Nittaku Violin vs Sanwei Fextra 7: Which Should You Buy?
| Nittaku Violin | Sanwei Fextra 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | Soft, warm and flexible with long dwell, premium hand-crafted Japanese all-wood feedback | Medium, woody and well-damped with moderate vibration; controllable offensive feel close to a Stiga Clipper but a touch crisper and not quite as stiff |
| handle | FL | FL |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (Kiri core with White Ash outer plies) | 7-ply all wood (Limba/Ayous) |
| speed | ALL+ | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.3 | 6 |
| type | ALL+ | OFF- |
| weight_g | 86 | 88 |
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The Nittaku Violin and Sanwei Fextra 7 are both control-oriented all-wood blades, but at very different price points. The Violin is a premium Made-in-Japan 5-ply blade with a Kiri core and White Ash outer plies, prized for exceptional control, a warm soft feel and long dwell. The Fextra 7 is a 7-ply Limba-over-Ayous blade offering excellent control and very strong spin at a value price, typically around 20 to 30 US dollars.
On feel and speed they are close but distinct. The Violin plays soft, warm and flexible with an ALL+ billing, and is slower than its rating suggests with weak long-distance pace. The Fextra 7 is medium, woody and well-damped at OFF-, controllable rather than explosive, with a slightly crisper response close to a Stiga Clipper, so far-table power is limited on both.
For styles, the Violin rewards developing offensive and all-round players who loop close to mid-table and want premium craftsmanship and touch, and it needs harder or tackier rubbers to reach full potential. The Fextra 7 suits developing intermediate and club attackers with a spin and loop-oriented game who want a cheap all-wood Viscaria alternative, though its weight varies a lot between units and the original is discontinued in favor of the Fextra One.
Buying advice: pick the Violin for premium feel and consistency, and the Fextra 7 for outstanding value and spinny 7-ply construction on a budget. They rate closely, 8.4 for the Violin.
FAQ
Which blade is the better value?
The Sanwei Fextra 7 is the value pick, typically priced around 20 to 30 US dollars, while the Nittaku Violin carries a premium price that some reviewers question against cheaper blades.
How do the constructions differ?
The Violin is a 5-ply all-wood blade with a Kiri core and White Ash outer plies, while the Fextra 7 is a 7-ply all-wood blade using Limba outer plies over an Ayous core.
Which is better for spin and looping?
Both control well, but the Fextra 7 is described as very spinny and loop-friendly, and the Violin offers long dwell and feel that also favor spin, especially with harder or tackier rubbers.
Is the Fextra 7 easy to find?
Availability is limited because the original Fextra is discontinued and replaced by the Fextra One. The Violin is a current premium Nittaku model.