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Handle Tenaly Size :From researching the Nittaku tenaly handles further, it seems like the handle is too thin near the blade. Some believe it's due to being designed specifically for smaller Japanese women hands (the designer was a former women's champion). Other's think that it's thin so that it can double as a penhold as well as shakehand. The result is many people are suggesting it be 'fixed' for shakehand players with grip tape.
I'm starting to think that Tenaly isn't popular because Nittaku botched its launch by not designing it specifically for shakehand and for normal sized men's hands (which comprise the large majority of the market) and instead trying to cover too many bases at the same time. If you're going to convince people to switch to an ergonomic handle, it better feel perfect for the shakehand player, and enough for them to invest time to switch. By making it try to appeal to everyone, it ended up being suitable for nobody.
I'll still probably pick up one out of curiosity and then fix the thinness with grip tape. But infamou thin Nittaku handle is the exact reason why I got rid of my Acoustic. Right now it looks like the true Tenaly experience can only experienced by people with very small hands or people who can risk have a custom blade and handle made.
Handle Tenaly Size :
Tenaly, lenght 95,3 mm; width 22,6 (at thumb) 26,8 (in the middle) - 34,8 (at the end base); height 20,5 - 20,7
Great that the blade works for you to get rid of the pain issue!After reading many posts, I've recently switched to a Tenaly blade and found the bent handle significant for my game. Its ergonomic shape has been an improvement for both forehand and backhand.
Pros:
1. Longer FH reach from reduced Z-shape form
2. No need for elbow-toward-the-ceiling BH flicks
3. Easier to get under the ball for both loops and flicks.
4. Lower head heaviness from change in balance point
5. Relaxed wrist and arm muscles
Cons:
1. The thin handle must be remedied with grip tape.
2. Long? adjustment period. I'm still top edging balls after a few weeks in
Nittaku Tenaly has been easier to play overall, both technically and physically. The core reason I pulled the trigger on this blade was a sore pain that ran through the outside of my entire arm. Since the change, there's been no pain.