Weight
95g
Thickness
7.8mm
Plies
1-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
MHN 1-Ply Hinoki
Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki is a classic single-ply blade crafted entirely from Hinoki wood, delivering a unique blend of speed and control. Its construction provides a soft, natural feel with a lively response and distinct sound, making it ideal for spin-oriented play and close-to-table tactics. This blade offers excellent dwell time and a forgiving touch, appealing to players who value a deep connection to the ball and a traditional playing experience.
This is a single-ply blade, meaning it consists of only one layer of Hinoki wood. This construction is characteristic of traditional Japanese penhold blades and is responsible for the blade's unique feel, sound, and playing properties.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki is rated around 8.4 for speed, placing it in the medium-fast to fast category. While not as explosive as some composite blades, its single-ply Hinoki construction provides good power, particularly when paired with faster rubbers. The speed is sufficient for offensive play, especially for players who can generate their own power through technique.
Control is excellent on this blade. The soft feel and good dwell time from the Hinoki wood allow for precise placement and great touch, especially in the short game. If you prioritize placement and spin over raw speed, this one delivers.
Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki delivers a soft, natural wood touch. The single-ply Hinoki construction provides a distinct sensation of the ball 'sticking' to the blade, offering excellent feedback and a lively response. This soft feel is highly valued by players who enjoy a deep ball connection.
Single-ply Hinoki blades typically offer a medium to medium-high throw angle. This characteristic aids in generating a higher trajectory on loops, making it effective for clearing the net and exploiting the full court. The combination of dwell time and flexibility contributes to this throw angle.
Single-ply Hinoki blades are known for their superior dwell time, and Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki is no exception. The soft nature of the wood allows the ball to sink into the blade, increasing contact time. This extended dwell time is crucial for generating heavy spin on serves and loops.
Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki exhibits a good degree of flexibility due to its single-ply Hinoki construction. This flexibility contributes to its excellent dwell time and soft feel, making it ideal for looping and controlled shots. It allows the blade to bend slightly upon impact, providing a more dynamic response.
The vibration level on this blade is moderate. While Hinoki wood itself can transmit vibrations, the single-ply construction and its inherent flexibility contribute to a feel that is not overly jarring. Players can feel the ball impact, but it's generally within a comfortable range for continuous play.
Our analysis suggests Dawei blades generally offer good value for their price. The MHN 1-Ply Hinoki is constructed with decent quality Hinoki wood, but being a single-ply blade, it may be more prone to fragility compared to multi-ply blades.
Technology
The primary technology in Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki lies in its material choice and construction. It utilizes a single layer of high-quality Hinoki wood, a Japanese cypress known for its distinct resonance, softness, and flexibility. This traditional approach avoids the use of composite materials, focusing solely on the natural properties of the wood to deliver its unique playing characteristics.
Similar Blades
Darker Speed 90
Darker Speed 90 is a highly regarded 1-ply Hinoki blade, often considered a benchmark in this category. It shares the same material and construction principle as Dawei MHN 1-Ply Hinoki, offering a similar soft feel, dwell time, and spin-oriented play. Players who enjoy the Dawei might find the Darker Speed 90 to be a premium alternative, though often at a significantly higher price point and with a potentially thicker profile.
Nittaku Miyabi
Nittaku Miyabi is another popular single-ply Hinoki blade. It aims to replicate the classic Hinoki feel with a focus on control and touch. Like the Dawei MHN, it emphasizes dwell time and a soft feel, making it suitable for players who enjoy spin-heavy strokes and a connected feeling to the ball. The Miyabi is known for its exquisite craftsmanship.