SpinLord First Strike III
Maximale Zeichenanzahl 500
Extremely lightweight balsa blade without synthetic fiber reinforcements.
You can check availability and our current prices here. This price only applies to purchases made directly from us. We only deliver to selected countries.
The First Strike III is an improved version of the First Strike II. Visually, the two blades are almost identical, and both are simply labelled 'First Strike'. The First Strike III can be recognised by its dark brown walnut outer veneers.
While the specifications of the two blades are similar, this version offers slightly better playability and is slightly lighter.
This blade's speed falls within the controlled offensive range. The ball impact of the First Strike III is harder than that of the First Strike II because the outer veneers are made of harder walnut wood rather than medium-hard limba wood.
Consequently, when used with the appropriate rubbers, this blade provides greater support for generating spin and disruptive effects. At the same time, ball contact is very responsive and not 'tinny'. Furthermore, the distinctive sound produced with every stroke helps the player to identify the optimal contact zone. This boosts the player's confidence and, subjectively, the blade offers greater control.
Compared to the First Strike II, damping during passive play is even greater. The playing behaviour is therefore not very linear, which certainly won’t appeal to everyone. This primarily benefits 'rubber-oriented players', while it tends to disadvantage players using inverted rubbers on both sides.
The 'balsa effect' is extremely strong with this blade, stronger even than with our other balsa blades. So, once again, please note that this is a matter of personal preference! Those who prefer a less pronounced balsa effect may prefer the previous model, the First Strike II.
This blade's secret lies in the special selection of the 6.5 mm thick balsa core and soft intermediate veneers. It is the contrast with the hard outer veneers that enables these exceptional playing characteristics.
The First Strike III therefore has a thicker core veneer than the First Strike II, with a total thickness of approx. 8.5 mm for the five veneers. It is thicker overall yet still slightly slower.
The handle is made of hard, solid hinoki. All handle shapes fit perfectly in the hand and are slightly sturdier than those of the First Strike II.
The playing surface measures approx. 155 x 152 mm (our standard size).
We recommend using the SpinLord First Strike II with softer rubbers for a European topspin style of play. However, it can also be used effectively with harder rubbers and short pimples for blocking and counterplay. Although blades without balsa are generally better suited to backspin shots, care has been taken with the First Strike III to ensure that this type of shot is still possible.
Despite its balsa core veneer, the SpinLord First Strike III is remarkably robust for a blade in this weight class. It is, of course, less robust than significantly heavier blades.
Variations in playing characteristics and weight are significantly greater with balsa blades than with blades without balsa. Even the best quality and selection cannot change this.
However, we can guarantee that the weight of this blade will not exceed 68 g; further selection is not possible.
Please also note that this blade can become very top-heavy when combined with two heavy rubbers. Therefore, despite the blade's low weight, the rubbers should not be too heavy so that the weight distribution remains favourable.
| Manufacturer | SpinLord |
|---|---|
| Speed | 8 |
| Control | 9 |
| Weight approx. | 65 g |
| Veneers | 5 |
| total thickness of all veneers: approx | 8,5 mm |
| Size of the playing surface approx. | 155 x 152 mm |
| Made in | China |
The values given for speed, spin, control and disruption are based on our own tests. They may therefore differ from the manufacturer's specifications.
Some values may vary, for example the weight of table tennis blades.
The playing surfaces (outer veneers) of this table tennis blade must be sealed to prevent damage to the blade.
If they are not sealed, the rubber adhesive can seep into the top veneer, causing it to flake off.
Furthermore, the top veneer may fray when the rubber is removed.