Donic Appelgren Allplay vs Sanwei Nova Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Donic Appelgren Allplay | Sanwei Nova Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | medium, controlled | stiff, linear, direct |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5W (abachi core + limba) | 5-ply: Hinoki + carbon + Kiri core |
| speed | ALL | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| weight_g | 85 | 90 (plus or minus 5g) |
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The Donic Appelgren Allplay and Sanwei Nova Carbon serve different player levels. The Allplay is a forgiving, controllable platform that lets developing players master all strokes with consistent feedback. Its medium speed suits paired with non-tension rubbers, building solid technique first.
The Nova Carbon targets intermediate attackers who want carbon stiffness and linear feel at a lower price. It demands decisive attacking strokes and punishes soft, brushy technique. Stiffness limits dwell time, making it unsuitable for players prioritizing spin generation or close-table touch.
FAQ
Which is best for an absolute beginner?
The Allplay. Its forgiving control and feedback help beginners learn strokes correctly without being overwhelmed.
Can I pair these with any rubber?
Allplay works best with soft, non-tension rubbers. Nova prefers stiffer rubbers; tension rubber can make it too stiff.
Which is faster?
Nova Carbon at speed class OFF. Allplay is ALL, suitable for all-rounders rather than pure attackers.