Weight
92.5g
Thickness
9mm
Plies
1-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Standard Hinoki
Ariex Standard Hinoki is a premium single-ply blade crafted from select Japanese Kiso-Hinoki wood, offering a unique blend of control and power. Its natural properties provide satisfying dwell time for excellent ball manipulation and spin generation, while inherent stiffness contributes to direct, powerful shots. The Standard Grade designation balances aesthetic quality and performance, making it a reliable choice for players seeking a high-quality Hinoki blade without a top-tier price. It delivers a traditional all-wood feel that appeals to those who value classic craftsmanship and responsive touch.
This blade is constructed from a single ply of premium Japanese Kiso-Hinoki wood. This minimalist construction is characteristic of traditional Hinoki blades, allowing the natural properties of the wood to dictate performance, offering a pure and direct feel with no composite layers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ariex Standard Hinoki offers solid offensive speed, providing enough pace for aggressive shots and drives, especially from close to mid-distance. The single-ply Hinoki construction contributes to a lively feel that translates into good speed when properly powered. While not an OFF+ blade, it delivers reliable offensive performance suitable for players who prioritize control alongside their attacking game.
Control is a significant strength of the Ariex Standard Hinoki. The excellent ball feel and dwell time provided by the single-ply Hinoki construction allow for precise placement and easy manipulation of spin, making it very forgiving for controlled shots, pushes, and short game play. Players report a high level of confidence in their placement and touch, which enhances consistency during rallies.
Ariex Standard Hinoki delivers a direct and crisp feel with good dwell time for spin. The inherent stiffness of Hinoki lends a solid, rather than soft, sensation, especially when hitting with power. Players experience a clear connection with the ball, enhancing feedback and shot precision.
Single-ply Hinoki blades, especially thicker ones like this 9mm version, tend to produce a higher throw angle, particularly with faster rubbers. This can be advantageous for lifting underspin balls and looping over the net, adding versatility to offensive play.
The single-ply Hinoki construction provides significant dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball on the racket face for extended periods. This enhances spin generation and control, making it easier to execute precise loops and sensitive short game tactics. The natural properties of the wood contribute to this characteristic.
Ariex Standard Hinoki is considered moderately stiff, contributing to its speed and directness while retaining enough flex for good dwell time and feel. This balance is typical of high-quality Hinoki blades, offering a responsive yet stable platform for various strokes.
Single-ply Hinoki blades generally have moderate to high vibration feedback, and this model is no exception. The vibration allows players to distinctly feel the ball upon impact, aiding in control and shot placement. The Standard Grade might have slightly less pronounced vibration than the highest grades of Hinoki, but it still provides ample tactile feedback.
Ariex Standard Hinoki is crafted from high-quality Japanese Kiso-Hinoki wood, often aged 250-400 years. The Standard Grade suggests a balance between premium material and accessible pricing. Build quality and durability are generally good for a single-ply Hinoki blade, though single-ply constructions can be more prone to chipping if not handled with care. The craftsmanship reflects traditional blade-making expertise.
Technology
Ariex Standard Hinoki embodies traditional table tennis blade craftsmanship, focusing on the natural properties of single-ply wood. Ariex selects premium Japanese Kiso-Hinoki wood, noted for its fine grain and consistent density. The Standard Grade designation implies a selection process that balances aesthetic appeal with performance, ensuring a reliable and high-quality product. Unlike composite blades that rely on engineered materials, this blade's technology lies in the meticulous selection and shaping of a single, high-quality piece of Hinoki wood to optimize its inherent playing characteristics, delivering pure feel and responsive performance.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Septear
Nittaku Septear is a 7-ply all-Hinoki blade that shares a similar feel and construction ethos with Ariex Standard Hinoki. While it has more plies and a slightly different thickness, players report a very similar playing experience, including excellent build quality, tight grain, and a comfortable handle. Both blades are recommended for intermediate players looking for a controlled offensive game, with the Septear noted to have a slightly higher frequency.
Darker Imperial Hinoki 2020 (9mm)
Darker Imperial Hinoki is a premium single-ply Hinoki blade known for exceptional quality and performance. While Ariex Standard Hinoki offers similar material composition and thickness, the Darker line is often considered a higher-end option. Both blades provide excellent feel, control, and dwell time due to their single-ply Hinoki construction, making them suitable for players who value precision and touch in their game.