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Nittaku Latika Review

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peter79 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Nittaku Latika Review
    Posted: 07/30/2010 at 3:41am
Got this blade from iruiru, weight 93 gr, FL handle.
It's 5 Ply wood:
1. Limba
2. don't know
3. Thick Ayous
4. don't know
5. Limba

This is an oversized version of Nittaku Kazumi Basic

The FL handle is big enough for my big hands, more like a Tenor FL handle but narrower and thicker. I suggest everyone to buy FL handle because it feels bigger and better than the ST handle.

The feel is between Acoustic and Violin.
It is harder than Acoustic  but abit softer than Violin.
Surprisingly it has more vibration feel than Acoustic n Violin !!!!!

Speed is faster than Acoustic, probably the same as Tenor.

For Smashing it's better than acousic, looping also very good.

It's a very affordable blade and another great job from Nittaku.

Here are the pictures together with Acoustic and Violin L-sized:

























Edited by peter79 - 07/30/2010 at 11:14pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 3:50am
It's a good alternative for Yasaka Extra Offensive user which found YEO too springy. Latika is as fast as YEO but not springy and considered a linear blade.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote komano Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 4:02am
Would you mind taking some pictures of the blade?
Cheers.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 4:07am
Originally posted by komano komano wrote:

Would you mind taking some pictures of the blade?
Cheers.

This is ST handle pictures taken from www.nittaku.co.kr







I'll take my FL handle picture later Tongue
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ztec Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 9:23am

peter79, I notice you're using two rather heavy rubbers on the Latika, what's the balance like with this blade?

Your play will change your opinion of your equipment more than your equipment will change your opinion of your play.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 12:49pm
Total weight is 181 gr. Just, really just a bit head heavy which I like for better looping. The head size is big and wide, I can put my pointing finger inside the blade head, which I can't do on violin and acoustic L-sized. My pointing finger always placed outside the blade head.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Slade Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 1:34pm
Isn't it something like 160x152? On the high end of normal, but not oversized. I was expecting something slower, etc., I might as well use my Tenor if I want that weight, solid feeling, etc. I have a Latika ST for sale; check my thread.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ppgear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 6:33pm
There's a review on the Table Tennis Database as well:
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/30/2010 at 11:14pm
Pictures added.
Andro Wanokiwami AO Offensive 83 gr
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thaidog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/31/2010 at 1:12am
Nice review! Looks very similar to the Acoustic.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote komano Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/31/2010 at 6:07am
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Pictures added.


Thank you very much Peter!No doubt, the forum`s Medal Of Honor should be awarded to you and NickoRulez. Once again thanks for your presence guys! Clap
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07/31/2010 at 11:18am
I just wonder what is the heaviest Latika FL Available. Normal weight is 88 gr, I got 93.8 gr. which is more than 5 gr heavier than normal weight.

Weight is an important factor for all wood blade, I don't know whether the lighter Latika will perform the same as the heavier one.

If anybody wants to buy Korbel, YEO, Tenor, Hking 655 then Latika is good alternative.
The finishing is good, speed is fast for 5 ply blade, and the control is even better than Acoustic which is slower.

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H3 National Orange 40 deg 2.2
Baracuda Max
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tomas.gt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/02/2010 at 3:56am
I thought that latika would be too flexible. For 5ply structure at about 5.8mm thickness, I would expect more flexibility than tenor has. Basically the flexibility of violin and acoustic turned me away from these blades. Peter, could you confirm me, that Latika has significant flex, though (probably) it is more stiff than violin?
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/02/2010 at 4:15am
I found Acoustic is more flexible and softer than Violin.
Violin is harder and stiffer than Acousitc, but a bit slower than Acoustic, but better for smashing.
Latika Meanwhile is abit softer than Violin, smash is as good as Violin and loop as good as Acoustic.

Flexibility can't be judge by the thickness. for example violin is only 5.5 mm while acoustic is 5.7 mm, the fact is Violin is stiffer, acoustic is more flexible. Even Violin is stiffer than Tenor which is 6.0 mm.
So it's depends on the wood material. I'm sure that my 93 gr Latika is stiffer than 93 Tenor.

Perhaps Geotjakra can give a review for Latika since he also has the 93 gr ST handle. He can compare it with acoustic too.

Tenor is as fast as Latika but Lack of solidness when smashing, I would prefer Latika than Tenor/Acoustic/Violin now. I has everything, looping and smashing both are good, good control, big handle, big headsize. No need L-sized handle for this blade at least.






Edited by peter79 - 08/02/2010 at 4:22am
Andro Wanokiwami AO Offensive 83 gr
H3 National Orange 40 deg 2.2
Baracuda Max
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tomas.gt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/02/2010 at 5:34am
Thank you very much, I must have had wrong information about tenor, I expected something else. For violins, the stiffness depends on the weight a lot. The density of inner kiri wood plays the role. 82grams for violin meant really flexible blade for me.
For the thickness - blades under 6mm have different stiffness(according to weight and materials - it is more obvious than blades over 6mm of thickness) and for me I consider very risky to pick such blade - I cant predetermine what I will get. So I am very careful.
So thank you, Latika seems to be, finally, relatively cheap alternative.
 
However, I am hungry for nittaku miyabi more ;)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote geotjakra Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/02/2010 at 7:11am
@Peter79. I have sold my Acoustic to Yohanwong(TMM) and my Latika to Dabeda(TMM). the acoustic is an amazing blade in that it gives power when you need it, and absord lots of the the speed when you are playing soft block, or chops. In that sense, it has a very special feel for the ball. I was not impressed by the look of it when I bought it (in relation to it's price), I thought it was just ok (look-wise).
The Latika, look-wise, very impressive, very elegant, nice smooth finish all-around. but initial bounce test on the bare wood, I feel it's a little softer than acoustic, and felt a bit more vibration than my acoustic. after sticking 2 chinese rubbers on it, felt slower than my acoustic, and the feel is just not special enough for me. 
But then again, I am starting to like blades that have more feedback, which is why I prefer playing with my Stiga NCT off wood more than my acoustic, hence the reason why I sell it off. 
I think I don't like my acoustic and Latika mainly because of the weight. both those blades I have was around 93 g, combined with chinese rubbers that I normally use, they are a bit out of my comfort zone in weight. the NCT off wood I have is around 87g, which is a perfect weight for my liking.
Maybe my getting rid of my Latika is a bit too premature, but I did not like the feel of it on my first bounce test, and that feeling seem to remain even after trying to play with it with the rubbers on, but perhaps the rubbers I chose for it is not a good match. As for the quality and finish of the ST handle Latika blade I got, I was really impressed, it is beautiful and elegant looking.  
I'm glad you like it, but maybe I'm a Stiga inclined person more than a Nittaku one :P
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote parhelia9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/03/2010 at 2:00am
Peter , i wonder how this blade compared to xiom amadues in term of feel , speed ,dwell time ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote geotjakra Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/03/2010 at 2:33am
imo,xiom amadeus is very soft feel with almost no vibration, Latika has alot more vibration. Feel very different between the two blades. Speed, Latika slightly faster, and more dwell time on the latika, and the Latika have more punch to it.
For me Amedeus is alot closer to YEO in feel.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/03/2010 at 2:51am
Originally posted by parhelia9 parhelia9 wrote:

Peter , i wonder how this blade compared to xiom amadues in term of feel , speed ,dwell time ?


Latika has more feel/vibrates more than amadeus. Speed latika is slower, dwell time latika is longer.

I only tried my friend's amadeus. For me it doesn't have enough vibration. And I don't like the compact head size.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/03/2010 at 3:09am
@Geotjakra, probably your acoustic is heavier than latika. So you feel acoustic is faster. Do you compare it with the same rubber?

How heavy is the chinese rubber do you use? I would recommend you to use chinese rubber on FH and japan/euro rubber on BH. 2 heavy chinese rubber will become heavy setup and head heavy. My setup which is 181 gr is not considered light or heavy, just right.
I also feel the FL handle is bigger and less head heavy compared to ST handle.

I seal the handle with oil based polyurethane, which makes the weight more balanced than head heavy.

For me the most important part of choosing the blade is handle, and headsize. Feel also important, as long as it gives enough feedback, it's fine. As for which kind feel somebody prefer depends on taste. Some likes acoustic feel, some like violin feel, some like stiga's hollow feel.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote parhelia9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 1:34am
thanks for the reply , amadeus is less vibrate,almost close to carbon blade when try out with my friend but the feel is alright , solid but a bit soft .
i wonder what is the suitable rubber combine for this blade(Latika )? now i have a extra Xiom Zeta asia but i got no idea this hard tensor fit this blade or not ( i play BH at my amadeus) ..  

Edited by parhelia9 - 08/04/2010 at 1:39am
return to XIOM amadues (little mozart)

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 1:52am
Originally posted by parhelia9 parhelia9 wrote:

thanks for the reply , amadeus is less vibrate,almost close to carbon blade when try out with my friend but the feel is alright , solid but a bit soft .
i wonder what is the suitable rubber combine for this blade(Latika )? now i have a extra Xiom Zeta asia but i got no idea this hard tensor fit this blade or not ( i play BH at my amadeus) ..  


If your previous blade head size is smaller than Latika, then I suggest you to buy a new rubber to fit it.
Amadeus has compact head size, I don't think it will fit an oversize blade like Latika.

I boost my blue sponge and it expand 2-3 mm so that it can fit Latika Nicely from Acoustic L-sized head size.

Any medium and Hard rubber will fit Latika nicely.
for example Sriver L on FH and Sriver EL on BH.
If you like chinese rubber on FH, then H3 Provincial or National 39-40 deg will be a good match.
BH rubber Zeta Asian version will be good also, if you like harder feel rubber Oultaw is a very good match, cheap but the performance is the same with Tenergy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ohhgourami Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 5:24am
how would you compare this blade to the HK655 in terms of speed?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 5:39am
Originally posted by ohhgourami ohhgourami wrote:

how would you compare this blade to the HK655 in terms of speed?


Speed About the same. I'm comparing 93 gr ST 655 with 93 gr FL Latika.
Latika is a bit softer and has a bit longer dwell.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote haggisv Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 5:41am
Very nice pictures Peter79!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ohhgourami Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 5:56am
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Originally posted by ohhgourami ohhgourami wrote:

how would you compare this blade to the HK655 in terms of speed?


Speed About the same. I'm comparing 93 gr ST 655 with 93 gr FL Latika.
Latika is a bit softer and has a bit longer dwell.

hmmmm if thats the case.  then wouldn't the Latika be similar to a Clipper?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/04/2010 at 7:55am
My 98 gr clipper is a bit faster and more difficult to lift under spin ball than using 5 ply. No it's not the same as clipper, Latika has more feel and harder. Clipper is stiffer but feel softer.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thaidog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/05/2010 at 2:47am
@Peter79 - Did you seal your handle? 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08/05/2010 at 4:37am
Yes, with minwax polyurtethane. The handle feels slighly bigger and the make the blade balance become more balanced than head heavy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jolan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10/06/2010 at 1:35am
I've had two sessions with Latika ST 91gr. Very nice blade !
First with sinus alpha and xtend hs 2.0mm. I was able to verify that what Peter79 said was very true. It's as fast as tenor. More than acoustic. I found it a bit stiffer too. Feel is fantastic. Easy to hit and block and very comfy to loop with too.
Second with gambler outlaw 2.2mm FH + BH. Even better ! Really fantastic combo. Quite different from what I'm used to. Much solider...But so easy to play. My shots were reliable, I felt so confident. What I like most with gambler is the total lack of stickiness (for a chinese rubber, I mean) combined with the ability to add tones of spin with mechanical process.
To those who didn't want to spend tones of money for an overpriced Nittaku combo but secretly dreamed to have one, this is a solution. The blade costs less than half and acoustic ! Really Nittaku just released something here. The blade reminds me the Nexy spear. Same kind, a bit faster though.
My game has changed lately. Due to repetitive injuries and age, I can't afford to put physical pressure and play agressive game as I use to. I'm more in a controlling game now. This combo matches with my new needs. I'll continue to test it extensively for a while and see what comes from.
 


Edited by jcdi - 10/06/2010 at 1:43am
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