DiegoX > Which blade are you talking about ? Rs: 1st Dan – Review

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BA Blasters
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DiegoX > Which blade are you talking about ? Rs: 1st Dan – Review

Post by BA Blasters »

diegoX wrote: on Monday ,16 February 2026 at 10:28 PM
I recently received the 1st Dan from Red+Black to test and share my impressions. This blade was sent to me by the brand, but as always, I’m sharing my honest playing experience after spending time with it in real sessions.
It would have helped if you had mentioned in your post in OOAK as well as on Instagram as to which exact brand & model that you are talking about
Maybe there is only one but it would still help if were clear when you start a new thread
Also lot of people may not use Instagram (Personally I am not a big fan but I respect your reason for using it)
Why it may confuse some players is because there a few blades calle 1st Dan both shakehand and penhold
Anyway I am not sure if you are talking about this blade below by Yasaka

https://spinfinity.uk/shop/table-tennis ... #attr=7471
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256214567846
https://www.spinfactory.de/tischtennis- ... t-dan.html
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Anktos
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Re: DiegoX > Which blade are you talking about ? Rs: 1st Dan – Review

Post by Anktos »

diegoX wrote: on Monday ,16 February 2026 at 10:28 PM

What immediately makes this blade different is the asymmetric outer ply construction: Spruce on the forehand side and American Walnut on the backhand side. That alone already tells you this is not a conventional build.

Forehand – Spruce outer ply

The Spruce side offers:
• Longer dwell time
• Higher throw angle
• Easier opening against backspin

The feeling is elastic without being mushy. On slow and medium loops, the ball sinks in just enough to create a comfortable arc. Opening against heavy underspin feels very natural and safe. The trajectory is clearly higher compared to the backhand side.

If you’re a player who relies on spin-based forehand initiation, this side gives confidence.

Backhand – American Walnut outer ply

The Walnut side is noticeably harder and more direct.
• Lower throw angle
• More linear response
• Very stable in blocking

What I liked most here is how predictable it feels. There’s less catapult, more direct feedback, and the trajectory stays flatter. This makes it especially interesting for players using anti-spin or long pimples on the backhand, or for those who prefer compact, controlled backhand counters and blocks.

It’s rare to find a blade where one side clearly promotes a higher arc and the other a lower one. Usually, combo blades differ in speed — not in throw angle this distinctly.

Inner structure – UDC (Ultra Dense Carbon)

Inside, the blade uses Ultra Dense Carbon placed in an inner configuration.

Compared to something like ALC, it’s not as explosive. Instead, it provides:
• A larger sweet spot
• Reduced vibration
• Controlled power when accelerating

It doesn’t overpower the wood feeling. You still feel the character of each outer ply, but with added stability and consistency on stronger shots.

Overall Impression
This is honestly the first combi blade I’ve tried where:
• One side clearly produces a higher trajectory
• The other produces a lower one
• Without feeling like two completely disconnected blades

Most combo constructions I’ve played before were either high throw on both sides or low throw on both sides, just with different speed levels. This one actually changes the geometry of the ball flight depending on the side you use.

That makes it very interesting for tactical players who build points differently on forehand and backhand.

I’ll continue testing it and will share more detailed impressions soon. If anyone else has tried it, I’d be curious to compare notes.
This of course definitely is not a blade for away from the table choppers
As for block & loop players like Manika Batra etc it may make more sense with harder side on forehand & softer side on backhand

But this comes from the common myth that you need a hard side for slim or actual long pips OX

Because you definitely want a softer backhand side with no composites for higher dwell time and more spin reversal

Think about this > if a player wants a hard side on the backhand, they might as well use Butterfly Sardius LOL

On the other hand there is nothing wrong with wanting a spinny forehand side composition rather than hard layer composition but th ekey for a smart bladee design is also have softer side for slim or long pips OX pips for your backhand for more spin reversal.
Freak Spin
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Re: DiegoX > Which blade are you talking about ? Rs: 1st Dan – Review

Post by Freak Spin »

diegoX wrote: on Monday ,16 February 2026 at 10:28 PM
What immediately makes this blade different is the asymmetric outer ply construction: Spruce on the forehand side and American Walnut on the backhand side. That alone already tells you this is not a conventional build.
Is this inner layer composite material design?
Also with carbon on both sides?
If it is , it makes no sense at all

It you want a smart blade using composite material, you want it ONLY one side as outer layer (of course below the outer most wood layer.........I am told you cannot have a composite material as outer layer) not as an inner layer
Also even if it is inner layer why would you have it on both sides >
Carbon is a hard ply & I would have it only for the hard side & would have a softer composite material like ALC or Kevlar on soft side
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Hyperglid
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Re: DiegoX > Which blade are you talking about ? Rs: 1st Dan – Review

Post by Hyperglid »

DiegoX ,
Your post points to a 5+2 blade
The blade below points to a 6+1 blade by Yasaka ?
https://yasaka.hr/proizvod/redblack-1st-dan-doubleface/
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Salva
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Re: DiegoX > Which blade are you talking about ? Rs: 1st Dan – Review

Post by Salva »

Hyperglid wrote: ↑February 17th, 2026, 2:52 am DiegoX ,
Your post points to a 5+2 blade
The blade below points to a 6+1 blade by Yasaka ?
https://yasaka.hr/proizvod/redblack-1st-dan-doubleface/
Yeah this website has quite a few such blades from Yaskaka
https://www.spinfactory.de/tischtennis- ... asaka.html
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