Nittaku Acoustic Review: The Clear, Balanced Five-Ply All-Wood
Acoustic is known for five plies of all-wood with a distinct clear, lively feel, balancing control and speed. This review explains its build, feel and fit.
One-line verdict
If you want an all-wood blade that feels more responsive and loops more stably than a typical five-ply, Acoustic is among the best-balanced in its class; its clear feel is hard to give up once learned.
Specs
- Build: 5-ply all-wood (Nittaku’s signature wood mix, limba outer)
- Thickness: about 5.5 mm
- Weight: shakehand commonly 85–90 g
- Style: Offensive, balanced
Hands-on
“Clear” defines Acoustic. It is neither as stiff and direct as a seven-ply nor as hollow as a soft five-ply; it transmits power crisply to the hand while still gripping the ball. Decent stroke already produces quality, loops are stable with a lively second bounce, and repeat looping flows. Its speed is mid-to-high among all-wood but still a step behind seven-ply and composite blades — the payoff is higher forgiveness and a longer controllable window. Nittaku’s finish is refined, and balance is generally pleasing.
How it compares
- Want stiffer, faster all-wood? Stiga Clipper Wood (seven-ply speed benchmark).
- Want all-wood on a budget? Galaxy U2.
- Want all-wood feel with modern speed and forgiveness? Viscaria (outer aramid-carbon).
Buying advice
For loop-oriented intermediate/advanced players who want all-wood feel without giving up too much speed. Budget beginners should start on cheaper all-wood to build touch.
References
- Nittaku official product page (Acoustic specifications)
- TableTennisDaily community reviews
- Chinese equipment-forum long-term player posts