Nittaku So-Ten

I tried this blade with Friendship 729 Battle 2 (40 degrees) on the forehand and Tibhar MX-P on the backhand. I enjoy how easily I can get the ball on the table. Loops are also strong.

Blocks are generally OK if the opponent hits hard, but when the strength is lacking, I have to put in a full stroke to get the ball across the net.

The flaw I feel for this blade is that the drives are not strong. It is very difficult to win points through smashes as they are easily blocked by my opponents. It is good for placing close to the table, but it requires a lot of effort to play far from the table.

FYI This blade came out around April 2023.

A good Innerforce type blade with a crisp feel and decent spin that creates a safe arc. It is not too fast and has a lot of control for a carbon blade. The carbon layer feels quite hard. It has enough penetrative power for offensive play but is at its best in an offensive game based on spin and placement. Blocks are stable, it is controlled and not bouncy in a short game, allowing for a delicate touch, and plays well with hybrid rubbers and H3Neo if you are ready to play actively. It requires decent technique like most carbon blades but is not very demanding, easier to play with than a Visc. type of blade, and might be a good option for both advanced and intermediate players. The FL handle is a bit thin, similar to TB ALC, it does not feel head-heavy despite a slightly larger head.

It is the right weight - not too heavy and not too light. With the combination of using Nittaku Fastarc G-1, it is perfect to play for both long and short ball, not to mention it spins really well also. Not much to say, you just have to experience it.