Nittaku Redshank
Blade description:
This blade is a lightweight composite construction featuring a 3+2 construction that blends the speed of carbon with a soft, woody feel. Weighing approximately 80 grams, it is noted for its agility and comfortable handle ergonomics, making it highly maneuverable for techniques like the chiquita. The blade is characterized by a high throw angle and significant flexibility, which facilitates the generation of heavy spin and enables deep, arc-heavy loops from mid-to-long distance.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed and Feel: While it provides sufficient power for loop-kills and smashes, it remains soft enough to offer excellent dwell time. The blade is faster than many traditional all-wood alternatives but maintains a solid, non-hollow feel during impact.
- Spin and Arc: Due to the inherent high throw and flex, this blade is optimized for topspin-heavy games. It is highly effective for slow, spinny loops, though the high arc requires adjustment during passive blocking or when smashing, as the ball trajectory can be sensitive to incoming force.
- Balance and Weight: The blade is remarkably light, often leading to a head-heavy balance that some users prefer to adjust with edge tape or specific rubber pairings. Its performance is well-suited for all-round attackers who prioritize touch, spin potential, and ease of play over raw, linear speed.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — June 2020
Pros:
- Soft, excellent for looping - Spinny - Lightweight (about 80 grams) - No adverse vibrations - High throw, facilitating gameplay when late - Similar to premium blades like Bazelart, Spark, and Innerforce AL - Used by Wang Liqin - Exceptional quality - Comfortable handle feel (off-), with head-heavy balance - Flexible - Well-suited for chiquita shots
Cons:
- Occasional overshooting near the table - Aggressive gameplay erforderlich - Excessive dwell time for smashing, due to high throw - Bouncy on topspin, exacerbating kick problems for players unfamiliar with high shots - Requires skill in blocking; high throw hinders passive play - Discontinued - Excessive spin on serves, causing difficulties with incoming balls after serves - Ball may be too low for downspin play; upspin serves with kick are recommended - Underrated, leading to potential resale difficulties - Similar to Butterfly’s Vectran blades; not the fastest but compatible with Dynasty 05 Hard, MXS, MXP 50 - Head-heavy, but preferences vary - Perfect for players like me who prefer lighter rubbers like 07 PRO, combining speed and spin - Ideal for Kirill Gerassimenko-style topspin play, at a distance of 1 meter from the table - Challenges in backhand blocking, potentially due to 07 PRO rather than the blade itself - Affordable; I purchased mine for $90 in good condition - Alternative outer ply options (e.g., koto, hinoki, basswood, pine, rosewood, wenge) available to meet individual preferences - Highly recommended for players seeking a soft, woody feel, higher arc, and lightweight blades, including top-level players.
#2 — September 2011
Control, speed, spin, block magic: all-around attackers blade.
#3 — September 2011
For the past two years, I have been using the Waldner Senso Carbon blade. Recently, I switched to the Nittaku Redshank blade, and it has been a transformative experience. With the Redshank, I find it effortless to impart significant spin, execute delicate touch spins, and deliver powerful smashes. Blocking shots has become effortless and effective, and playing from mid or even long distances is now a breeze. I have also discovered that I possess a formidable backhand. I am so impressed with the Redshank that I intend to purchase a second one as a backup blade.
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