Nittaku Septear vs Tibhar Samsonov Alpha: Which Should You Buy?
| Nittaku Septear | Tibhar Samsonov Alpha | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | Soft with high dwell time | medium-stiff, good dwell time, controllable |
| handle | Straight or Concave (flared) | FL/ST |
| plies | 7-ply all wood (Kiso Hinoki) | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer plies, Koto/Ayous middle layers) |
| speed | ALL+ | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 6.7 | 5.9 |
| weight_g | 85 | 85 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Septear is a premium Japanese all-wood blade with exceptional soft feel and high dwell, designed for control and ball placement across all distances. The Samsonov Alpha is a budget-friendly 5-ply all-wood all-round blade offering forgiveness on off-center hits and solid looping performance despite its modest ALL speed rating.
The Septear rewards developing players seeking premium feel and precision over years of play. The Samsonov Alpha is ideal for true beginners and recreational players transitioning to custom equipment who want a controllable, lightweight, forgiving blade without premium pricing.
FAQ
Which blade will I grow out of?
The Samsonov Alpha is often outgrown relatively quickly by advancing offensive players due to its moderate speed and dwell. The Septear grows with you longer, supporting developing technique and intermediate play.
How do they handle speed and pace?
The Samsonov Alpha’s speed drops noticeably at mid-to-far distance from the table. The Septear is slow but consistent, rewarding technique at all distances.
Which is better for learning all-round attacking?
The Samsonov Alpha is specifically designed for beginner all-round attackers with more forgiving timing. The Septear suits developing players who already have some technique.
Price and value?
The Septear is premium-priced for Japanese craftsmanship. The Samsonov Alpha offers excellent value for the beginner-to-intermediate all-round blade category.