Browsing: Blade

WWE’s Tama Tonga breaks his silence after seemingly paying tribute to AEW’s Will Ospreay on SmackDown.

As many may know, before Tama Tonga signed with WWE in 2024, he wrestled in New Japan Pro Wrestling from 2010 to 2024, where he was a member of the Bullet Club and was a 7-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. During his time in Japan, he also wrestled Will Ospreay several times. Interestingly, many think he has recently paid tribute to his former rival.

On the October 24 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Tama Tonga and JC Mateo successfully teamed up against Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura. However, one of the talking points of the recent tag team clash was the manner in which MFT won, as Tama seemingly used Will Ospreay’s Hidden Blade, but was dubbed as a running elbow and Cut Throat by commentary.

Following the SmackDown episode, Tama Tonga posted his somewhat-signature “Shhh” catchphrase on X (Twitter). However, it’s unknown if the WWE star was simply stating his taunt to Fenix and Nakamura, or if it’s in any way related to Will Ospreay.

Shhhhhhhhh” the SmackDown star tweeted.

Shhhhhhhhh

— Tama Tonga (@TamaTonga01) October 25, 2025

Will Ospreay is currently out with an injury after suffering a herniated disc in his C2 and C6 spine. His latest match took place in this year’s Forbidden Door, where he successfully teamed up with Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kenny Omega, and Kota Ibushi against the Death Riders, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd in a Lights Out Steel Cage match.

Several WWE Stars Reached Out To Will Ospreay After Announcing His Injury

Although there is tension between AEW and WWE as rival wrestling promotions, along with their fans, it has been proven that the talents in both companies don’t always harbor the same feelings.

In an interview with Metro, Will Ospreay revealed that several superstars reached out to him after learning about his injury, with some he doesn’t even know personally. The Aerial Assassin shared that some offered to refer him to a doctor, while others were willing to answer any questions he may have.

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With Xander Schauffele’s victory at the Baycurrent Classic, it’s another win for Callaway’s popular Apex TCB iron platform, the company’s most popular on Tour.

Including Schauffele’s two major titles in 2024, and Jon Rahm’s 2023 Masters and 2021 U.S. Open victories, the TCB platform has won the grand slam in the last five years.

Schauffele has been in the Apex TCB ’24 and the previous edition TCB ’21, since their release in 2021, but the current model is a good bit larger in chassis size than the TaylorMade P750s he used as a rookie. While TCB stands for “Tour Cavity Back,” the Apex TCB 24s have slightly more offset than other irons in the category.

And there are other players who have switched from pure blades like this week’s guest on GOLF’s Fully Equipped podcast, Erik van Rooyen. Van Rooyen switched from the 2018 Apex MB blades about a year ago.

Xander Schauffele’s clubs: What’s in his Baycurrent-winning bag

By:

Jack Hirsh

“It was a forgiveness thing. And curiosity, more than anything,” van Rooyen said of the switch. “I’ve played a blade-style club since high school. And I mean, eventually, technology is probably going to have some effect on it and an improvement on things.

“It was met from a place of curiosity. What I found was, I switched into the TCB the week before Sony and just tighter dispersion. That was it, tighter dispersion.”

The performance benefits were obvious, but the TCBs and MBs are very different-looking clubs from address. Fully Equipped co-host Johnny Wunder asked van Rooyen if that made the transition difficult at all.

“I think aesthetically, it has to fit my eye,” he said. “I feel like I’m quite sensitive in that aspect. The minute something looks quite off, it’s hard for me to go, oh, just kind of close your eyes and hit. Like, I see it and I get a feel for it.

“But I think the transition was so, it was way easier than I thought it would be, which I was impressed by. So, yeah, playing a blade for so long, I thought, ‘Jeez, dude, I might have to try this for like two weeks.’”

Callaway Apex TCB 24 Custom Irons

Since Xander Schauffele put a TCB iron in play,his strokes gained in approach have significantlyincreased year over year. Now in 2024, he is top 5 inthe world in strokes gained on the field, and has wontwo major championships with the new ’24 TCB Iron.
MAJOR SUCCESS
Trusting the ‘24 Apex TCB iron, Xander Schauffelewent on to secure two major championships in the2024 season.
TOUR FEEL
Combining our best in technology, the ’24 TCB usesa 1025 tour cavity back body with a 17-4 tour tunedface for consistent spin and control up and down thebag. The feel is second to none. Just ask Xander.
PRO LOOKS
The beautiful raw aesthetic and overall footprint isexactly what Xander was looking for. With a compact controllable shape, and shorter blade length, TCB ’24 are players irons for discerning golfers.

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One of Miura’s most legendary irons is available at retail once again.

The KM-Baby Blades irons, originally designed for the personal use of late Miura founder Katsuhiro Miura, are once again being released in limited quantities.

This is the third release of the Baby Blades, which are 15 percent smaller than Miura’s MB-101 blades to produce an unmatched feel.

“The KM-Baby Blade is leaner, more exacting, and engineered for the golfer who seeks ultimate control and workability,” said Mirua Golf COO Bill Holowaty in a release. “Our goal with the creation of these new KM-Baby Blade irons was to reward commitment and help players realize that they are better ball-strikers than they believed.”

Keep reading below for more on the KM-Baby Blades, including who they are best-suited for and my thoughts on the limited-release irons.

What are the Miura KM-Baby Blades?

As told by his sons, Shinei and Yoshitake Miura, Kutsuhiro, who passed away this May at 82, began crafting the Baby Blades around 2000. He saw the trends in the golf equipment industry and wanted to create something that valued precision and feel over distance.

“At the time, driver heads were becoming larger, and companies were developing and manufacturing heads that offered greater distance and directional stability,” Shinei and Yoshitake said. “Soon after,  irons also began to get larger, and unlike in the past, these new, larger irons evolved to offer greater distance and directional stability without requiring greater skill from the player.

“During this transition, Miura-san felt a strong desire to buck the trend and stay true to the basic performance and shape of a muscle back iron. As the pursuit for greater distance and directional stability evolved, so did the transition to larger heads which were designed to give players a sense of security at the expense of significantly reducing controllability. Miura-san’s vision was to minimize the head size in order to deliver maximum effectiveness with minimal effort.”

The resulting iron is 15 percent smaller than Miura’s MB-101 blades, and this is the third time they’ve been released to the public after limited runs in 2011 and 2019. While being smaller than the MB-101, the KM-Baby Blades maintain the same headweights and lofts, meaning they will actually have increased MOI and an increased thickness around the hitting area, giving them a more solid and soft feel.

With the third Baby Blade’s release, the company has also added the Y-Grind to the sole, honoring Yoshitake’s influence on his family’s company. The Y-Grind, which is found on many of Miura’s popular irons, like the TC-202, adds bounce to the leading edge of the club, allowing it to glide more cleanly through the turf.

The Y-Grind sole is a new addition to this Baby Blades release.

Miura

Who are the Baby Blades for?

The Baby Blades are certainly not an iron for the masses, and Miura knows that.

That said, anyone who is unafraid of playing a traditional muscle-back iron will be rewarded with an incredible feeling iron. This iron is for the golfer who, like Miura-san, believes technology has cheapened the art of ball striking in golf.

My thoughts!

The Miura KM-Baby Blades irons are a showpiece that will turn heads in any bag (or wall if you so choose). The clean cosmetics are the best looking Baby Blades release and the signature Hanko Stamp, reversed for Miura’s most celebrated designs, is only going to make them more sought after.

The Miura KM-Baby Blades would be the show piece of any golf bag.

Miura

Miura is releasing a fitting tribute to their late founder, with a subtle nod to their feature thanks to the addition of Yoshitake’s Y-Grind sole. Not only is there symbolism in that, but that will also enhance the playability of the iron for anyone who games them.

Price, Specs and Availability

Miura KM-Baby Blade Custom Irons

THE INTERSECTION OF TRADITION AND INNOVATIONThe new KM-Baby Blade introduces the Y-Grind sole, a first for this iconic model and a design that reflects Yoshitaka Miura’s lasting influence on the brand. By refining the leading edge and sole geometry, the Y-Grind allows the club to glide more cleanly through the turf, enhancing consistency and versatility without sacrificing the precision that defines a blade. For players who demand ultimate control and shot-shaping ability, the Y-Grind makes the Baby Blade more playable and confidence-inspiring, while preserving its uncompromising character and compact profile.
MATERIALPremium S20C Soft Carbon Steel
FINISHSatin Chrome

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The Miura KM-Baby Blades irons will be available to pre-order on Miura’s website at 10 a.m. ET Tuesday (Oct. 7). Only a limited number of sets will be available.

KM-Baby Blades are offered in the same specs as Miura’s MB-101 irons and cost $400 per club. The set is offered in right-hand only, 3-PW.

Want to get fit for a set of Miura irons?Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Over the past few weeks I have been testing out the JOOLA Proline One blade. This is the successor to the very popular JOOLA Rossi Emotion Blade. It has a 7-ply construction with inner 3K-c carbon and a hinoki outer layer,

JOOLA describe the blade as having a softer feel for good control in the short game, but with a few gears to play dynamic and higher risk shots.

But what do I think? To find out I tested the blade with my Power Pong Omega robot and my friend and team-mate Jarek “The Brick Wall”.

The rubbers I used when testing the blade were JOOLA Dynaryz AGR.

Speed

The first thing I wanted to test was the speed. I quite like playing with fast blades. Iâ€m not the most technically gifted player, so I tend to rely on a quick blade to help me play faster shots. The JOOLA Proline Blade has decent speed, but nothing exceptional. Maybe I would rate it 7.5 out of 10.

There is extra speed in this blade, but youâ€re only going to activate it with some really explosive body mechanics. The speed doesnâ€t come ‘out of the boxâ€. This is good if you are an aggressive player and you need a blade which is a little more controllable. But for a player like me, I just didnâ€t feel I could get enough oomph for the limited way I play my shots.

I found it easier to attack closer to the table. I could do some sharp counter-topsins. But away from the table? Not so great. I donâ€t normally play too far back, so this is probably more a technical issue with my strokes than the blade. If you like to play away from the table, youâ€ll probably find there is enough arc from the blade to play some decent counter topspins.Â

Control

But the flip side of the average blade speed is that it has tons of control. Really lots and lots of control. I could keep my pushes really tight to the net and I could absorb a lot of heavy topspin with my blocks.

In many ways itâ€s a really safe blade. I didnâ€t feel like I was going to miss much by overhitting the ball. I even gave the blade to a few beginners to use during coaching sessions. And whilst they found it more lively than their entry level bats, they all adjusted within a few minutes and found it very easy to play with.

The control with this blade is 10 out of 10. This makes it perfect for any player who has an all-round game. It would also be a really good choice for a player looking to upgrade from an entry level blade.

Spin

The spin generation is solid. I could serve with lots of sidespin, push with lots of backspin and my loops have plenty of topspin kick. The throw angle from the blade is medium. So it seems to do everything pretty well. Pushes low, tick. Loops with a nice arc, tick. Blocks on the table, tick?

I really liked the blade for close to the table counter-topspin. This was pretty effortless and it felt the blade married up nice with my technique for this shot.

Overall, I would rate 8 out of 10 for spin.

Verdict

JOOLA have done a pretty good job with this blade. Itâ€s very easy to play with, does everything well and has huge control. It doesnâ€t have the speed of my regular blade (JOOLA Vyzaryz Trinity), but there is enough speed to hit attacks which donâ€t get returned.

Itâ€s a decent price for a carbon blade, and a good choice for anyone playing at the local league level. I would say it is particularly suited to the all-round player, who mixes up controlled play with some offensive shots. Itâ€s also suited for those rapidly improving intermediate players who want an upgrade to a higher level blade which has controllable speed.

You can see some footage of me using the JOOLA Proline One in the video review below…

You can buy the JOOLA Proline One blade from Bribar Table Tennis:

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The search for a high-performance carbon blade doesn’t always have to end with a three-figure price tag. When Sanwei offered…

At Paddle Palace, we celebrate not only the skills and victories of top players like Tom Jarvis, but also the sportsmanship that defines true champions. Tom recently received the prestigious Richard Bergmann Fair Play Award at the ITTF World Championships in Doha, recognized for his integrity during a challenging match against world No. 5 Liang Jingkun.

Fair Play on the World Stage

Despite fierce competition and tough conditions, Tom showed remarkable fairness by granting lets when his opponent requested, believing the ball was wet during serves. This act of sportsmanship embodies the spirit of table tennis and earned him this distinguished award from the Swaythling Club International — a community of former international players committed to friendship and respect in our sport.

Tom reflects on the moment:

“It was a tough match against Liang with some really hot conditions and I think the fairness in that match was recognised. Fair play is a big part of the sport and Iâ€m very happy to be recognised by the SCI.â€

Introducing the Tom Jarvis Pro Special — Built for Champions

Weâ€re proud to feature Tomâ€s very own Champion Pro Special Paddle, designed around the latest technology and equipment Tom trusts at the highest level.

The Blade — Stiga Cybershape Carbon CWT (Flared Handle)

This blade breaks new ground as the worldâ€s first carbon blade with Custom Weight Technology (CWT), allowing you to adjust the bladeâ€s balance and weight with small magnetic weights (3g, 6g, 9g) attached inside the handle.

Why does this matter? Because controlling blade mass changes kinetic energy and power generation during your stroke. Add weight for more power, or dial it back for speed and control — perfect for fine-tuning before a match or evolving your game without buying a new blade.

Key features include:

• 11% larger hitting area optimized for the shakehand grip — giving you a bigger sweet spot to control serves and returns better.
• Closer hitting area to the table — up to 6.5cm closer than traditional round blades, improving reaction time and accuracy.
• Balanced design that reduces bottom weight by 2% to avoid blade imbalance.

The Rubbers — Stiga DNA Platinum XH (Red & Black, Max Sponge)

Tomâ€s paddle comes equipped with premium German-engineered Stiga DNA Platinum rubbers that deliver outstanding grip and explosive speed thanks to a thin top sheet and short pimples.

The Power Sponge Cell (PSC) technology provides:

• Longer ball trajectories with aggressive looping arcs.
• A crisp, sharp sound on contact for that satisfying feedback.
• Extra-hard sponge designed for players craving maximum speed and power.

Ready to Play Like Tom Jarvis?

Whether youâ€re training, competing, or just pushing your limits, the Tom Jarvis GBR Champion Pro Special paddle is built to help you play with precision, power, and style. Itâ€s everything Tom relies on — now available for you.

Check it out here: Tom Jarvis GBR Champion Pro Special Paddle

At Paddle Palace, weâ€re inspired by players like Tom who embody both top-tier skill and true sportsmanship. Gear up with his pro paddle and honor the game with every point you play.

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Courtesy of Sean O’Neill, 2x US Olympian & 5 x US Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Champion

As someone who’s spent decades immersed in table tennis—both at the table and now virtually—Iâ€ve tested countless blades over the years. When STIGA launched the Cybershape series, I was immediately intrigued. The bold hexagonal design isnâ€t just cosmetic; it genuinely changes how the blade feels and performs.

Iâ€ve now used every Cybershape variant and currently play with the Cybershape Clipper in real life. I also replicate my setup in Eleven Table Tennis VR, where I use a virtual STIGA Cybershape with settings that closely mirror its real-world characteristics. Here’s a full breakdown of my experience with each blade.

The Cybershape Carbon was the first I tested and it delivered power in spades. With inner-fiber carbon layers, it produces fast, crisp shots and a satisfying rebound. Itâ€s not the most forgiving blade, but for advanced players with good touch, itâ€s a monster on offense.

This 5-ply all-wood blade is ideal for players working on control and placement. Itâ€s a great fit for developing players or those who prioritize spin variation and touch. The Cybershape head improves sweet spot size, giving you a bit more confidence on off-center hits.

STIGA Wavy Ultra Fibre Cybershape: A Rocketship on the Table

The Wavy is easily the fastest blade Iâ€ve ever used. With Ultra Fibre technology, it felt like every ball shot off the paddle. The speed was exhilarating, but in my experience, it demanded extremely refined technique in the short game. It’s ideal for high-level attackers who thrive on pace. Coming soon at Paddle Palace.

The Clipper Cybershape felt like a homecoming. It reminded me of the Clipper Wood I used for over a decade after receiving it as a gift it in Tranås, Sweden at the SOJC in 1982. This version retains the 7-ply wood power while offering a more modern balance and sweet spot thanks to the Cybershape head.

The Pureâ€s clean wood finish and eco-conscious construction caught my attention, but it was the feel that sold me. It offers great control and a natural feedback that helped with spin generation and placement. This blade is an excellent choice for control-oriented players who donâ€t need the speed of composites.

The Cybershape Carbon CWT adds Custom Weight Technology, allowing you to fine-tune your blade using magnetic weights (3g, 6g, or 9g). Itâ€s a brilliant option for players who like to tweak their setup. You still get the offensive power of the original Carbon, but now with more personalization.

First introduced in 1967, the Allround Classic became a staple blade for generations. Now reimagined with the Cybershape head, it offers the same legendary feel and control—but with a more forgiving sweet spot and optimized center of gravity. Perfect for beginners and seasoned all-rounders alike.

STIGA Cybershape Comparison Table

BladeSpeedControlFeelBest ForSweet SpotUnique FeatureCybershape Carbon
HighMediumCrisp & PowerfulAdvanced Offensive PlayersLargeInner-fiber carbon constructionCybershape WoodLowHighSoft & ResponsiveDeveloping All-RoundersExtra LargeTraditional 5-ply wood constructionCybershape WavyVery HighMediumExplosive & FastPro-Level AttackersLargeUltra Fibre material & unique soundCybershape ClipperMediumMediumClassic & SolidOffensive PlayersLarge7-ply Clipper heritage + modern designCybershape PureMediumHighNatural & BalancedControl-Oriented PlayersLargeMinimalist, eco-friendly all-woodCybershape Carbon CWTHighHighCustomizable & PowerfulAdvanced PlayersLargeMagnetic weight customizationAllround Classic CybershapeLowVery HighTraditional & SmoothBeginners and All-RoundersLargeClassic 5-ply feel, updated design

STIGA Cybershape in Virtual Reality: Eleven Table Tennis

One of the most exciting aspects of my table tennis journey is the integration of physical and virtual play. I use a STIGA Cybershape setup in Eleven Table Tennis VR, and the feel is remarkably realistic with the right configuration.

Current VR settings:

Please add me as a friend as I would love to hit some with you, especially on Wednesday Nights at 6pm PST in the “paddlepalace” room.

These settings closely mimic the behavior of my real-world Cybershape. Iâ€ve even gathered lab bounce data on my backhand to further refine the feel in-game. Itâ€s a powerful way to train and maintain touch outside of real-world sessions.

Special Offers for Cybershape Owners—Virtual or Real

If youâ€ve purchased a Cybershape paddle in-game within Eleven Table Tennis VR, STIGA and Paddle Palace want to help you bring that experience to life—literally. Youâ€re eligible for 20% off a real STIGA Cybershape blade to match your virtual setup.

On the flip side, if you already own a STIGA Cybershape blade in real life and would like to unlock it for free in Eleven Table Tennis VR, weâ€ve got you covered.

To claim either offer, please contact me directly at: sean@paddlepalace.com and weâ€ll make it happen. Whether you’re training in the physical world or online, we want your experience to be as authentic and rewarding as possible.

Pro Specials from Paddle Palace

If youâ€re looking to pick up a Cybershape blade with professional rubbers already attached, Paddle Palace has some excellent Pro Specials:

Each setup is expertly assembled and ready to compete straight out of the box.

Final Thoughts

Whether youâ€re just starting out or have decades under your belt like I do, thereâ€s a STIGA Cybershape blade that can elevate your game. From nostalgic throwbacks to cutting-edge carbon tech, the Cybershape series offers performance and playability in equal measure.

If youâ€re serious about your game—real or virtual—donâ€t hesitate to explore this lineup. It might just reshape the way you play.

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