The Nittaku Engent is a premium table tennis blade, crafted by the Japanese manufacturer Nittaku in collaboration with world-class player Kasumi Ishikawa, designed to inspire the joy of play and foster player development. ITTF-approved, this blade stands out with exceptional control (98/100, ~12.3/20), effortless handling, and sensitive ball feedback, making it an ideal choice for beginners learning foundational techniques as well as advanced players seeking balanced versatility.

Featuring a 5-ply all-wood construction, the blade ensures stability, lightweight performance (~83 g), and moderate speed (90/100, ~11.3/20) with a medium-stiff flex. Its elegant deep purple design, adorned with the product name and the initials "Ki", symbolizes its connection to Kasumi Ishikawa’s legacy. The name "Engent" derives from the words "Endurance," "Challenge," and "Continuation", reflecting the perseverance and growth embodied in Ishikawa’s career.

The Nittaku Engent is a superb choice for players who value extended rallies, precise strokes, and the sheer pleasure of playing!

Key Specifications:

• Blade Type: Allround+ (ALL+)

• Plies: 5 layers (all wood)

• Weight: ~83 g

• Thickness: 6.0 mm

• Speed: 90/100 (~11.3/20 on the general scale)

• Control: 98/100 (~12.3/20 on the general scale)

• Flex: Medium-stiff

• Accuracy: 9.2/10

• Trajectory: 8.5/10 (medium arc, suitable for allround strokes and blocks)

• Technologies: 5-ply wood construction, optimized for Kasumi Ishikawa’s playing style, purple design with "Ki" initials

• Origin: Japan

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Playstyle Suitability: Allround play, beginners to advanced players, topspin strokes, blocks, close-to-table play

Performance Breakdown:

1. Ply Composition & Construction

• The blade consists of five carefully selected wood layers, ensuring stability, lightweight feel, and sensitive ball feedback.

• Compared to the Nittaku Acoustic (~85 g, ~11.8/20 speed), the Engent is lighter (~83 g) and offers higher control (98/100 vs. ~96/100) but slightly less speed.

• Against the Yasaka Sweden Extra (~85 g, ~11.5/20 speed), the Engent is slower but provides better touch and control.

2. Control & Effortless Handling

• Designed to keep the ball on the table longer, facilitating extended rallies and technical development.

• The medium-stiff flex ensures a soft, controlled feel, ideal for beginners learning topspin strokes, blocks, and serves.

• Compared to the Donic Zhang Jike New Era (~85 g, ~12.3/20 speed, 97/100 control), the Engent is slower but offers superior control, suited for allround players.

3. Sensitive Touch & Feedback

• The 5-ply wood construction delivers excellent feedback, allowing players to precisely sense ball contact—crucial for serves, returns, and precise blocks.

• Against the Stiga Allround Classic (~80 g, ~11.0/20 speed), the Engent provides slightly more speed while maintaining similar sensitivity but with greater stability in topspin play.

4. Weight & Balance

• The lightweight (~83 g) and 6.0 mm thickness ensure a perfect balance of speed, control, and maneuverability, suitable for both forehand and backhand strokes.

• Lighter than the Donic Skachkov Carbospeed (~85 g, ~13.1/20 speed), making it ideal for players seeking a light yet stable blade.

5. Handle Design & Aesthetics

• Available in multiple handle types (FL, ST, AN) to accommodate different grip styles.

• Features a purple design with "Ki" initials, paying homage to Kasumi Ishikawa’s legacy.

• Recommended to use water-based glue (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) for rubber attachment.

• Durable build, but protective edge tape (e.g., Nittaku Edge Tape) is advised to prevent chipping.

Technical Ratings & Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (90/100, ~11.3/20): Moderate pace, ideal for allround strokes, blocks, and pushes at the table. Slightly faster than the Stiga Allround Classic (~11.0/20) but with higher control.

• Control (98/100, ~12.3/20): The 5-ply wood ensures exceptional control, particularly for topspin strokes, blocks, and returns, making it easy to handle for beginners and advanced players alike.

• Flex (Medium-stiff): Provides a balanced stroke acceleration and stability, ideal for technical development.

• Accuracy (9.2/10): High precision, minimizing shot deviation—especially useful for placement-focused play.

• Trajectory (8.5/10): Medium arc, optimized for allround strokes and blocks. Slightly lower than the Donic Zhang Jike New Era (8.6/10), favoring close-to-table precision.

Playing Style Performance:

• Topspin Loops (9.0/10): Effective for learning and executing topspin, with controlled spin and arc.

• Blocking (9.4/10): Excellent for absorbing and countering topspin, offering stability and ease.

• Push & Short Game (9.3/10): Enables precise pushes against backspin, especially with tacky rubbers.

• Counter-Drives (9.1/10): Suitable for fast counterattacks at the table, thanks to its controlled response.

• Flat Smashes (8.9/10): Generates accurate trajectories with adequate power.

• Serves & Receive (9.5/10): Allows precise serves and excels in passive (9.5/10) and active (9.4/10) receive.

• Flick Attacks (9.2/10): Banana flicks are easy to execute due to the blade’s touch and precision.

Rubber Compatibility:

The Nittaku Engent pairs well with softer, tacky rubbers that complement its control and spin:

• Forehand:

  • Nittaku Fastarc C-1 (2.0 mm, ~45–47° sponge) – Balances spin, speed, and control.

  • DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (2.15 mm, ~40–42° sponge) – Maximizes spin and control.

• Backhand:

  • Donic BLUEGRIP J-3 (2.0 mm, ~42–45° sponge) – Ideal for control and spin.

  • Butterfly Rozena (2.1 mm, ~35° sponge) – Enhances speed and control.

Recommended Setup:

• Forehand: Tacky/soft rubber (e.g., Nittaku Fastarc C-1 2.0 mm).

• Backhand: Softer rubber (e.g., Donic BLUEGRIP J-3 2.0 mm) for maneuverability.

Who Should Use the Nittaku Engent?

This blade is designed for players who prioritize control, touch, and enjoyment:

• Beginners & learners – Seeking an easy-to-handle blade for technical development.

• Allround players – Emphasizing topspin, blocks, pushes, and precision play.

• Close-to-table players – Excelling in serve, receive, and controlled rallies.

• Players seeking a balanced blade – Optimal for those who value control, feedback, and longevity.

Advantages of the Nittaku Engent:

• Control (12.3/20): Exceptional for technical play and learning.

• Medium Speed (11.3/20): Ideal for allround versatility.

• Lightweight (~83 g): Enhances maneuverability and comfort.

• 5-Ply Wood Construction: Delivers sensitive touch and stability.

• Aesthetic Design: Purple finish with "Ki" initials for a symbolic connection to Kasumi Ishikawa.

• ITTF-Approved: Suitable for competitive play.

Compared to the Stiga Allround Classic, the Engent offers slightly more speed with similar sensitivity. Against the Donic Zhang Jike New Era, it is slower but provides superior control, making it ideal for developing players.

Final Verdict:

The Nittaku Engent is an ITTF-approved, allround blade crafted with Japanese precision and inspired by Kasumi Ishikawa’s legacy. Its 5-ply wood construction ensures outstanding control, sensitive feedback, and effortless handling, making it a perfect choice for beginners and advanced players who value precision, touch, and the joy of playing.

Nittaku Engent – Control, Sensitivity, and Japanese Craftsmanship!

Nittaku Engent

Nittaku Engent

Nittaku Engent