Nittaku Violoncello Shakehand Blade

A stringed-instrument-construction defensive blade for choppers who also want to attack

The Violoncello is a defensive shakehand racket for choppers who also want to attack. Chopping is a defensive stroke that returns the ball with backspin. It is a 5-ply blade made with the stringed-instrument construction method, and is described as featuring a wide sweet spot and blade flex.

Features

• 5 wood plies finished using what Nittaku calls the "stringed-instrument construction method."
• A design with a wide sweet spot (the area where it is easy to hit the ball on the center of the blade).
• A design that uses the flex of the blade to create a sense of gripping the ball.
• On Nittaku's own ratings, speed is Mid-slow and feel is Soft. The blade is 5.3 mm thick.
• The blade is 164×154 mm and weighs about 92 g. The grip comes in two types, FL and ST.

Recommended for

• Players who build their game around chopping but want to attack when a chance comes
• Choppers who value a balance of attack and defense
• Players looking for a Japanese-made defensive blade

Pros and things to consider

Pros

• Although it is a defensive blade, it is designed with attack in mind too, making it easier to balance attack and defense.
• You can choose the grip from two types, FL and ST.
• A Japanese-made blade finished with the stringed-instrument construction method.

Things to consider

• It weighs about 92 g (manufacturer-stated), so players used to lighter blades may find it heavy.
• Speed is rated Mid-slow (Nittaku's classification), so it is not suited to players whose game centers on attack.

Specifications

Speed, Feel are Nittaku's own published ratings; they cannot be compared with other manufacturers' figures.

FAQ

Q. What is the difference between FL and ST?

A. FL (flared) widens toward the end of the grip, while ST (straight) is straight. The manufacturer-stated sizes are 100×24 mm for FL and 100×23 mm for ST.

Q. Can players other than choppers use it?

A. Because it is a defensive chopping model, it is intended for players whose game centers on chopping. Players who mainly attack may also want to consider an offensive blade.

Before you buy

• This item is ordered from our supplier after you place your order, then shipped from Japan.
• If it is out of stock at the manufacturer or supplier, delivery may take longer. If a restock is not expected, we may cancel your order. We will contact you by email in either case.
• Ships from Osaka, Japan by Japan Post. We ship this item to the United States, Australia and Brazil. Shipping fees are shown at checkout.
• United States: we prepay the US import duty. It is included in the shipping fee shown at checkout, so there is nothing to pay on delivery.
• Australia: no import duty or GST for orders of A$1,000 or less.
• Brazil: import taxes (about 93–100% of the order value including shipping) are paid by the recipient on delivery. Your CPF number is required for customs; we will ask for it by email after you order.
• Rubbers are sold separately. Please also choose two rubbers, glue and edge tape.
• Weights are a guide. Because the blade is made of wood, weight and grain vary from blade to blade.
• Images are for illustration. Colors may look different depending on your screen.
• Specifications and design may change without notice.