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Donic Appelgren Allplay
Blade description:
The Donic Appelgren Allplay is a classic all-round table tennis blade that has captured the hearts of players at various skill levels. With its excellent balance of speed, control, and feel, this blade is designed to accommodate diverse playing styles—making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players tweaking their techniques. Crafted from five layers of wood, the blade promotes a flexible and responsive playing experience, allowing players to develop a wide range of strokes effectively.
In terms of weight, the Donic Appelgren Allplay is relatively light, averaging around 85 grams, which contributes to its agility and maneuverability on the table. Its thickness enhances its ability to generate spin without sacrificing control. The blade is characterized by a medium stiffness level (3.7) and modest hardness (4.2), which balance power and precision well. This combination ensures that players can confidently execute loops, cuts, and drives while enjoying a comfortable feel during play.
One of the standout features of the Allplay is its impressive flexibility, which allows for prolonged contact with the ball. This results in increased dwell time and control, perfect for players focusing on technique rather than solely relying on power. Although this blade might not be the fastest option available, its ability to deliver precise shots positions it as an excellent alternative for those looking to improve their game strategically.
For players seeking alternatives, the Donic Appelgren Allplay compares favorably with the Stiga Allround Classic and Yasaka Sweden Classic, both of which offer similar capabilities but may differ slightly in feel and handling. This makes the Allplay a versatile addition to any player’s arsenal, regardless of their experience level, who desires to amplify their skills on the table.
Recent Reviews
#1 — December 2022
Along with the Stiga All Round Classic and Yasaka Sweden Classic, this blade is a solid and affordable all-round all-wood blade. It performs well in all aspects of the game, from loops, blocks, and pushes to chops and serves, and is well-balanced (averaging around 80g, but can be found lighter).
It has good feeling and falls into the ALL+ category (slightly faster than the Yasaka Sweden Classic). It has enough speed to end a point, especially when paired with Tensors. Its construction features an abachi core with layers of limba, resulting in a flexy blade with a noticeable amount of vibration.
Many players spend excessive money on equipment in the pursuit of the perfect combination. However, players below 1800 (US) and 1500 (UK) levels would benefit from choosing a versatile blade like this that offers high consistency and forgiveness.
If you prefer something slower and equally affordable, the Donic Defplay Senso is a suitable alternative. Its ayous wood construction provides even greater forgiveness and flexibility.
As a personal note, I have found that using long pips on one side of the Appelgren with 1.3mm or 1.5mm sponge can create a lively setup, but the flexibility works well for cutting the ball. The ALL+ rating provides more options on the inverted side compared to a DEF+ blade.
#2 — October 2022
It is a decent blade.
I use it with Chinese rubbers.
Normally, I play with more expensive equipment, but I use this one to play a little bit during my breaks at work.
#3 — July 2020
This is a suitable blade for beginners. An allround blade with average speed is recommended for starters. Avoid extremely fast or slow blades as they make certain strokes more challenging or easier. Initially, focus on developing a wide range of strokes.
Initially, avoid using high-tension rubber on this blade as it enhances its offensive capabilities. High-tension rubber imparts greater speed to your shots, but the returns may be equally fast, potentially hindering your ability to respond effectively. Consider using DHS Hurricane 3, Yasaka Mark V, or another high-quality rubber without high tension. This setup surpasses most pre-made rackets within the same price range.
Upon mastering the art of returning challenging serves, you can incorporate high-tension rubber into your setup. Don’t fret about being at a disadvantage with this setup; most speed and spin originate from the player’s skill rather than their equipment. Using an allround blade with non-tensioned rubber, you can achieve high speed and spin by striking the ball more forcefully and coordinating your body, arm, and wrist movements effectively.