Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa

Composite/carbon 33 reviews

Blade description:

The Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa blade is a unique and advanced piece of equipment designed for aggressive and technical players looking to enhance their performance. This blade incorporates a distinctive construction of 5 wood plies, including a balsa core, complemented by 2 carbon layers, combining the lightweight and softer feel of balsa with the explosive speed and stability provided by carbon materials. This amalgamation creates a versatile blade that excels in fast, looping play while facilitating more controlled shots near the table.

Weighing approximately 80 grams, this blade is categorized as lightweight, promoting speed and maneuverability. The thickness and construction provide a stiffness rating of 7.4, which translates to significant power on impact, yet it can challenge players due to its relatively low dwell time. With an impressive speed rating of 95, this blade is particularly suited for experienced players comfortable with high-velocity shots and quick exchanges. However, this performance comes with a cost; beginners might struggle with consistency and control when using this blade, as highlighted in numerous reviews.

In terms of alternatives, the Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa may not be for everyone. Players seeking a more forgiving, all-wood blade or those who require enhanced control might prefer options like the Donic Epox Offensiv or other similar offerings from brands like Stiga or Butterfly. Nonetheless, for the right player—particularly those who can manage aggressive strokes and tactical placements—this blade can be a powerhouse, delivering extreme speed and rewarding play style adaptability.

Recent Reviews

#1 — December 2021

A black gem in the right hands. Moved to this blade coming from Donic Epox Offensiv (5ply all wood), and what I felt upon first touch are: the blade is considerably lighter (mine weighed around 84-85g) and immensely faster, especially on flat shots/smashes. Head size is slightly smaller (about 2mm shorter than typical wood blades), and cutting/finishing is a bit rough. The Koto/balsa material is fragile, so you can put on edge tape if you want.

Just like its name, the BLACK DEVIL is a difficult blade to control. Expect a few bouncy, over the table hits when first using it. DO NOT use this blade if you just started playing table tennis. Use an all wood instead, stabilize basic strokes, and control techniques first. Only then can you move to this blade if you feel confident enough…

Personally, this blade is going to be my stepping stone to further sharpen my techniques before I decide to get an ALC blade sometime in the future.

Typically, people will suggest using medium/soft rubbers with this blade. I first put Donic Bluefire M2 and Yinhe Mercury 3 Euro Soft on FH/BH. Control is pleasant enough without compromising much speed. Close/mid distance to table plays are quick and deadly; however, a problem persisted when playing far from the table. My shots occasionally lacked power to go over the net with such setup, maybe it’s the characteristics of softer rubbers or at that point, I just simply wasn’t skilled enough to control this blade?.

After a few intense weeks of taming this little devil… I moved the M2 to BH and put Friendship (729) Battle 2 Provincial on the FH to turn the blade into a mid/far distance looping beast. Speed+super spin obliterated anyone who dared to put up their blade :)

Yes, a hard Chinese rubber on a stiff/fast blade, either I am confident enough in my skill improvement or I am an outright table tennis masochist. LOL ?.

#2 — October 2020

The layer that utilizes both balsa and carbon has a reputation for being hard and stiff. However, upon using it, I experienced an unexpected level of speed. The combination with soft rubber further enhances the comfort during gameplay. Minor adjustments to the wording may be necessary for clarity.

#3 — December 2018

The blade makes a “pong” sound. It is the best balsa carbon looping blade. It is easy to reverse spin. It is really good close to the table. It is much easier to use than, say, an ALC blade.