Nittaku Septear Review: The All-Wood Hinoki Blade Built for Control

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · blade

The Nittaku Septear is a 7-ply all-Kiso-Hinoki blade from Japanese manufacturer Nittaku, built around the philosophy that control and feel should come before raw power. Rated ALL+/OFF-, it sits at the upper end of the all-round category and the softer end of the offensive category, making it a natural home for players who want to combine controlled topspin attacks with reliable touch play. With a thickness of 6.7mm and a weight of approximately 85g, the Septear offers a balanced, manageable setup that rewards good technique and precise footwork rather than muscling through shots with speed alone. Its Kiso Hinoki construction — sourced from high-quality Japanese cypress — gives it the distinctive soft feel, generous dwell time, and mild catapult effect that hinoki blades are celebrated for.

Performance

In practice, the Nittaku Septear performs as a highly controllable, touch-sensitive blade that rewards technical players. Reviewers across multiple platforms consistently describe the control as ‘unbelievable,’ with ball placement being one of its greatest strengths — players report being able to target edges and corners of the table with a consistency that is difficult to achieve on faster, stiffer blades. The topspin looping game is where the Septear truly shines. The dwell time allows extended contact with the ball during the forward swing, generating reliable spin without demanding perfect timing on every shot. It has been described as a ‘loop monster’ by experienced users, with looping from mid-distance being a particular strength. Touch shots — drops, pushes, flicks, and blocks — also benefit from the blade’s soft, responsive feel, giving the player precise feedback on every contact. Smashing and power driving are serviceable but not dominant. Several reviewers note that the blade ‘lacks the final gear’ for explosive finishing shots, particularly when compared to faster carbon alternatives. This is an inherent characteristic of the ALL+/OFF- classification and should be understood as a trade-off rather than a flaw. Rubber pairing is critical for unlocking the Septear’s best performance. Multiple independent sources warn against pairing the blade with soft rubbers — the combination becomes mushy and unpredictable. Medium-hard to hard sponges in the 45-degree-plus range on the European hardness scale are the consistent recommendation. Rubbers such as Tenergy 05, Acuda S1 Turbo, and Tibhar Sinus have been cited as successful pairings that complement the blade’s natural control while adding the spin and speed needed to threaten at the competitive level. The blade performs best at close to mid-distance from the table, and players who prefer a deep mid-distance game may find it slightly lacking in pace.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Across Revspin, Megaspin, BladeRubber.net, and Reddit, reviewers show strong agreement on the core characteristics: excellent control, high dwell time, and a soft feel that rewards touch players. The blade is consistently positioned as ALL+/OFF- in speed, and the warning against soft rubbers appears universally. There is minor disagreement on handle comfort — most players find it fine, but those with larger hands report the thin grip as a drawback. A small number of reviewers feel the blade is slightly underpowered even for the all-round offensive category, while others embrace that same characteristic as what makes it safe and usable across a long-term development arc. No reviewer disputes its quality or construction.

Who Should Buy It

The Nittaku Septear is an excellent choice for intermediate players making the transition from a beginner blade to a higher-quality setup, and for all-round players who want to develop their topspin game without sacrificing control. It suits players who stay relatively close to the table and rely on technique, placement, and spin rather than raw speed to win points. It is not a good match for players who primarily rely on power smashing or those who prefer soft rubbers — a medium-hard or hard sponge pairing is essential. Coaches sometimes recommend it as a learning tool for developing players because the blade’s forgiveness helps ingrain proper technique. Advanced players seeking maximum offensive firepower should look at faster, composite alternatives.

FAQ

What is the speed rating of the Nittaku Septear?

The Nittaku Septear is rated ALL+/OFF-, placing it at the upper end of the all-round category. It has decent speed for controlled offensive play but lacks the explosive pace of carbon or composite blades.

Is the Nittaku Septear all wood or does it contain carbon?

It is a pure all-wood blade — specifically 7-ply Kiso Hinoki construction with no carbon, arylate, or other composite layers. This gives it the soft feel and high dwell time characteristic of traditional hinoki blades.

What rubbers pair best with the Nittaku Septear?

Medium-hard to hard sponge rubbers work best. Reviewers recommend options like Tenergy 05, Acuda S1 Turbo, Fastarc G-1, and Tibhar Sinus. Soft rubbers should be avoided as they create a mushy, unpredictable combination.

Is the Nittaku Septear suitable for beginners?

It can work for advanced beginners or early intermediate players who already have basic technique, since the forgiving sweet spot helps develop consistency. However, its price point and pairing requirements make it better suited as a step-up blade for intermediate players rather than an entry-level option.

How does the Nittaku Septear compare to carbon blades?

Compared to carbon blades, the Septear offers more control, better feel and feedback, and higher dwell time, but less raw speed and explosive power. Players who prioritize touch and placement over maximum attack speed will prefer the Septear, while players seeking pace and pop will prefer a carbon alternative.

Does the Nittaku Septear dent easily?

As a soft hinoki wood blade, it is more susceptible to denting than harder wood or composite blades. This is a common characteristic of hinoki construction and is expected. Careful storage and avoiding hard impacts will help preserve the surface.