The Nittaku Tenaly Original is a distinctive offensive table tennis blade featuring an innovative bent-handle design that offers a different gripping experience from conventional shakehand blades.

Constructed from five layers of natural wood, it combines traditional all-wood performance with a specially shaped ergonomic handle designed to encourage comfortable, natural hand positioning.

Its unconventional design has developed a loyal following among Japanese table tennis enthusiasts who appreciate its unique handling and distinctive playing sensation.

Unlike high-speed carbon blades, the Tenaly Original emphasises natural handling, balanced offensive performance and precise ball control.

Unique Bent-Handle Technology

The defining feature of the Tenaly Original is its specially curved handle, which creates a different hand and wrist position compared with conventional straight or flared grips.

This unusual design may provide more natural wrist alignment and improved comfort for certain players.

The handle angle changes how the racket feels during forehand and backhand strokes, creating a distinctive connection between the player's hand and blade.

Although some adjustment may be required, players who adapt to the handle often appreciate its individual handling characteristics.

The blade also accommodates a penhold-style grip, offering additional versatility.

Classic 5-Ply All-Wood Construction

The Tenaly Original features a 5-ply wood construction with a 6.5mm thickness, delivering balanced offensive speed, control and natural feedback.

Unlike carbon blades with sharper, more rigid responses, its all-wood construction provides a traditional contact sensation.

Its medium-speed characteristics support controlled attacking play, while the medium shot feeling offers a balanced response during topspin, blocking and placement.

Weighing approximately 85g, the blade provides a solid yet manageable platform for various techniques.

Playing Characteristics

Topspin and Looping

The Tenaly Original offers balanced offensive performance suitable for controlled topspin and looping.

Its all-wood construction provides useful ball-contact feedback, allowing players to adjust spin, trajectory and placement.

The medium-speed response encourages controlled acceleration rather than excessive rebound.

Players who favour spin-oriented attacking and accurate placement will appreciate its traditional wooden feel.

Forehand and Backhand Handling

The bent handle creates a distinctive sensation during forehand and backhand transitions.

Its unusual angle changes the relationship between the grip and racket face, potentially providing more natural wrist positioning for certain techniques.

However, the effect is individual, and players accustomed to conventional handles may require an adjustment period.

Blocking and Counterdriving

The Tenaly Original's medium speed and solid wood construction provide good stability during blocking and counterdriving.

Its controlled rebound allows players to redirect incoming attacks accurately, while natural wood feedback helps judge ball contact during compact counterattacks.

Short Game and Service Returns

The Tenaly Original offers excellent potential for short-game control.

Its moderate speed supports short pushes, touch shots and precise service returns without excessive rebound.

The traditional wooden construction provides useful feedback during delicate strokes, making it suitable for players prioritising placement and consistency.

Flat Hitting and Offensive Attacks

Despite its emphasis on control, the Tenaly Original retains sufficient power for direct attacking strokes.

Its 6.5mm construction provides solid contact during drives, flat hits and controlled finishing shots.

Players who generate their own acceleration can produce effective attacking speed while maintaining accuracy.

What Type of Player Will It Suit?

The Nittaku Tenaly Original is particularly suitable for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate traditional all-wood performance and are interested in a distinctive ergonomic grip.

It is an excellent choice for:

• Ergonomic grip enthusiasts: Players seeking alternatives to standard shakehand handles.

• All-round offensive players: Players combining topspin, blocking and placement.

• Traditional wood-blade users: Players appreciating natural contact feedback.

• Technical players: Players experimenting with wrist positioning.

• Penhold-style players: Players exploring alternative gripping techniques.

• Equipment enthusiasts: Players seeking a distinctive Japanese blade.

Who Might Prefer a Different Blade?

Players comfortable with conventional shakehand handles may find the bent grip unfamiliar.

Those seeking maximum attacking speed and explosive carbon-blade power may prefer faster composite constructions.

Players relying on specific wrist movements should consider that the unusual handle angle may require technical adjustments.

Overall Verdict

The Nittaku Tenaly Original combines traditional 5-ply wood performance with a distinctive bent-handle design.

Its medium speed, balanced contact sensation and natural wooden feedback provide a versatile foundation for controlled offensive play.

Its greatest attraction is the unique gripping experience, which may feel more natural and comfortable to certain players.

For enthusiasts seeking an alternative to conventional shakehand blades, the Tenaly Original offers a genuinely different playing experience with excellent all-round offensive potential.

Key Features

• Unique Bent Handle: Distinctive ergonomic grip and wrist positioning.

• 5-Ply All-Wood Construction: Traditional feel and natural feedback.

• Medium Speed: Balanced offensive performance.

• Medium Shot Feeling: Solid, predictable contact.

• 6.5mm Thickness: Stable construction for controlled attacks.

• Hybrid Grip: Accommodates shakehand and penhold-style gripping.

• Versatile Performance: Suitable for topspin, blocking and placement.

• Japanese Design: Unconventional construction with a loyal following.

Technical Specifications