Donic Skachkov Carbon
Blade description:
The Skachkov Carbon is a composite blade featuring a 5+2 construction. Its composition utilizes Koto outer plies over an Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layer, supported by Ayous and Kiri inner layers. The blade is characterized by a slightly larger head size (approximately 159×152mm) and a weight distribution that favors the head, which can be further influenced by handle choice and rubber selection.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Feedback: The blade offers a slightly muted feel while maintaining informative vibrations and crisp contact derived from its Koto surface. It provides consistent, linear power delivery without a sudden or dramatic jump in speed when engaging the composite layers.
- Speed and Control: This blade performs well in close-to-the-table and mid-distance exchanges. It is designed for a tactical game, excelling in blocking, flat hitting, and controlled loop play. Its performance is balanced, offering enough speed for offensive play while maintaining high levels of control for delicate shots and defensive returns.
- Handle and Build: The handle designs are noted for their comfort, with the ST version being particularly suited for larger hands and players who prioritize the ability to twiddle their racket. Users should note that the outer wood plies may benefit from light sanding or lacquering to prevent splintering during rubber removal.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — January 2026
Very nice blade I use daily. Bigger head and ST handle makes it super comfortable.
#2 — June 2025
This blade is very popular in Russia, perhaps even one of the most popular. It offers good value for its price.
While the blade doesn’t have exceptional speed (rated around 8 out of 10), its feel is excellent. It provides a slightly muted, yet clear feeling with some elasticity in the center. The hardness feels between medium and medium-hard, but ultimately presents as a clear and unique medium.
I haven’t tested it at long distances, so I can’t comment on that aspect. However, it performs admirably at close and mid-distances.
I tested this blade alongside the DHS 301, Pro01, and Harimoto ALC. Here are my comparative impressions:
***Speed: Pro01 > Harimoto > 301 > Skachkov
***Block: Pro01 > Skachkov > Harimoto > 301
***Control: Skachkov (excels with low-speed balls) > Pro01 (very good) > Harimoto (unclear, may require different rubbers; currently tested with T19 & Bluestorm Z2) > 301 (lacks the energy to return difficult, flat balls over the net)
***Feelings: Pro01 (exceptionally clear) > Skachkov (bouncy across the surface) > 301 (flexible & non-linear speed) > Harimoto (poor feel, requires adaptation)
***Loops: Difficult to assess definitively; all blades perform adequately in this area.
***Handle (FL): Skachkov = Pro-01 > 301 (slightly small) > Harimoto (slightly uncomfortable)
I genuinely enjoy playing with the Skachkov close to the table and at mid-distance, utilizing a tactical game by varying tempo and direction. My Skachkov is paired with a DHS Goldarc 8 (perfect) and a DHS 8-80 (which I still need to adjust to). Two DHS Goldarc 8 rubbers would make an excellent combination.
I recommend giving it a try!
#3 — June 2023
Construction:
- ALC outer carbon
- Koto, ALC, Ayous, Kiri, Ayous, ALC, Koto (with a beautiful grain pattern in the Koto surface and thick Ayous layers)
Performance:
Speed: Comparable to Butterfly Skachkov Carbon or Viscaria
Control: Superior control compared to Viscaria
Other Features:
- A professional-grade blade with high performance
- Significantly more affordable than similar blades (priced at 47 euros)
- Potentially targeted towards markets in Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia
- A budget-friendly alternative to ALC outer carbon blades from AliExpress
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