Donic Testra AR

This blade has a soft feel that is great for beginners. It provides a good level of control and allows the player to develop good technique. It is a great choice for those who are new to the game and want a blade that will help them learn the basics.

I’ve been using the flared handle version of this blade with Friendship Cream Transcend 2.15mm on both sides for a couple of weeks as a transition from the pre-made store-bought paddles. So far, I’m pretty happy with its performance. I think this is Donic’s version of the Stiga Allround.

There is vibration unless you hit it right in the sweet spot, which is good for knowing when you’ve hit correctly. It can be very controlled and accurate and also fast if you want it. It has just a little bit of flex, and the handle is a bit longer than what I’m used to, again similar to a Stiga flared legend handle.

The wood on the handle is smooth and soft and also has a nice look to it, making for a pretty comfortable grip, but is maybe suited for larger hands. The blade is on the lighter side.

The only complaint I have is that this blade is made in China, which can be misleading because I think all other Donic blades are made in Sweden. Whether that matters to you or not is your decision. For an extra $5 or $10, you can have a Swedish-made Donic or Stiga instead of this, or you can probably buy an LKT or similar brand for much cheaper and of the same quality.

Overall though, the blade combo is great, and I think it will really help me transition to a higher level after using the pre-made paddles. It really is a middle-of-the-road blade suited for any playing style and a good choice for a beginner.