The search for a high-performance carbon blade doesn’t always have to end with a three-figure price tag.
When Sanwei offered to send us their Nova Carbon blade for review, I was intrigued by its promised combination of premium Hinoki construction and accessible pricing.
Over a few months of intensive testing including regular practice sessions and matchplay, I put the Nova Carbon through its paces to see if it could truly deliver carbon-blade performance at a mid-range price point.
What I discovered was a blade that challenges some common assumptions about budget-friendly equipment, though not without some interesting compromises along the way.
While this blade was provided free of charge for review purposes, Sanwei had no input on my testing process or editorial content, and this review reflects my honest, unfiltered experience with the blade.
SANWEI NOVA CARBON REVIEW SUMMARY
The Sanwei Nova Carbon is an OFF-category Hinoki-carbon blade that brings premium construction to a mid-range price point. While it doesn’t quite match the explosive speed of higher-priced alternatives, it offers a well-balanced offensive package with good control characteristics.
The blade’s stiff character and reduced dwell time require some technique adjustment, particularly for players used to softer blades.
Production inconsistencies, especially in weight, make purchasing somewhat of a lottery. However, if you’re seeking an affordable entry point into Hinoki-carbon territory and don’t need absolute top-end speed, the Nova Carbon delivers surprisingly good performance for its $55 price tag.
Recommended For: Offensive-minded intermediate players with 3+ years experience who prefer direct, close-to-mid distance attacking play
Benefits
Good value for money
Excellent blocking control
Well-balanced offensive characteristics
Durable construction
Clean pre-finished edge
Drawbacks
Inconsistent production weight
Below average OFF speed
Limited dwell time
About the Reviewer
David brings 20 years experience as a player, with 10 of those coaching players of all ages and standards. His style is The All-Rounder
About the Review
Forehand Rubber: Sanwei Target National
Backhand Rubber: Tibhar Hybrid MX
Hours Tested: 20+
Test Levels: Practice & Advanced Match-Play
Page Contents (Quick Links)
Recommended Playstyles
The Nova Carbon is best suited for offensive players who prefer a direct, linear style of play. It particularly excels in close-to-mid distance exchanges where its controlled power can be fully utilized.
Design of the Sanwei Nova Carbon
The Sanwei Nova Carbon arrives in a simple cardboard box with minimal branding – silver and red with the Sanwei logo. Inside, the blade comes wrapped in a thin protective plastic sleeve, which is fairly standard for blades in this price range.
The blade’s construction follows a 7-ply design (5 wood + 2 carbon) featuring premium Hinoki outer plies over Nova Carbon fiber layers and a Kiri wood core. Examining the edge, you can clearly see the distinct layers: the thicker Hinoki outers (~1.5mm), followed by the black carbon sheets, and the lighter-colored Kiri core. The total thickness measures approximately 6.2mm.
The overall finishing is impressive for a blade in the $45-55 price range. The edges come pre-sanded with no rough spots, and the surface of the Hinoki is smooth and ready for gluing without requiring additional preparation. The blade head has a traditional shape with a medium-large size that provides good coverage.
Weight-wise, my blade came in at 84g, which is just below Sanwei’s listed range of 90g ± 5g. I prefer a lighter blade, so this was good for me but speaks of there being quite a lot of weight variation in their production process.
Speaking of handles, my review blade came with the FL (flared) handle option, though ST (straight) and CS (Chinese penhold) versions are also available. The FL handle has that classic comfortable feel – not too chunky, not too slim, with a nice gradual flare that sits naturally in your grip. No rough spots or awkward edges.
The blade finished with a dark wood accent with purple edging and features the Sanwei branding lens typical of their Ultra Tech series blades.
The blade’s overall aesthetic is understated but professional, with the natural honey-colored Hinoki outer plies contrasting nicely with the darker handle. While it may lack the premium packaging of more expensive brands, the actual build quality (weight aside) is surprisingly robust.
- Construction: 7-ply (5 wood + 2 carbon)
- Outer Plies: Premium Hinoki (~1.5mm)
- Core: Kiri wood
- Thickness: ~6.2mm
- Weight: 90g (±5g)
- Speed Category: OFF (Offensive)
- Handle Types:
- FL (Flared)
- ST (Straight)
- CS (Chinese Penhold)
- Price Range: $50-55 USD
- Stiffness: High (low flex)
- Feel: Medium-soft on touch, firm on power shots
Summary: The Sanwei Nova Carbon proved to be a surprisingly capable Hinoki-carbon blade that, while not matching the explosive speed of higher-priced alternatives, delivered excellent control characteristics and well-balanced offensive performance during my extensive testing period, making it an impressive value proposition at its price point.
Playtesting the Sanwei Nova Carbon
During testing, I used the Nova Carbon with Sanwei Target National on the forehand and Tibhar Hybrid MX on the backhand. The total setup weight came to 174g – notably lighter than my previous setup, which immediately improved my ability to handle quick transitions at the table.
The blade’s balance point sits slightly toward the head, which initially concerned me as a close-to-table player. However, after a few sessions, this subtle head-heaviness actually helped me generate power without excessive effort. This setup proved particularly effective in mid-distance exchanges where I needed that extra kick.
Both rubbers paired effectively with the blade. The tackier Target National complemented the blade’s characteristics on the forehand, while the Hybrid MX’s medium-hard sponge provided good control for backhand play without compromising speed.
Speed and Control
The Nova Carbon performs as a typical OFF-category blade. If I make direct comparison with other carbon blades I‘ve played with it’s not as fast as the Butterfly Primorac Carbon or DHS Hurricane Long 5 (at much higher price points), but it generates enough speed for most offensive players.
The carbon layers become most noticeable during powerful strokes, providing good acceleration without becoming excessive. This characteristic really showed during my practice sessions – I could loop with authority without worrying about overshooting the table, something that often happens with faster carbon blades.
In controlled play, the blade shows reasonable versatility. Blocking proved consistent, with the Hinoki outer plies helping absorb incoming power. Blocking proved particularly impressive – during drills against heavy topspin, I found I could redirect power shots with better control than expected from a carbon blade. The Hinoki outer plies seemed to absorb and control incoming power without deadening the feeling.
Feel
The blade produces a distinct feedback that took me a few sessions to fully appreciate. It’s firm but not harsh – think of it as a well-dampened carbon feel rather than the harsh ‘ping’ of some carbon blades.
During intensive rallying sessions, I noticed the sweet spot was forgiving enough that even when I wasn’t perfectly positioned, I could still maintain decent control. This proved especially valuable in match conditions where perfect technique isn’t always possible.
The throw angle tends toward medium-low, suiting both loop drives and forward loops.
The blade’s stiffness is a double-edged sword. While it helps with direct attacks, it significantly reduces dwell time compared to all-wood blades. It’s still slightly more forgiving than many Hinoki-carbon alternatives
Players who rely on heavy spin generation or prefer a softer touch will need to adjust their technique substantially or may want to look elsewhere.
Coming from more flexible all-wood blades, I needed about three sessions to adjust my serve motion – particularly learning to let the blade’s natural stiffness do the work rather than forcing the motion.
Value
At $55, the Nova Carbon competes with blades costing significantly more. After regular use in both practice and tournament play, it has held up as expected – no signs of wear or degradation.
While my blade came in under the stated weight range, this hasn’t impacted its performance or durability. In fact, I’ve grown to prefer this lighter weight for my style of play.
It offers similar construction to higher-priced Hinoki-carbon blades while maintaining good build quality. However, some variation in production quality exists, particularly in weight consistency, as evidenced by our test unit falling below the manufacturer’s stated range.
For players seeking a carbon blade with Hinoki characteristics, the Nova Carbon presents a practical option. While higher-priced alternatives might offer more refined finishing or stricter quality control, I’ve found the actual playing experience rivals blades costing twice as much.
Alternatives to the Sanwei Nova Carbon
Overall Reflections on The Sanwei Nova Carbon
The Nova Carbon occupies an interesting position in today’s table tennis market.
It successfully brings premium Hinoki-carbon construction to a more accessible price point without major compromises in performance or quality. While it may not match the absolute speed of premium carbon blades, it offers a well-rounded package that will satisfy most offensive players.
What stands out most after extended use is the blade’s versatility within its offensive character.
It provides enough speed for powerful attacks while maintaining sufficient control for the modern game’s varied demands. The Hinoki outer plies do their job well, offering that distinctive soft feedback that makes touch shots and serves more manageable than with typical carbon blades.
However, several issues need addressing.
The significant weight variation between blades makes purchasing a risk (you might get a blade outside the advertised specifications). The stiff character of the blade can make it unforgiving for developing players, and its speed falls noticeably short of other OFF-category blades. These aren’t deal-breakers at this price point, but they’re important considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked.
However, for players ready to move into carbon blade territory or those seeking a Hinoki-carbon experience without the premium price tag, the Nova Carbon presents a compelling choice.
After using it for several months, I’ve found it’s the kind of blade you can really get comfortable with. It’s forgiving enough for everyday play but still has enough complexity that you’ll keep discovering new things it can do as your skills improve.
David’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 12, earning his first coaching license in 2012. He’s played in national team & individual competitions, although he prefers the more relaxed nature of a local league match! After earning his umpiring qualification in England, David moved to Australia and started Racket Insight to share information about the sport he loves.
Blade: Stiga WRB Offensive Classic | Forehand: Calibra LT | Backhand: Xiom Musa
Playstyle: The All-Rounder
