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Sanwei was kind enough to send over their new Sanwei Froster Pro for review recently - I was looking forward to trying it out since I had a good experience with their top end Sanwei Froster PBO.
First off, the Sanwei Froster comes in the same light blue case that also comes with the Froster PBO. It very quickly became my case of choice thanks to the generous amount of space there (I've fairly easily stored 4 fully assembled bats in one case including a small bottle of Revolution No.3 rubber cleaner, a small sponge and a few table tennis balls) - while this review is for the bat rather than the case, it helps improve the value of the Froster Pro since every bat order from Sanwei comes with that case.
For anyone interested, one of the pictures shows the difference in looks between the Froster PBO and Froster Pro.
Video of my cuts as I was trying out different setups on this blade:
I also asked Sanwei a few questions to get some deeper insights about the blade. I've edited the answers slightly for readability any any bold emphasis is mine:
1. Can you give more insight into the R&D effort for this blade? What was the testing and refining process like with players?
The development of the Froster Pro was a long-term, player-driven R&D project. From the early prototype stage, we focused on achieving a precise balance between stability, power transmission, and touch feedback.
Multiple prototypes were produced with subtle variations in ply thickness, core elasticity, and fiber placement. These versions were tested extensively by high-level amateur and semi-professional players, primarily those with an offensive game built around controlled topspin and mid-distance rallies. Feedback was collected on dwell time, vibration clarity, and shot confidence under pressure.
Based on this real-match feedback, we continuously refined the blade’s structure—especially how the blade responds during high-impact shots far from table game situations. The final Froster Pro represents the version that consistently delivered predictable rebound, clean feedback, and confidence-inspiring control across different playing styles.
2. What was the driver or goal behind developing and ultimately launching this blade?
The primary goal behind developing this blade was to enhance the long-distance offensive capability of the Froster series, especially in mid-to-far-from-the-table play, while maintaining a high level of control. We wanted players to gain more penetration and stability in rallies without sacrificing touch in blocking, countering, and transition shots.
In short, the objective was to create a blade that delivers stronger, more confident attacking performance than the original Froster, while being more controllable and more affordable than Viscaria. The result is a blade designed for serious competitive players who want professional-level performance with greater forgiveness and value.
3. How was the handle designed? In terms of colors and shapes used.
The handle design of the Froster Pro was driven primarily by visual harmony and performance identity. Since the blade features blue fiber layers, the handle colors were intentionally selected to complement and echo this element. The blue-toned accents create a cohesive, unified look that visually connects the handle with the blade’s internal structure.
Review
Looking at the blade itself - the wood plies are nice and smooth and the handle has a neat classy feel to it. The company name, Sanwei, is printed on a silver backing for the Froster Pro with the word Froster written in neat font below it. The handle design is a neat blend of blue and uses black as an accent colour, separating the two colours with a white line. I like that the colours aren't garish and aren't muted either. It adds to the impression that this is one classy blade.
Sanwei shares the following details for the blade:
Structure: KOTO-(Japan-made)PLC-AYOUS-KIRI
Weight: 88g+/- 5.0g
Thickness: 5.7mm+/-0.2 mm
The various setups I tried:
I forgot to weigh the initial components when I was assembling the first setup so I'll just share the total weight of the last setup and update this later:
Sanwei Target National + Xiom Omega VIII China = 185g
Setup 1 and 2 both were a struggle for many players due to the level of stiffness and overall hardness. A few who were more used to tenergy and dignics didn't like the overall combination. The vibrations were really low, which suits players who don't like picking up blade vibrations. I also had a freshly cut Gear Hyper rubber that I could easily glide my hand over (giving the impression that there was no spin) but could generate the expected amount of spin when doing chops and topspin drives with it. Confusing scenario!
Having spend some time trying out setup 1 and 2 and letting other players try them out for themselves, I feel that this blade is a bit stiff for amateur players unused to harder rubbers. For myself, I was able to utilise my serves very effectively and they remained dangerous even for players better than me. Touch play was really good with the blade and rubber combo. Several players who had tenergy or dignics 05 on other ALC/ZLC blades also commented that there was quite a drop in speed and they wanted something equally as fast (or faster!). This is more of a player preference thing though since there's a tradeoff to every type of blade. With the inherent stiffness of the blade, I'd also think that this would be good for short pip players (hmmmmm... maybe I should try a setup with pips on it!). I play a generally flatter game and do a lot of blocks right off the bounce - I was very happy with what I could accomplish with the setups.
When I switched over to Setup #3 - people had more positive impressions - the Xiom Omega VIII China had great speed and spin to pair with this blade and it isn't a particularly hard rubber either. If you're getting this blade, I suggest a hybrid rubber on one side for the control and a medium hardness rubber on the other for your attacking side. Be aware that going with a harder rubber would likely need more skill and acceleration to execute certain shots.
Ultimately, this is another useful addition to Sanwei's lineup in the Froster series. I'd probably update this review further with more impressions over the coming weeks as I see how it plays with different types of rubbers. Ending with some match play video clips so you can see how it plays:
And a knock test for the blade frequency:
And finally, a link to Sanwei's post in here introducing the blade - https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/topics/sanwei-froster-pro，based-on-feedback-from-all-marketing-info-a-comprehensive-upgrade-for-froster.38446/
First off, the Sanwei Froster comes in the same light blue case that also comes with the Froster PBO. It very quickly became my case of choice thanks to the generous amount of space there (I've fairly easily stored 4 fully assembled bats in one case including a small bottle of Revolution No.3 rubber cleaner, a small sponge and a few table tennis balls) - while this review is for the bat rather than the case, it helps improve the value of the Froster Pro since every bat order from Sanwei comes with that case.
For anyone interested, one of the pictures shows the difference in looks between the Froster PBO and Froster Pro.
Video of my cuts as I was trying out different setups on this blade:
I also asked Sanwei a few questions to get some deeper insights about the blade. I've edited the answers slightly for readability any any bold emphasis is mine:
1. Can you give more insight into the R&D effort for this blade? What was the testing and refining process like with players?
The development of the Froster Pro was a long-term, player-driven R&D project. From the early prototype stage, we focused on achieving a precise balance between stability, power transmission, and touch feedback.
Multiple prototypes were produced with subtle variations in ply thickness, core elasticity, and fiber placement. These versions were tested extensively by high-level amateur and semi-professional players, primarily those with an offensive game built around controlled topspin and mid-distance rallies. Feedback was collected on dwell time, vibration clarity, and shot confidence under pressure.
Based on this real-match feedback, we continuously refined the blade’s structure—especially how the blade responds during high-impact shots far from table game situations. The final Froster Pro represents the version that consistently delivered predictable rebound, clean feedback, and confidence-inspiring control across different playing styles.
2. What was the driver or goal behind developing and ultimately launching this blade?
The primary goal behind developing this blade was to enhance the long-distance offensive capability of the Froster series, especially in mid-to-far-from-the-table play, while maintaining a high level of control. We wanted players to gain more penetration and stability in rallies without sacrificing touch in blocking, countering, and transition shots.
In short, the objective was to create a blade that delivers stronger, more confident attacking performance than the original Froster, while being more controllable and more affordable than Viscaria. The result is a blade designed for serious competitive players who want professional-level performance with greater forgiveness and value.
3. How was the handle designed? In terms of colors and shapes used.
The handle design of the Froster Pro was driven primarily by visual harmony and performance identity. Since the blade features blue fiber layers, the handle colors were intentionally selected to complement and echo this element. The blue-toned accents create a cohesive, unified look that visually connects the handle with the blade’s internal structure.
Review
Looking at the blade itself - the wood plies are nice and smooth and the handle has a neat classy feel to it. The company name, Sanwei, is printed on a silver backing for the Froster Pro with the word Froster written in neat font below it. The handle design is a neat blend of blue and uses black as an accent colour, separating the two colours with a white line. I like that the colours aren't garish and aren't muted either. It adds to the impression that this is one classy blade.
Sanwei shares the following details for the blade:
Structure: KOTO-(Japan-made)PLC-AYOUS-KIRI
Weight: 88g+/- 5.0g
Thickness: 5.7mm+/-0.2 mm
The various setups I tried:
- Sanwei Target National + Sanwei Gear Hyper
- Sanwei Target National + Xiom Vega Korea
- Sanwei Target National + Xiom Omega VIII China
I forgot to weigh the initial components when I was assembling the first setup so I'll just share the total weight of the last setup and update this later:
Sanwei Target National + Xiom Omega VIII China = 185g
Setup 1 and 2 both were a struggle for many players due to the level of stiffness and overall hardness. A few who were more used to tenergy and dignics didn't like the overall combination. The vibrations were really low, which suits players who don't like picking up blade vibrations. I also had a freshly cut Gear Hyper rubber that I could easily glide my hand over (giving the impression that there was no spin) but could generate the expected amount of spin when doing chops and topspin drives with it. Confusing scenario!
Having spend some time trying out setup 1 and 2 and letting other players try them out for themselves, I feel that this blade is a bit stiff for amateur players unused to harder rubbers. For myself, I was able to utilise my serves very effectively and they remained dangerous even for players better than me. Touch play was really good with the blade and rubber combo. Several players who had tenergy or dignics 05 on other ALC/ZLC blades also commented that there was quite a drop in speed and they wanted something equally as fast (or faster!). This is more of a player preference thing though since there's a tradeoff to every type of blade. With the inherent stiffness of the blade, I'd also think that this would be good for short pip players (hmmmmm... maybe I should try a setup with pips on it!). I play a generally flatter game and do a lot of blocks right off the bounce - I was very happy with what I could accomplish with the setups.
When I switched over to Setup #3 - people had more positive impressions - the Xiom Omega VIII China had great speed and spin to pair with this blade and it isn't a particularly hard rubber either. If you're getting this blade, I suggest a hybrid rubber on one side for the control and a medium hardness rubber on the other for your attacking side. Be aware that going with a harder rubber would likely need more skill and acceleration to execute certain shots.
Ultimately, this is another useful addition to Sanwei's lineup in the Froster series. I'd probably update this review further with more impressions over the coming weeks as I see how it plays with different types of rubbers. Ending with some match play video clips so you can see how it plays:
And a knock test for the blade frequency:
And finally, a link to Sanwei's post in here introducing the blade - https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/topics/sanwei-froster-pro，based-on-feedback-from-all-marketing-info-a-comprehensive-upgrade-for-froster.38446/
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