ID this unknown Darker please

Hello. I recently bought a new old Darker from a Ebay seller, at a high price, because told me that it's one of his oldest racket even amongst his BTY Power Drive, BTY Tamaropa, Stiga Clipper, Stiga Metal Wood, Stiga Graphite Wood, etc. So it has to be at least 25yo. I took off the old rubbers and the blade is in mint condition, looks like never used. It plays fantastic with modern rubbers. I was shocked how good it plays the first time. It's about ALL+, very soft and lots of dwell time. Feel like an old Stiga AR (softer) with lots of control for loops, but also slightly stiff from the center for good blocking.
This is a 4w+C. The racket seems to be carbon at the center; it's a black layer. It has two outer layers of Hinoki, extremely good grain. The top ply runs along the racket vertically. The second layer goes horizontally across. There are two 1mm layer of wood on each side going from the end of the handle to where the rubber begins. The blade is about 6.8mm thick, a little more than average. From the handle's construction and my research, the blade seem to be hand made.
I am looking for name and information of this Darker blade. When I search for "Darker", "carbon", "center", I found only somehting about Cole's wife. Just kidding. I think it's a Darker center carbon. Please let me know if I am correct.



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The Darker Center Carbon is a bizarre beast.

Again, anyone with some infomation of this blade is highly appreciated.

I didn't know Paddle Palace used to sell Darkers. Too bad they don't carry Darker anymore, or else I would get a lot of info. The top seem to be Hinoki as well. I wonder why the two layers are perpendicular instead of the traditional same direction. So far the center carbon hasn't caused any unwanted shots.

The metal logo is in the first pic. I am pretty sure that the age is correct because the seller is very reliable. He sold me other stuff that proved to be the real stuff.

No label on mine and it was like new when I got it.

If it's a copy, it's a hell of a good one.  It looks exactly like mine.

Hi,
I have a Darker Center carbon, purchased from Paddle Palace several years ago. The racket has a metal tag on the bottom of the handle, in addition to the embedded tag shown in your photo. It still has the BX700 sticker. I am currently using Tibhar Grip-S Europe Soft, max on the FH; and Yasaka Rakza 2.0, soft on theBH. I started using these rubbers because of the "off/on" feel of the racket. This combination is working well for me. I like it so well, that I may try to purchase another. Did you uncover any more info on this blade?

I have owned a Darker Center Carbon in the past. It is a wonderful blade and a collectible jewel.

That would be a Darker BX-700, I'm afraid someone else now has the one that I was posting for a friend a few days ago  =)

I still have my Darker Center Carbon. The lens actually says "Center Carbon". I have since acquired a Darker Speed 90, which I love! I plan to purchase a second. I am currently recovering from lumbar spinal fusion, so won't be playing 'till April. Had "non invasive" fusion 12 days ago. Had SUPER surgeons at Walter Reed Naval Medical Hospital. I walked around ward the afternoon after morning surgery!
I missed the NATTS at Baltimore, but will be ready next year.
Thanks for your response.

I'm 61. Too old for "hoopin'"; but just right for loopin'"!!

Hello thethinker,