Weight
87g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x157
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Diolen Special Custom
Vodak Diolen Special Custom is a hand-crafted, personalized blade that merges modern composite technology with traditional craftsmanship. Designed for technical players, it emphasizes control, spin, and tactile feedback. The 7-ply construction with Diolen-Aramid composite layers and select woods like Padauk and Kiri enhances dwell time and creates a larger sweet spot. This custom approach bridges offensive power with finesse, catering to players who value precision and a tailored playing experience in the plastic ball era.
The 7-ply construction features two layers of Diolen-Aramid composite flanking a core of lightweight Kiri wood, with outer layers of Padauk. This design balances flexibility and structure: the Diolen and Padauk enhance dwell time and feel, while the Kiri core provides lightness and a controlled flex, resulting in a blade optimized for spin and touch.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Vodak Diolen Special Custom operates in the low OFF category, offering controlled speed perfect for spin-oriented offense. It provides enough pace for aggressive shots near the table without sacrificing the precision needed for technical play. This makes it a great choice for players who want power on tap but value consistency and placement over blistering speed.
Control is where this blade truly shines. Its construction and softer feel grant exceptional playability in difficult situations, with high maneuverability allowing for precise shot-making. Players report outstanding consistency and the ability to maintain accuracy under pressure, making it a reliable partner for tactical, spin-focused games.
The blade delivers a softer, more dwell-oriented touch compared to many popular composite blades. This mild, pleasant soft-feel provides excellent feedback, allowing players to better sense ball contact and enhance their shot control and spin application.
Designed for spin and topspin play, the blade naturally produces a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps players execute aggressive loops and arc the ball effectively over the net, making it ideal for offensive, spin-heavy rallies.
Extended dwell time is a hallmark of this blade, primarily due to the Padauk outer plies and Diolen composite layers. This longer ball contact significantly boosts spin potential and gives players more time to shape and control their strokes effectively.
A moderate level of flexibility complements the blade's softer feel. This flexibility aids in generating spin and adds a nuanced, controlled springiness to shots, making it responsive without feeling overly stiff or rigid.
The softer feel and high feedback suggest a medium level of vibration. It provides clear, tactile information about each shot without being harsh or overwhelming, contributing to its overall playability and connection to the game.
Vodak blades are renowned for their exceptional hand-made craftsmanship, and the 'Special Custom' designation elevates this further. The attention to detail, material selection, and build quality are consistently praised as superior to standard production blades, offering a premium, personalized feel that justifies its custom status.
Technology
Vodak Diolen Special Custom utilizes Diolen-Aramid composite technology within its layered construction. Diolen is a strong, resilient synthetic fiber that, when paired with Aramid, enhances the blade's playing characteristics. This composite is strategically placed to significantly increase dwell time, create a unique, communicative feel, and expand the effective sweet spot. Combined with carefully chosen wood veneers like Padauk and Kiri, this technology allows for a blade focused on superior control, enhanced spin generation, and detailed tactile feedback, all hallmarks of its custom, player-oriented design.
Pro Players Using This Blade
MartyC
MartyC, a seasoned reviewer and player, has made the Vodak Diolen Special Custom his blade of choice after extensive testing. He champions it for its softer touch, exceptional dwell time, and superb control, which perfectly suit his technical, spin-oriented game, especially in close-to-the-table engagements with the plastic ball.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Players often compare the Vodak Diolen Special Custom to the Viscaria. While the Viscaria is known for its direct speed, the Vodak offers significantly more dwell time, a softer feel, and enhanced control. It's an excellent alternative for players who love the Viscaria's capability but desire more spin potential and a more communicative touch.
Butterfly Petr Korbel
The Vodak Diolen Special Custom shares an offensive spirit with the Petr Korbel but offers a step up in dwell time and spin capability due to its composite layers. It provides a slightly faster, more spin-focused experience while maintaining excellent control, making it a compelling upgrade for Korbel users looking to specialize their spin game.