Nittaku Goriki – attacking blade for controlled offensive play and exceptional stability
If many attacking blades feel too lively or springy, the Nittaku Goriki could be an interesting alternative. It offers a calm, exceptionally stable feel and is particularly useful if control, placement and a clear sense of contact matter more to you than effortless acceleration.
The Nittaku Goriki could suit you if you:
- Value very stable blocking – its substantial weight helps the bat feel steady in your hand.
- Want a blade with excellent penetrating power – here the weight becomes a real advantage.
- Prefer a predictable bounce without a strong catapult effect – especially useful for pushes, serve receive and passive shots.
- Want clear feedback at impact so you can judge the contact point and place your shots more precisely.
- Generate your own acceleration and want to dictate the pace.
- Find many modern attacking blades overly lively or difficult to settle.
The Goriki is less suitable if you:
- Want a lightweight attacking blade that supplies plenty of speed on its own.
- Struggle with heavier equipment.
- Switch frequently between forehand and backhand – the weight can become a disadvantage.
- Expect effortless pace: its linear response may not suit you.
Playing characteristics – Goriki
The Goriki is a blade defined by stability and control. Despite its seven-ply construction, it does not feel unpleasantly hard. Instead, it offers a solid impact and very direct feedback on how cleanly you have struck the ball.
Blocking is where the blade really excels. Its weight keeps the bat stable against fast topspins, allowing you to play controlled, low blocks. The Goriki also responds very linearly, without excessive unintended acceleration, so it is easier to judge the length and speed of each shot.
It also inspires confidence in the short game. Pushes, serve receive and accurate placement are easier to control thanks to the predictable rebound.
For topspin play, however, the Goriki demands active input. It supports spin very well but does not generate pace for you. With sound technique and deliberate acceleration, you get a controlled attacking game with plenty of precision. Players who love a strong catapult effect may not enjoy its character.
The relatively high weight is central to how the blade plays. It gives a solid, stable feel at impact, but it is less manoeuvrable than many lighter attacking blades. Keep this in mind if you switch frequently between forehand and backhand or rely heavily on wrist movement.
Who is the Nittaku Goriki suited to?
The Goriki particularly suits controlled attacking players who build their game around reliable opening attacks, precise placement and stable blocks. Players with longer, deliberate strokes also benefit from its calm, predictable response.
It may also appeal if you often find yourself thinking:
- “My current blade feels too unpredictable.”
- “My blocks lack stability.”
- “I want to feel the ball contact more clearly.”
- “I want to generate my own pace instead of relying on the blade’s catapult effect.”
Who is the Nittaku Goriki less suited to?
The Goriki is less suitable for players who want a lightweight, dynamic attacking blade with plenty of built-in speed. Its weight may also become tiring for very quick transitions between forehand and backhand or for wrist-heavy playing styles.
Our verdict on the Goriki
The Nittaku Goriki is made for attacking players who value stability, control and honest ball feedback. Be aware that this blade is quite heavy – but that is also what makes it special: its weight helps it feel calm, solid and stable in your hand.
If you deliberately generate your own pace and value that stability more than maximum dynamism, this blade is likely to suit you better than many modern attacking blades with a strong catapult effect.
Technical specifications:
Construction: Seven-ply blade made from 100% walnut
Blade size: 160 × 154 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: approx. 100 g ±
Handle: Flared, 24 mm wide and 100 mm long
Playing characteristics – Goriki
Playing style: Attacking blade
Speed: medium-fast
Hardness: medium-hard
Made in Japan
