Weight
85g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
C-3
Friendship C-3 is a versatile 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade designed for balanced offensive and defensive play. It delivers a harmonious blend of speed and control, making it suitable for various styles. The all-wood construction provides a natural, responsive feel with good dwell time for spin-oriented shots. Its well-expanded sweet spot enhances consistency and placement, offering reliable performance for developing and intermediate players seeking an economical, all-around blade.
The 5-ply all-wood construction features Ayous outer plies, Basswood middle plies, and a Paulownia core. This combination aims to provide a balance of speed, control, and feel. The softer Ayous outer plies contribute to dwell time and touch, while the firmer Basswood and lighter Paulownia core offer a stable base for controlled attacks.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Friendship C-3 is generally regarded as an Allround+ blade, indicating moderate to high speed. It's designed to offer enough power for offensive shots, particularly loops, without sacrificing control. While some players find it slightly slow for very aggressive play, most agree it provides a good balance for varied tactics, making it versatile for all-around gameplay.
Control is a strong suit of the Friendship C-3. Its forgiving nature and stable sweet spot allow players to execute shots with high precision, making it suitable for tactical play and consistent ball placement. This high level of control is ideal for players who rely on accuracy and strategic placement in their game.
C-3 offers a nice, solid feeling with a medium touch. The all-wood construction contributes to a natural and sensitive connection, allowing players to feel the ball at impact, which is well-suited for developing spin and controlling the game's pace.
Given its all-wood construction and Allround+ classification, C-3 likely offers a medium to medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for generating effective loops with a good arc, allowing the ball to clear the net comfortably while maintaining penetration.
The 5-ply all-wood construction, particularly with softer outer plies, typically provides good dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade longer, facilitating effective spin generation and controlled looping shots.
As an all-wood, all-round blade, C-3 possesses a moderate degree of flexibility. This allows for good ball pocketing during strokes, aiding in spin development and providing a comfortable feel—neither excessively stiff nor overly whippy.
Players note the blade vibrates moderately with shots, but not in an uncomfortable or distracting way. This level of vibration provides useful feedback without being excessive.
Players report the build quality and finish are commendable for its price point, with good workmanship and wood quality. However, some feedback suggests the blade might not be as durable for repeated, aggressive rubber changes as higher-end models, though general playability remains solid and reliable for regular use.
Technology
Friendship C-3 utilizes a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This method focuses on carefully selected wood plies—Ayous, Basswood, and Paulownia—layered and bonded to achieve specific playing characteristics. The manufacturing emphasizes achieving a balance between speed, control, and feel, aiming to create a forgiving blade with good dwell time for spin. Unlike composite blades, C-3 relies solely on the natural properties of wood to deliver its performance, providing a classic table tennis feel.
Similar Blades
Friendship 729 C-5
Friendship C-5 is another 5-ply all-wood blade from the same manufacturer, often compared to the C-3. While C-3 is generally rated as Allround+, C-5 is sometimes described as having a slightly different speed/control balance or feel, with some players noting it might be a touch faster. Both are considered excellent value all-round options.
Yinhe (Galaxy) N10s
Yinhe N10s is a 5-ply all-wood blade also classified as Allround+. It is known for providing a good balance of playing properties and versatility, similar to the Friendship C-3. Both blades cater to players seeking well-rounded performance for various aspects of the game, making them strong alternatives in the all-wood category.