Description VICTAS KOKI NIWA REGIAS
VICTAS KOKI NIWA REGIAS is a high-quality 5-ply all-round table tennis blade, developed in collaboration with Japanese star Koki Niwa, renowned for his creative and versatile playing style. According to the official VICTAS description, this blade is an ideal choice for both versatile strategists and ambitious talents aiming for professional levels. The classic veneer construction and carefully selected wood types ensure excellent handling, enabling easy execution of creative and precise shots. The KOKI NIWA REGIAS stands out with its outstanding feel, superb ball control, and excellent cost/performance ratio, making it suitable for players seeking versatility and precision in both close-to-the-table and mid-distance play.
Technical Specifications (Based on VICTAS)
- Type: 5-ply all-round offensive blade (ALL+/OFF-), ITTF approved.
- Construction: Classic 5-ply veneer structure, without carbon fiber, using high-quality wood (limba outer layers, ayous inner layers).
- Thickness: ~5.7–5.9 mm, ensuring a balanced speed-to-control ratio.
- Weight: Approximately 85–90 g, with a well-balanced center of gravity.
- Handle: FL (flare) only – ergonomic, comfortable for various grip styles.
- Production: Made in Japan, adhering to the highest quality standards.
Official VICTAS Description and Key Features
VICTAS describes the KOKI NIWA REGIAS as a blade that combines versatility and precision:
- Speed Rating: OFF- (~8.5/10) – provides sufficient power for flat drives and topspins while maintaining controlled bounce, ideal for close-to-the-table play and mid-distance rallies.
- Spin Rating: 9.0/10 – the soft limba outer layer ensures long dwell time, facilitating spin generation, especially for topspins and spinny serves.
- Control Rating: 9.2/10 – outstanding ball control in short game, blocks, and banana flicks, with a forgiving sweet spot that reduces errors.
- Feel: Excellent, natural wooden feel with minimal vibration, allowing players to feel the ball and control shots precisely. VICTAS emphasizes its “top-class feel,” suitable for creative play.
The blade is designed to support versatile play – from fast counterattacks to slow, spin-oriented topspins, enabling players to easily switch tempo and tactics. VICTAS highlights its “excellent cost/performance ratio,” making it an accessible choice for both aspiring professionals and experienced strategists.
Performance Characteristics
- Speed: Moderate catapult effect, suitable for fast flat drives and topspins close to the table or at mid-distance. The speed is controlled, allowing precise power dosing, ideal for fast counterattacks.
- Spin: Exceptional ball grip due to the soft limba outer layer, creating a high throw angle (~35–40°), ideal for safe topspins, spinny serves, and banana flicks, even against strong underspin.
- Control: Excellent (9.2/10) in short game and passive blocks; forgiving dwell time reduces errors on incoming spin, while a stable sweet spot allows precise execution of delicate shots.
- Feel: Natural, resonant impact sound with linear bounce; a “lively” wooden feel without excessive vibration, ideal for players who prefer an intuitive ball feel.
- Durability: High-quality wood ensures long-term durability, maintaining performance even with intensive use.
Pairing Recommendations
- Rubbers: Suitable with various rubbers, depending on playing style:
- Forehand: Recommended spin-oriented rubbers, e.g., VICTAS V>15 Extra, Butterfly Tenergy 05, or DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, ensuring safe topspins and flat drives.
- Backhand: Suitable for faster rubbers, e.g., VICTAS VS>402 Limber, Yasaka Mark V, or Donic Baracuda, facilitating fast counterattacks and blocks.
- Accessories: Use water-based glues, e.g., VICTAS or Free Chack II, for clean adhesion; clean the blade regularly to maintain its natural feel.
Conclusion
The VICTAS KOKI NIWA REGIAS is a masterful 5-ply all-round blade, crafted to Koki Niwa’s vision, offering excellent control, precise spin generation, and a natural feel, ideal for creative and accurate play at the table. Its classic veneer construction and excellent cost/performance ratio (approximately €60) make it an accessible choice for strategists and talents aiming for professional levels. Compared to classic blades like the Stiga Allround Evolution or Butterfly Petr Korbel, the REGIAS excels with its balanced speed and exceptional control, making it a perfect step toward professional play.
Note: This blade is exclusively available with an FL (flare) handle, as confirmed by VICTAS specifications.