Donic Persson Powerplay Review: The All-Wood OFF Blade With Outstanding Control

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · blade

The Donic Persson Powerplay is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade endorsed by World Champion Jorgen Persson. Sporting a hard koto outer ply, a three-ply ayous core, and thin DONIC foil damping layers positioned just beneath the surface, it occupies an interesting space in the blade market: genuinely fast for an all-wood board, yet notably controllable. Despite being officially discontinued, it remains a frequently-recommended option on forums and continues to circulate in the used equipment market, which speaks to the loyalty it inspires in its users.

Performance

On the forehand, the Persson Powerplay rewards committed strokes. Its hard outer plies generate speed quickly, and the blade’s natural flexibility adds arc to loops without pushing the ball excessively long even on high-power shots. One veteran reviewer who has tested around 60 blades called it the best blade they ever used, praising how its stiffness delivers low-throw control during blocks while its flexibility introduces high-throw carry during loops. Compared to pure five-ply blades of similar flex, the Persson Powerplay does not collapse under maximum power, which eliminates the common problem of powerloops sailing off the end. On the backhand, the blade shines for blocking. The hardness keeps the ball low and the blade barely deflects on passive returns, making it predictable and consistent under pressure. The DONIC foil layers dampen unwanted vibration, so the feedback you feel is clean rather than buzzy. Several reviewers specifically called out the feeling during short-game exchanges: pushes, flicks, and drops all communicate clearly through the handle. The sweet spot is described as large but not enormous. Players who have compared it directly against other top 7-ply all-wood blades including the Stiga Clipper, DHS Power G7, and Xiom Extrem S rated the Persson Powerplay as the best among them for overall balance. The control is the defining characteristic: multiple independent sources describe it as some of the best control from any blade they have owned. Part of this comes from the uniform thickness of the ayous core plies and part from the foil damping, which together produce a blade that responds predictably across the full hitting surface.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Reviewers are broadly aligned on the Persson Powerplay’s strengths: exceptional control, clean tactile feedback, solid looping with good arc, and dependable blocking. The main point of variation is weight. Some reviewers accept the 90g figure as a minor inconvenience while others flag it as the blade’s only meaningful weakness. There is also a split on who the blade is best suited for: some see it as a stepping-stone for intermediate players who will eventually move to carbon, while others use it as a long-term option precisely because they prefer the directness of all-wood construction over composite speed.

Who Should Buy It

The Persson Powerplay suits offensive players at the intermediate or advanced level who prioritize control and feedback over raw speed. Players who find carbon blades too stiff or too indirect will appreciate its all-wood character. It is also a strong pick for penholder players seeking a reliable platform for blocking, smashing, and counter-driving. Budget-conscious players looking for a genuine OFF-class all-wood blade without paying flagship prices will find the value difficult to match, particularly on the used market where it remains available.

FAQ

Is the Donic Persson Powerplay suitable for beginners?

It can work for beginners who already have some technique, but its hard outer plies mean that tentative strokes do not produce reliable results. Most coaches would suggest a softer or slower blade while fundamentals are being developed.

What rubbers pair well with this blade?

Mid-speed tensor rubbers such as Nittaku Fastarc G-1, Andro Rasanter R47, and Donic Bluefire JP01 Turbo are frequently recommended. Softer rubbers like Yasaka Mark V also pair well for players who want extra control. On the backhand, a slightly softer rubber helps balance the blade’s natural hardness.

What is the difference between the Persson Powerplay and the Persson Powerplay Senso V1?

The Senso V1 version adds Donic’s vibration-sensitive handle technology, designed to increase feedback through the handle during ball contact. The underlying blade construction and speed class are comparable, but the Senso handle appeals to players who are especially sensitive to touch and feel.

Is the Persson Powerplay a carbon blade?

No. The Persson Powerplay is a pure 7-ply all-wood blade. The thin internal DONIC foil layers are not carbon fiber; they are wood-based damping plies that reduce harsh vibration while preserving ball feel.

How fast is the Persson Powerplay compared to other blades?

It sits in the OFF to just below OFF-plus range for an all-wood blade, making it genuinely fast without crossing into the territory of composite blades. Players moving from slower all-wood boards should adjust their stroke timing to control the additional pace.

Can I still buy the Persson Powerplay new?

Donic has officially discontinued the standard Persson Powerplay. New old-stock units may appear on specialty retailers or auction sites, and the used market remains active. The Persson Powerplay Senso V1 is a currently available close relative.