Donic Alligator Combi

The Donic Alligator Combi in detail

An alligator is a reptile that can sometimes lie relaxed and almost rigid in the sun, but can also act aggressively at lightning speed. The “two-faced” Donic Alligator Combi blade can be described in a similar way. The reason for this lies in the materials used in this blade. Details on this can be found below. At this point we would like to start with a general description. Overall, this model can be described as light (approx. 80g). This makes it easy to accelerate with relatively little physical “effort”. It also consists of 5 layers. The general suitability is for defensive and all-round (plus) players

Two faces? Exactly, but how is that possible? The reason for this is the different veneer structures on the forehand and backhand sides. On the forehand side, two harder and therefore faster, more direct types of wood are used. On the backhand, on the other hand, softer and therefore slower, more controllable types are used. This gives the forehand greater power and more offensive power (ideal for shots or topspins), whereas the backhand is very controlled and slower (ideal for defensive play or blocks). All in all, this results in ideal conditions for versatile material players: defense from a distance, but also more offensive possibilities for (active) disruptive players close(r) to the table. In general, this blade also impresses with a very good price-performance ratio.

The veneers of the Alligator Combi from Donic

For those of you who are interested, we will now delve into the world of veneers and their properties. The heart of the wood (core veneer) consists of balsa. Balsa is a neotropical wood (e.g. South and Central America), which is extremely light with a density of 130 kg/m³ and also very soft with a Janka hardness of 88. It therefore stands for a sensitive and feedback-rich game, but also enables a good catapult effect.


On the forehand side, faster and harder veneers of sapele, a mahogany plant, follow. This wood is considerably heavier (670 kg/m³) and harder (425 Janka). In addition, sapele is very strong. This makes the blade significantly more offensive, faster and more direct on the forehand ... ideal for allowing offensive moves!

Finally, Limba is used, a natural wood from the southern part of the equator, which is also relatively heavy (520 kg/m³), hard (430 Janka) and firm. Limba is known as a topspin blade, especially in Europe, but it also provides good control. The sound is also quite good and clicky with larger thicknesses.

Abachi is used on the backhand side of the Alligator Combi from Donic. This wood is native to tropical regions and is rather less heavy (350 kg/m³), but still medium-hard (430 Janka). Abachi stands for good blocking and counter-attacking properties, making it ideal for such a variable game. Topspins are not so important here. On the other hand, ash wood is used for the RH. Ash is again quite heavy and somewhat harder, so that the backhand is not too defensive.