Donic Appelgren World Champion 89

≈ 81 grams ≈ 1315 Hz

Blade description:

The Donic Appelgren World Champion 89 table tennis blade stands as a notable choice for players seeking the perfect blend of control and speed. Crafted with a thoughtful composition of high-quality wood and composite materials, it creates a dynamic balance that enhances gameplay, allowing players to transition seamlessly from defensive play to powerful offensive attacks. With an overall speed rating of 8 and control rating of 9, this blade is particularly suited for all-round and controlled offensive players, making it a versatile tool for various playing styles.

Weighing in at approximately 80g and featuring a thickness of 6mm, the Appelgren World Champion 89 strikes a balance between lightweight maneuverability and robust construction. This weight allows for swift movements without sacrificing power, enabling players to execute fast loops and drives with precision. The blade exhibits moderate stiffness (rated at 5.5), providing a soft touch without compromising on speed. Its ability to deliver a perfect synergy of shock absorption and feedback makes it ideal for executing spin-heavy shots while maintaining remarkable control over placements.

In terms of alternatives, players seeking a similar experience may consider the Donic Appelgren Senso V1 or other blades from the World Champion series. However, many users have noted that the Appelgren 89 excels in control and consistency compared to its predecessors. If you’re looking for a finely constructed blade that caters to a variety of playing styles while ensuring quality performance, the Donic Appelgren World Champion 89 could very well be the blade to elevate your game.

Recent Reviews

#1 — January 2023

Gives an average usage value. Nice work. The Waldner version is much better in its category.

#2 — July 2021

The World Champion 89’ series blades were made for the modern table tennis game. This blade is an OFF- to OFF blade when using Tibhar Evolution MX-S Max rubber on both sides. It offers excellent speed and control, perfect for the modern table tennis game.

The blade is well-balanced and has a nice polished satin-like finish. The flared handle is very comfortable to hold. It is made of Spruce, Carbon Fleece Zylon, Ayous, and Kiri.

Of the three blades in the series (Persson OFF+, Waldner OFF, & Appelgren AR+), the Waldner OFF inner-fiber blade is my favorite. It is a great blade for all-around play. Tabletennis11 has the best pricing for the WC89 Series blades.

#3 — March 2021

Hitting Feeling (11.8/15)

The most immediate impression of the blade is its amazing dwell time. Somehow despite weighing in at a mere 78 grams (without rubbers), the blade has incredible control. It absorbs incoming spin effortlessly and allows for ample time to generate your own. This makes it incredibly powerful when looping, and the slightly soft feeling of the wood gives the ball exceptional dwell time on impact.

The blade is also very forgiving, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels. It has a large sweet spot and is not overly sensitive to mishits. This makes it a good option for players who are still developing their technique.

Control (12.9/15)

As mentioned earlier, the Yasaka Sweden Extra has incredible control. This is due in part to its low weight and soft feel. The blade is also very well balanced, which helps to increase stability and control.

Speed (11.5/15)

While the Yasaka Sweden Extra is not the fastest blade on the market, it still has plenty of speed for most players. It is especially well-suited for players who like to loop and counter-loop.

Spin (10.5/15)

The Yasaka Sweden Extra is a good spin blade, but it is not the best. It generates a moderate amount of spin, but it is not as powerful as some other blades. This is likely due to the blade’s soft feel.

Overall (11.7/15)

The Yasaka Sweden Extra is a great all-around blade that is suitable for a wide range of players. It has incredible control, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players. It also has enough speed and spin for advanced players. Overall, the Yasaka Sweden Extra is a great option for players who are looking for a versatile blade that can handle any style of play.