Loki W81 Outer ALC

[Haito]

Loki W81 Outer ALC — Review​

I've been playing with the Loki W81 Outer ALC for a relatively short time, so these are my first impressions rather than a definitive long-term review. The W81 comes in six different versions; this review is specifically about the Outer ALC.

My blade weighs 88 g. The first thing I noticed is the significant catapult. With a bigger topspin stroke, the increase in both speed and spin is very noticeable. Compared to my previous, slower and more linear blade, the W81 has a much more pronounced second gear.

Forehand​

The biggest change for me is how easily I can play forward.

With my previous blade, I often had to consciously lift the ball to create enough arc, especially against backspin. With the W81, I can simply drive forward. I don't really have to think about the trajectory anymore — I think about where I want the ball to go, make the stroke, and it usually goes there.

This also makes attacking serves much easier.

I have a teammate who used to regularly play a pendulum serve deep into my forehand, close to the side of the table. With my previous blade, I often put my attack into the net. After a short adjustment period with the W81, I started attacking these serves consistently enough that he stopped using them after a few sets.

That's probably the most convincing evidence for me that this blade suits my forehand.

The FH flip has improved as well. Previously I had to hit it quite hard to get the ball over the net. With the W81, I can use a much more relaxed motion and still get a useful ball.

The blade also makes it very easy to generate speed without using much force. A committed stroke adds a lot of speed and spin, but even a relatively relaxed shot can be fast enough to trouble my opponents.

Short game and blocks​

For an Outer ALC blade with this kind of speed, I find the short game surprisingly easy.

It's easy to keep the ball short, both when adding spin and when trying to kill the incoming spin. Soft shots from mid-distance are also very easy. I can relax my hand, absorb the incoming ball and gently put it just over the net.

The backhand block is excellent as well. It is very stable and returns a lot of energy without requiring me to add much force.

Backhand​

The backhand is more complicated.

My BH drive requires me to open the racket angle considerably more than I'm naturally comfortable with. Against backspin, it's particularly problematic.

However, I'm currently using a two-year-old Xiom Vega Europe, so I don't want to blame the blade yet. When I turn the racket around and use my forehand rubber for the backhand, most of the problem disappears.

I'll update this part once I have tested the blade with fresh rubbers.

Away from the table​

The W81 is very easy to use for strong topspin from mid-distance. Again, I find myself playing more forward rather than upward, and the ball still has enough arc to land safely.

It's also easy to play softer balls from distance, including very gentle topspin shots just over the net.

Chopping​

This is probably the clearest weakness I've found.

Chopping from behind the table is noticeably harder for me than with my previous blade. My default result is that the ball flies long. Interestingly, if I put more energy into the chop, it becomes easier to bring the ball down, but that's not exactly what I want from a defensive shot.

So if you're looking for a blade that makes defensive chopping easy, the W81 probably isn't it.

Build and ergonomics​

The playing surface comes polished from the factory, so I recommend lightly roughening it before gluing the rubbers. I haven't had any issues with adhesion after doing so.

The edges are quite sharp, especially around the wings, and I would recommend sanding them down. The FL handle is also rather angular and isn't particularly comfortable for me. It doesn't affect my play, but it can be annoying.

I measured a resonance frequency of around 1440 Hz on my sample.

My blade was labelled as 93g, without the wrapper it weighs at 88g. Not sure if the wrapper is 5g, BUT i have ordered 3 more, so I can let u know when they arrive.

Final thoughts​

The W81 Outer ALC is a blade that rewards commitment.

When I commit to a technically correct stroke, it gives me a lot of speed, spin and a very easy forward trajectory. When I hesitate or make a poor stroke, the same catapult can be very unforgiving.

That's probably the most important thing I'd say about it: hesitation costs points.

For an offensive player with reasonably consistent technique, I think the W81 Outer ALC is a very interesting option. It makes aggressive forward play remarkably easy while still being manageable in the short game.

And if you're looking for a Viscaria-style outer ALC blade, the W81 Outer ALC is certainly a candidate worth considering.

(Unaffiliated link for context: https://www.lokigermany.de/home/W81-PRO-Outer-ALC-p674718874, also available on Aliexpress for much cheaper price)

My current setup isn't ideal for judging the backhand because of the worn-out rubbers, so I'll update the review after testing it with fresh ones.

 

[TTL]

What is your previous blade?

 

[Haito]

What is your previous blade?

Vodak Horejsi Super ALC