Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa vs Nittaku Violin: Which Should You Buy?

UltraSpin comparison · 2026-06-11 · blade

Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon BalsaNittaku Violin
Our rating7.8/108.4/10
feelstiff, minimal dwellSoft, warm and flexible with long dwell, premium hand-crafted Japanese all-wood feedback
handleAnatomic / Flared / StraightFL
plies7-ply: Koto outer + carbon + balsa core5-ply all wood (Kiri core with White Ash outer plies)
speedOFF+ALL+
thickness_mmapprox 6.0mm5.3
typeALL+
weight_garound 84g86

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Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa is extreme—84g ultra-light, stiff, minimal dwell, pure flat-hit power for experts. Nittaku Violin is pure all-wood control—warm, soft feel, long dwell, exceptional placement, premium Japanese craftsmanship, ideal for loopers and technique builders.

Black Devil is the antithesis of Violin: one sacrifices feel for speed, the other sacrifices speed for feel. Violin is technique and spin; Black Devil is power and pace.

Choose Black Devil only for advanced flat-hitters. Choose Violin for intermediate all-rounders and loopers seeking all-wood authenticity.

FAQ

Which generates more topspin?

Nittaku Violin with long dwell and warm flexibility; Black Devil’s near-zero dwell makes heavy spin impossible.

Which is better for beginners?

Nittaku Violin as a technique and control blade; Black Devil is unsuitable for anyone without expert fundamentals.

Which offers better precision and placement?

Nittaku Violin with exceptional control and pinpoint placement; Black Devil sacrifices control for power.

Which costs more?

Nittaku Violin at premium all-wood pricing; Black Devil at premium carbon-balsa pricing; similar cost ranges.

Which suits close-to-mid distance play?

Nittaku Violin; Black Devil is strictly mid-to-far distance flat-hitter territory.