OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Some nice footage of looping chops, might be able to learn something from that. The chopper isn't as good at chopping as the looper is at looping, however.

I have a 309, got it out of curiosity. They don't cost very much and are available sporadically, if you want one you might have to keep monitoring Eacheng and other sellers.

Iskandar

I've had my sight set on the 309, for a while... I've heard mostly good things about it... My only concern is with the Wings, in that they extend downwards, quite a bit, making the handle feel a bit small... Can anyone actually using this blade, confirm ?

Yeah, the "wings" (or webs) come down the handle a bit more than usual. It shares this trait with some other blades Sword makes, if you look at the photos. Actually, I think they're meant to be held further down the handle than a lot of people do. It doesn't seem to be uncomfortable to me, but others have complained about it, maybe it's the way they hold rackets.

Iskandar

I have been using Sword 309 for about one year....... yes, the wings may be uncomfortable for some people, in that case, you can sand down the edges,.... I am used to this kind of wings anyway and ,besides, my hand is small, which helps with the wide wings .It seems the handle is not too long for some people but ok for me .....

It is inexpensive if you buy it in some of the shops from Aliexpress ..... about 18€ .....it chops nicely and blocks really well,....It is not stiff and has enough speed to counterattack, I´d say it is DEF + ............

It has been used by some players in the Ukranian superleague,.... that says a lot about this great blade .....

Are these players all choppers or do some play using other styles (blockers or loopers for instance)?

Iskandar

'Japsican' said that he had to sand the 'wings' down, I did not have to. So, it varies.

_________________
USATT: 1807 | League: 1887

Years back, I had a pre-made setup, with wings like this.. found it to be darn annoying...

This seems to be a machine-sanding job.. I think I'll first find someone who'll do this, and then perhaps, buy the blade...

Hello,Iskandar! Yes,mainly choppers with a strong forehand....however, I did find Sword 309, very good for blocking....it seems stiff blades are not for me.... I don't like balsa either,...

In ox the rubber performs in a different way depending on the blade, I found Zeitgeist perfect and in an occasional chop,the chop is deadly so the blade also helps when you serve a lot....

Just had a look on AliExpress (totally missed the 11-11 sale.. ). The Sword 309's still available, in both ST and FL. There's also a new "Essence ST" version which is quite a bit more expensive. The normal "ST" costs a little under USD30, and the Essence costs about USD$56.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000543252787.html

Normal ST:



Essence ST:



I'll leave you defensive players to find out and post what the difference is...

Iskandar

The "Essence St" one you mentioned is a totally different blade: Sword Razor, not Sword 309.