Nittaku SO-TEN – an offensive table tennis blade with a softer feel and a controllable flight path
If you want to play offensively but aren't looking for a hard, very direct stroke, the SO-TEN is the softer option within the Irodori series. The inner KVC3 fibre and the Limba top veneer combine offensive speed with a softer feel and a medium ball trajectory.
SO-TEN is right for you if you …
- play aggressively but prefer a softer touch.
- you prefer a medium ball flight rather than an especially flat one.
- are looking for a smoother feel when making controlled shots.
- if you still want to generate extra speed with more aggressive swings.
SO-TEN probably isn't the right fit for you if you …
- you prefer a hard and very direct touch.
- are intentionally looking for a low, linear ball flight.
Game Characteristics - Nittaku So-Ten
In the SO-TEN, the KVC3 fibre is located on the inside of the core. A Limba veneer is placed over it. This construction is designed to provide a softer feel upon ball contact than the GYO-EN, which features an outer fibre layer and Koto.
You can feel the ball very precisely, without the blade feeling hard.
With less powerful strokes, the blade plays with greater control and less power. When you accelerate more actively, the KVC3 fibre helps generate additional speed.
The medium flight path makes the SO-TEN particularly appealing to players who don't intentionally aim for a very low ball bounce in their offensive play.
Who is it for?
The SO-TEN is designed for offensive players who don't want to combine speed with the hardest possible stroke.
This is especially interesting if you find that many fast blades with synthetic fibres feel too direct and you prefer a softer feel and a medium flight path.
Who is this not really for?
If you're looking for a firm, direct feel and a low, particularly linear flight path, the GYO-EN from the same series will likely better suit your needs.
Conclusion
The SO-TEN is particularly appealing if you want to play an aggressive style but also value a softer feel and a controllable mid-range trajectory. It’s the better choice of the two Irodori models if you’re not specifically looking for the hard, direct feel of the GYO-EN.
Made in Japan
Sheet thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: approx. 88 g
Sheet size: 158x152 mm
