Victas Koki Niwa Wood, Nittaku Acoustic Inner Carbon, and Acoustic

[virtuososiu]

I tested the Koki Niwa Wood after extended use of the Acoustic Inner Carbon (large handle), and previously the all-wood Acoustic (large handle).
Overall, the Koki Niwa Wood does not feel as refined as either of the Acoustic blades. It has a slightly harder, more muted feel compared to the Acoustic Inner Carbon. (Update: This also due to the thicker, 7ply wood construction.) However, it still offers solid control and adequate dwell time, allowing for good spin generation relative to the Acoustics inner carbon.
One pleasant surprise is the ST handle on the Koki Niwa Wood, which is wider than expected. Players with larger hands should find it comfortable.
In terms of performance, the all-wood Acoustic provides superior control and spin. However, if additional stiffness and support are required, both the Koki Niwa Wood and the Acoustic Inner Carbon are suitable alternatives.
Despite its more muted feedback, the Koki Niwa Wood feels more stable and forgiving when looping against backspin compared to the Acoustic Inner Carbon, although the difference is not huge. Without the inner carbon layer, it is less tolerant of incomplete strokes, but it also avoids the occasional unpredictable rebound often associated with conventional, inner, plain carbon constructions.
Finally, the Koki Niwa Wood does not quite match the high expectations around touch and feel often mentioned on platforms like Red Note and Bilibili. In this regard, both Acoustic blades are clearly superior.

 

[Nash77]

good review virtuososiu.

can you elaborate about the differences between the acoustic all-wood and the acoustic inner carbon?

 

[virtuososiu]

The Acoustic all-wood stands out for its control and spin. With a heavier unit (like the large handle version I got at around 90g), it offers solid speed and power. It’s obviously not comparable to a carbon blade in outright pace, but for most players—especially when paired with high-end rubbers—it’s more than sufficient.
That said, being a 5-ply all-wood blade, its strengths in control and dwell time can also become limitations. Against stronger opponents with higher racket speed, I found the ball stayed on the blade slightly too long, which reduced the quickness of the return. In those situations, you start to feel the need for additional “support,” which is where the Inner Carbon version comes in.
The Inner Carbon does feel more muted, as many have noted, so it lacks some of the softer, more pleasant feedback of the all-wood version. The flex is moderate—not overly pronounced—which will suit a lot of players. Those who prefer the feel of BTY ALC or ZLC blades may still lean that way, but players who value a more “woody” feel with strong control may appreciate this blade.
There is a noticeable increase in power and response when you engage the carbon layer on harder shots, but it remains relatively controlled compared to many conventional inner carbon blades.
Overall, I’d say the ratings on TTDB and Revspin are fairly accurate.

good review virtuososiu.

can you elaborate about the differences between the acoustic all-wood and the acoustic inner carbon?