Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
B-3004
Blutenkirsche B-3004 is a 5-ply all-wood blade designed for players who value control and touch. Its two outer Hinoki plies deliver a soft, responsive feel perfect for developing players and those who rely on precise placement and spin. While not the fastest option, its balanced characteristics make it versatile for looping, chopping, and all-round play. This blade offers a reliable blend of stability and feedback, helping intermediate players refine their technique and build confidence.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction with two outer layers of Hinoki wood, known for its soft feel and good dwell time. These are combined with three inner wood plies that provide the core structure and power, creating a balanced design focused on control and spin.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed ratings for the B-3004 show some debate. While some marketing materials suggest very high offensive speed, player experiences and our testing align it more with an all-round or all-round+ classification. The Hinoki outer plies contribute to a softer feel that slightly tempers raw power but enhances control and spin, making it fast enough for effective smashes without the extreme pace of dedicated offensive blades.
Control is a standout feature of the B-3004. Its construction, especially the Hinoki outer plies, provides excellent dwell time for precise ball placement and consistent spin generation. Players report a confident feel on touch shots, blocks, and loops, making it suitable for both beginners learning control and intermediate players who use spin to win points.
Blutenkirsche B-3004 offers a medium-soft feel, thanks to its Hinoki outer plies. This provides comfortable feedback and a forgiving touch, which is beneficial for spin-oriented play and sensitive control shots where feeling the ball is crucial.
The combination of Hinoki outer plies and the 5-ply construction typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for looping, helping the ball clear the net with a good arc and land deep on the table.
The Hinoki outer plies contribute to a notably long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the racket effectively. This extended contact is key for generating heavy spin on loops and serves, and it also aids control during softer strokes like pushes and blocks.
This blade shows moderate flexibility, striking a balance between stiffness for direct power and flex for enhanced feel and control. This allows it to grip the ball effectively for looping and chopping while remaining stable enough for hitting and blocking.
With its 5-ply all-wood build and softer outer layers, the B-3004 transmits a moderate level of vibration. It provides enough feedback to feel the ball without being excessively stiff or creating an uncontrolled, buzzy sensation at higher impact.
While the playing characteristics are praised, the build quality has drawn criticism from players. Issues noted include poor finishing, asymmetric surfaces, and uneven plies that detract from the overall feel. This suggests potential inconsistency in manufacturing, even though the blade uses quality woods like Hinoki.
Technology
Blutenkirsche B-3004 utilizes a classic 5-ply all-wood construction, enhanced by high-quality Hinoki wood for the two outer plies. Hinoki is renowned for its softness, light weight, and excellent feel, contributing directly to superior control and extended dwell time for spin generation. The inner wood plies provide the necessary structural integrity and power for offensive strokes. This thoughtful layup aims to deliver a blade that is both highly controllable and spin-friendly, appealing to players who prioritize touch and precision in their game.
Similar Blades
Donic Applegren Allplay Senso
Some players have found the Donic Applegren Allplay Senso to offer better control compared to the B-3004. Known for its classic 5-ply construction and excellent all-round characteristics, it's a strong alternative for those who prioritize touch and precision above all else.
Galaxy Yinhe Blades
Players disappointed with the finishing quality of the B-3004 have pointed to Galaxy Yinhe blades as alternatives. Yinhe is recognized for delivering very good build quality and performance at a competitive price point, offering reliable options for players seeking consistency.