The Palio CAT is a versatile 5-ply all-wood blade designed for players seeking a balanced mix of speed and control. Known for its lightweight feel and crisp contact, the CAT offers excellent feedback and maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for all-round attackers, developing loopers, and players transitioning into a more offensive style. Whether you're looking to play controlled rallies or unleash fast counter loops, this blade delivers consistency without compromising feel.
Specs
Type: Offensive / Allround
Plies: 5-ply all wood
Material Highlight: Limba outer, Ayous core
Head Size: Approx. 157mm x 150mm (unofficial)
Thickness: ~6.0 mm
Weight: ±82g
Handle Type: FL (Flared)
Speed Rating: OFF-
Feel / Hardness: Medium
Vibration: Medium
Balance: Neutral
Made In: China
Pros
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Good balance of speed and control for offensive allrounders
Excellent value for its price range
Crisp feel that helps build shot consistency
Suitable for both beginners and intermediate players
Cons
Not as powerful as carbon or 7-ply blades for high-level offensive play
Smaller sweet spot may limit forgiveness on mishits
Slightly lacking in premium finish compared to higher-end brands
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
★★★★☆
Offers impressive speed for a 5-ply wood blade, great for mid-range attacks.
Control
★★★★☆
Balanced and forgiving, especially during blocks and placement shots.
Feel / Vibration
★★★★☆
Crisp feel with moderate vibration, providing useful feedback on contact.
Sweet Spot
★★★☆☆
Average-sized sweet spot; decent but less forgiving on off-center hits.
Dwell Time
★★★★☆
Allows for adequate ball contact time for spin generation, making it ideal for topspin.
Build Quality
★★★★☆
Solid craftsmanship with good handle finish and ply consistency.
Description
Palio CAT boasts a clean, practical design, characterized by a smooth, sanded handle and a matte wood finish. It’s 5-ply all-wood construction with Limba outer plies and Ayous inner layers delivers a soft-to-medium touch that’s responsive without being overly stiff. This structure gives the blade a well-rounded personality, perfect for developing allround attackers or transitioning players who want to explore a spinnier, more dynamic playstyle.
In terms of gameplay, the CAT performs admirably across a wide range of strokes. It excels in controlled loops and quick topspin rallies thanks to its decent dwell time. Blocking is comfortable, and the blade’s modest weight enhances wrist movement for quick flicks and serves. While it’s not designed for high-end power smashing, it still delivers a satisfying punch when paired with lively rubbers.
Compared to similar blades, it falls somewhere between classic allround blades like the Stiga Allround Classic and entry-level offensive options like the DHS Power-G7. It’s noticeably lighter and crisper, which gives it an edge in touch-based play but slightly limits its raw offensive power.
Best suited for intermediate players, hobbyists, or attackers who value touch and spin over brute force, the Palio CAT offers a great introduction to offensive play without overwhelming the user. Its affordability also makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious players who still want quality.
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