Weight
100g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
6-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
PF4 016
DHS PF4 016 is a classic Chinese table tennis blade built for controlled offensive play. It combines a solid, medium-hard feel with excellent dwell time to generate heavy spin on loop drives and precise attacks. This 6-ply all-wood construction offers direct feedback that rewards good technique, making it a reliable choice for players developing their fundamental skills. While not the fastest blade, its emphasis on control and consistency provides a forgiving platform for intermediate players and a tool for refining spin-oriented strategies.
The blade is built from six layers of wood in a symmetrical construction: Ayous outer layers, followed by Lauan, with a Basswood core. This all-wood composition provides a classic feel, emphasizing control and dwell time, while the specific layering aims to deliver a balanced blend of speed and stability for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
PF4 016 offers very good speed for an all-wood blade, providing enough pace for effective loop drives and quick attacks near the table. It doesn't match the explosive speed of modern composite blades, but players with solid technique can generate significant power by leveraging its dwell time and efficient energy transfer. The speed is well-suited for an offensive, spin-focused style.
Control is a standout feature. The blade's direct feel and solid construction allow for accurate ball placement and consistent shot-making. This high level of command is excellent for developing technique, providing clear feedback on stroke execution. It performs reliably for serves, pushes, and controlled loops, making it a trustworthy platform for strategic play.
The feel is solid and direct, leaning towards medium-hard. This provides clear ball sensation upon impact, which aids in stroke development and precise shot placement. It strikes a balance between crispness for attacking shots and sufficient dwell for controlled loops and defensive play.
The combination of good dwell time and compatibility with tacky rubbers typically results in a medium-high throw angle. This is conducive to executing powerful loop drives and consistent topspin shots, fitting a spin-oriented offensive style.
Players report good dwell time, a characteristic of multi-ply all-wood blades designed for spin. This extended ball contact allows players to impart more rotation and better control the trajectory of their loops and chops, making it highly effective for spin generation.
It is not overly flexible, offering a relatively stiff feel that ensures efficient power transfer on drives and smashes. While the wood construction provides enough flex for spin-based shots, the blade prioritizes a direct and solid response suited for attacking play.
The blade provides noticeable vibration feedback, creating a direct connection to the ball. This can enhance tactile feedback, helping players feel every nuance of their shot. While some prefer a more dampened feel, this vibration aids in developing a precise touch and a deeper understanding of ball impact.
This is a well-built blade that offers good value. It uses a durable combination of woods known for their resilience, resulting in reliable performance and longevity. While not a premium luxury item, its construction is solid for its price point, making it a dependable choice for players at various levels who need equipment that lasts.
Technology
DHS PF4 016 represents traditional blade craftsmanship with its 6-ply all-wood design. It utilizes carefully selected woods like Ayous, Lauan, and Basswood to create a classic construction that balances feel, control, and offensive capability. The PF4 series, with roots dating back decades, was developed to enhance performance with direct feedback and dwell time, specifically to facilitate spin-oriented play. The 016 model is noted for its solid feel and consistent performance, engineered to work effectively with the tacky, hard-sponged rubbers characteristic of Chinese table tennis.
Similar Blades
DHS PF4-032
DHS PF4-032 is another variant within the classic PF4 series. While specific differentiating details can be subtle, variations in wood selection or ply arrangement between models like the 016 and 032 can lead to nuanced differences in feel, speed, or control. Both are respected DHS blades designed for spin-oriented, controlled offensive play.