details are limited, his choice suggests the blade's speed, spin, and control characteristics effectively support the high-level, aggressive play required on the international circuit.
RYOTA Fukumitsu
Ryota Fukumitsu's association with the Koki Niwa ZC further demonstrates its suitability for elite offensive play. His use underscores the blade's capability to support rapid attacks and spin-heavy shots, meeting the demands of modern table tennis where quick transitions and powerful loops are essential.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Koki Niwa ZC is frequently compared to Butterfly Viscaria due to their similar outer carbon layer constructions and offensive capabilities. Many players find the Koki Niwa ZC offers slightly better dwell time and a more direct, crisp feel, while the Viscaria might provide a touch more raw power for quick kill shots. Both are excellent choices for aggressive, modern attackers.
Victas ZX-Gear Fiber
ZX-Gear Fiber is another Victas blade featuring Zexion fiber technology. While Koki Niwa ZC is an outer carbon blade with a Hinoki top for a direct feel, the ZX-Gear Fiber is often described as having a softer, more wood-like sensation. Both are offensive options from Victas, catering to players with different preferences for blade feedback and hardness.