Weight
85g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x153
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe 980
Yinhe 980 is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade designed for chopping and control. It delivers a solid, connected feel with excellent feedback, making it ideal for players who prioritize precision and strategic placement. While its core strength is defense, the blade also supports effective counter-attacks and looping from mid-distance, offering versatility for modern defensive styles. Its consistent, forgiving performance makes it accessible for developing defenders and reliable for experienced choppers.
Yinhe 980 features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. This classic design is known for providing excellent feel, control, and dwell time, which are essential for defensive play. The pure wood composition contributes to a softer feel and good vibration damping, enhancing the blade's defensive capabilities.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe 980 operates at a medium-slow pace, prioritizing control over raw speed. It provides enough power for effective counter-attacks and offensive shots when needed, but its true strength lies in managing incoming ball speed and redirecting it with precision, making it ideal for a controlled, strategic game.
Control is the defining feature of Yinhe 980. Its design and all-wood construction deliver exceptional feel and feedback, allowing for accurate ball placement and confident execution of complex defensive maneuvers. This high level of control is crucial for chopping, blocking, and spin manipulation, giving players a reliable tool for tactical play.
Yinhe 980 offers a medium-soft feel, characteristic of many all-wood defensive blades. This enhances dwell time, allowing for better spin generation and ball absorption during defensive strokes. It provides a comfortable, connected sensation that helps players feel in tune with the ball.
The softer wood composition and good dwell time contribute to a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for generating higher arcs on loops and defensive shots, making it harder for opponents to attack and allowing for more spin variation.
The blade exhibits good dwell time, beneficial for defensive players. This allows more time to impart spin on the ball, execute precise chops, and absorb the pace of incoming attacks effectively, contributing to a controlled and spin-oriented game.
The blade has a good degree of flexibility, which aids in controlling incoming shots and generating spin. This flexibility, combined with its dwell time, allows for a more forgiving playing experience and enhances the ability to vary shots and adapt to different ball speeds.
Yinhe 980 provides good vibration damping, contributing to a controlled and stable feel. While not completely vibration-free, it offers a comfortable experience that helps maintain consistency during long rallies and intense defensive exchanges, reducing player fatigue.
For its price point, Yinhe 980 offers excellent build quality. The 5-ply all-wood construction feels solid and durable, providing a consistent playing experience. The materials contribute to a good feel and reliable performance over time, making it a high-value proposition that stands up to regular use.
Technology
Yinhe 980 is built using a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction, emphasizing the natural properties of wood to create excellent ball feel, control, and dwell time. While specific wood types aren't detailed, the design focuses on optimizing defensive play—particularly chopping and blocking—by maximizing feedback and stability. The blade prioritizes a large sweet spot and forgiving characteristics, making it a reliable choice for players who depend on consistent execution of defensive strokes and tactical placement.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kim Song I
Kim Song I, the 2016 Rio Olympic Women's Singles Bronze Medalist and a top North Korean defensive player, uses the Yinhe 980 XX variant. Her success highlights the blade's suitability for elite-level defensive play, including chopping, blocking, and precise counter-attacks. The exceptional control and feel allow her to execute complex defensive strategies and disrupt opponents' rhythm effectively.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Matsushita Pro Model
Yinhe 980, particularly the 980XX variant, is widely considered a spiritual successor to the discontinued Butterfly Matsushita Pro Model. Both blades are highly praised for their defensive capabilities, exceptional control, feel, and suitability for chopping and blocking. Yinhe 980 offers a more budget-friendly option for players seeking the characteristics of that legendary defensive blade.
Victas Matsushita Def
Similar to Yinhe 980XX, Victas Matsushita Def is also noted as being inspired by the Butterfly Matsushita Pro. It aims to provide similar defensive qualities, including high control, good feel, and effectiveness for choppers, serving as another alternative for players looking for classic defensive attributes in a modern blade.