Nexy Arirang Review by Tommy Zai

http://www.nexy.com/shop/step1.php?number=1468&b_code=B20091201071556&c_code=C20091202014952

• Handle:  Flared
• Weight:  86g
• Thickness:  5.8mm
• Plies:  5 (hinoki + carbon aramid + kiri + carbon aramid + hinoki)
• Sealant:  two light coats of Miniwax, oil-based, satin.
• Speed:  Off-
• Bounce Test:  Ball passively dropped from 40cm rebounded up to 31cm
• Range:  Medium

Arirang by Nexy is a medium stiff, slightly flexible, OFF- blade with an enhanced “talk” through handle to players’ hand. The blade has a nice design that is perhaps a bit more classic than some of the other Nexy offerings. It does have a little blue gem inlay on the handle that looks classy. The blade is perfectly suited for offensive players of any level, who have a well-rounded touch and spin game. It’s the kind of blade that gives you back whatever you put into it. The blade works really well with longer strokes that require more dwell time, i.e., brush looping, etc. It’s fast enough to put the ball away when needed and has good feel and control for placement, especially on soft to medium counters. In comparison to other Nexy offerings, Arirang’s ply configuration (materials and width) falls somewhere between Oscar and Inca. Yet, Arirang does not try to be a do-it-all blade. This is purely for touch players, who play a short to medium game with lots of ball control and spin. It’s not the best blade for blockers, unless your blocking style is to absorb incoming power and execute drop-shots. There is too much vibration for this blade to be an effective short pips racket. Power shots will require a little more patience to develop consistency. I find this to be the case with any blades that have vibration and flew; still, for spinners the payoff will be worth it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qz45hlfd5s8z12v/Nexy%20Arirang.mp3 

Arirang works well with new generation rubbers from all regions (Europe, Japan, China), but seems best matched with old standards like Sriver and Mark V; however, speed is sacrificed. The blade does have gears — there is a point at which the blade flexes a little and catapults the ball. With softer shots the play is more linear. Arirang has been compared to Nittaku's Violin. I can see some similarities in play, but the feel a la top ply could not be more different. The Violin uses a white ash and Arirang uses hinoki.

In conclusion, this is a fantastic blade for players who like to feel the ball and manipulate spin. It is not the right blade for me, but I have no regrets and will gladly add this fine blade to my collection!