Looking for Blade Suggestions (Balanced, Handle-Heavy, Injury Prevention)

[xeNTric]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a new blade that’s balanced or handle-heavy to prevent wrist and shoulder strain. My playstyle is offensive, focused on spin-based attacks and looping, but I want to avoid blades that are too head-heavy or over 90g.

Key points:

• Excellent vibration dampening
• Good speed with solid control
• Weight should preferably be 85-89 grams

I was considering the Butterfly Innerforce ALC, but the new model’s weight can be inconsistent (up to 92g). I’m also looking into:

• Andro Synteliac VCI OFF
• Nittaku Acoustic Carbon
• Victas Koki Niwa ZC

I’d love to hear your experiences with these or any similar blades. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[xeNTric]

Any tips, any insights anyone?
Thank you!

 

[joesan-tt]

I'm using Nittaku Acoustic Inner Carbon, but not yet had the chance to test it in a proper training session. Will report here in the next days.

 

[pong99]

If you really know exactly what you want, then contact a custom blade maker like Sergio at SDC and get a blade made to your specs.

 

[xeNTric]

@pong99 Great suggestion! Thank you!! I will definitely check it out.

 

[xeNTric]

@joesan-tt Much appreciated! The more feedback I can get to be better informed, the better.

 

[Silver Server]

Golden Viscaria

 

[piligrim]

I have same problem. Also was looking for Acoustic Carbon but they all heavy

 

[xeNTric]

@Silver Server I think that will be a hard one to get 😅
But... It might be possible to recreate if going for a custom made blade, so... Will look into it!

 

[xeNTric]

I have same problem. Also was looking for Acoustic Carbon but they all heavy

I feel your pain (literally).

 

[joesan-tt]

I just posted in the other thread. My Nitaku Acoustic Inner Carbon G-Revision with Rakza Z 2.0 on BH and G-1 max on FH weighs around 193 gm. Annoying!

 

[Zwill]

Something with Balsa as core? For older or injured players I usually recommend Yinhe T11, it's around 65-70g damn fast but also has a nice touch.

Not saying you need this but something balsa core might be suitable. Could be Balsacarbo X5 etc etc

I think the problem with your blade options are that they are either 90g and balanced and the lighter ones will be more head heavy. Most of the weight difference comes from the handle, how much they hollow it. It's not a rule but the more they hollow the handle the more light the blade is and the more head heavy.

Balsa core blades are light since balsa is so extremely light.

 

[KM1976]

I am using Butterfly blades. In US, you can order a blade on specific weight (if it is available). In my opinion, butterfly blades are more balanced compared to other brands. I have used offensive blades from Tibhar and Donic in the past. These blades tend to be more head heavy.
Another brand which you can consider is Xiom. I have used a Stradivarius and recently got a HAL from a friend. Both seem to be balanced.
It won't do any harm to get your technique analyzed by working with a coach. I was sailing on the same boat that blade weight prevents injury. I still do agree but somewhat with this phrase but not completely. The more I learn the usage of body and arm relaxation during an offensive stroke the more I believe that it's my technique which is creating more risks for an injury and not the blade itself.

 

[joesan-tt]

Is 90.5 grams for the blade weight still heavy for the Butterfly Innerforce ALC?

 

[KM1976]

Is 90.5 grams for the blade weight still heavy for the Butterfly Innerforce ALC?

Very difficult to comment or provide feedback on what is heavy or not. Since it totally depends on your physiology and preferences. I play mid-distance and for me personally, I prefer my blade weight to be in 87-89 gms. range.

 

[xeNTric]

I just posted in the other thread. My Nitaku Acoustic Inner Carbon G-Revision with Rakza Z 2.0 on BH and G-1 max on FH weighs around 193 gm. Annoying!

Along with trying to avoid head-heavy blades, that's an overall weight I'd like to avoid myself also (if possible).

 

[xeNTric]

Something with Balsa as core? For older or injured players I usually recommend Yinhe T11, it's around 65-70g damn fast but also has a nice touch.

Not saying you need this but something balsa core might be suitable. Could be Balsacarbo X5 etc etc

I think the problem with your blade options are that they are either 90g and balanced and the lighter ones will be more head heavy. Most of the weight difference comes from the handle, how much they hollow it. It's not a rule but the more they hollow the handle the more light the blade is and the more head heavy.

Balsa core blades are light since balsa is so extremely light.

@Zwill thank you for the feedback! Didn't know the characteristics of Balsa, and it definitely sounds interesting on the way it impacts weight.

 

[xeNTric]

I am using Butterfly blades. In US, you can order a blade on specific weight (if it is available). In my opinion, butterfly blades are more balanced compared to other brands. I have used offensive blades from Tibhar and Donic in the past. These blades tend to be more head heavy.
Another brand which you can consider is Xiom. I have used a Stradivarius and recently got a HAL from a friend. Both seem to be balanced.
It won't do any harm to get your technique analyzed by working with a coach. I was sailing on the same boat that blade weight prevents injury. I still do agree but somewhat with this phrase but not completely. The more I learn the usage of body and arm relaxation during an offensive stroke the more I believe that it's my technique which is creating more risks for an injury and not the blade itself.

@KM1976 Your timing couldn't be better! While trying to be better informed on the gear, I have a session planned with a coach to look specifically into biomechanics, pick up on any improvements I need to make and any adjustments possible, and bring them into my game.

 

[KM1976]

@KM1976 Your timing couldn't be better! While trying to be better informed on the gear, I have a session planned with a coach to look specifically into biomechanics, pick up on any improvements I need to make and any adjustments possible, and bring them into my game.

Amazing! good luck my friend and take it step by step. You are on the right track. Trust the process and put in the hours.

 

[Chr75]

My acoustic Carbon inner weight 84,5.
Balance without rubbers is 3,4 cm.