Weight
88g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x158
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
F-3 Hao Shuai
Friendship 729 L-5 Hao Shuai is a 7-ply all-wood blade crafted for aggressive, loop-oriented players. Designed in collaboration with Chinese star Hao Shuai, it delivers a balanced feel with excellent flexibility, enabling powerful spin generation and consistent attacks from mid-distance. This blade excels in control and dwell time, producing low-arc, high-spin shots ideal for players who rely on spin variation and tactical offense. Its traditional wood construction offers a responsive touch and reliable performance for those seeking a blend of speed and precision.
The blade features a 7-ply all-wood construction. This traditional configuration is known for providing a good combination of speed, control, and dwell time, offering a classic feel with good flexibility and ball feedback crucial for spin-oriented play. The exact wood types are not specified.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
L-5 Hao Shuai is a fast blade fitting the OFF++ category. It provides ample speed for offensive play, especially for loop drives and attacks from mid-distance, though it isn't the absolute fastest available. The speed rating reflects its capability to generate powerful shots when paired with appropriate rubbers, making it effective for aggressive players who need pace without sacrificing too much control.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. Players consistently rate it very high, highlighting its suitability for loop-driving and controlled attacks. This exceptional control allows for precise ball placement and effective spin variation, making it a reliable choice for consistent offensive play where accuracy and tactical nuance are paramount.
The blade offers a balanced, medium-hard feel. It deforms well on impact, providing good feedback for precise shot-making and allowing players to sense the ball for enhanced spin generation and control during powerful strokes.
L-5 Hao Shuai is noted for producing low-arc, strong spin shots. This suggests a medium-high throw angle when executing powerful loops, enabling a good trajectory over the net while maintaining spin and speed for aggressive play.
The 7-ply all-wood construction is designed for excellent dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, enabling players to impart more spin and control their shots effectively, which is particularly beneficial for looping and spin-oriented techniques.
Good flexibility is a key characteristic, as the blade deforms well upon ball impact. This flexibility is essential for generating the spin and power associated with loop drives, allowing players to load the ball effectively for maximum effect.
The blade exhibits moderate, controllable vibration. Its focus on control and looping suggests a feedback that is present but not excessively harsh, providing useful tactile information without being distracting during play.
While direct quality ratings are limited, user feedback on overall performance and consistency is very high, suggesting excellent build quality. The blade is described as having a balanced feeling and deforming well on impact, indicating durable and well-constructed wood layers. Its frequent comparison to the Stiga CL also implies a high standard of craftsmanship.
Technology
Friendship 729 L-5 Hao Shuai exemplifies traditional blade craftsmanship, optimizing all-wood construction for modern play. Its design emphasizes natural wood properties through a carefully considered 7-ply arrangement that maximizes flexibility and resilience. This structure allows the blade to deform well on impact, a key characteristic for generating significant spin and achieving a satisfying, connected feel during powerful strokes. Adopted by professional player Hao Shuai, the blade's performance meets rigorous competitive standards, proving that expertly layered wood can deliver superior spin, control, and feedback for offensive players.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Hao Shuai
Hao Shuai, a former top Chinese player with a highest world ranking of 7, designed and adopted this blade. Known for his offensive, spin-oriented style from the late 1990s to mid-2010s, he utilized equipment like the L-5 Hao Shuai to win titles including the 2010 World Cup (team) and 2006 Asian Games (team). The blade's emphasis on loop-drives and spin generation perfectly complemented his aggressive playing approach.
Similar Blades
Stiga CL
L-5 Hao Shuai is frequently compared to the Stiga CL. Both are typically 7-ply all-wood blades renowned for excellent control and spin-generating capabilities, especially for loop drives. Players often choose between them based on subtle differences in feel, but they offer very similar playing characteristics for an offensive, spin-focused style, making the CL a direct alternative.