Weight
87g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Carbokev K-2
Yinhe Carbokev K-2 is a hybrid table tennis blade designed for offensive players who value a balanced approach. Its unique CarboKev construction combines wood with carbon-kevlar weave layers, creating a large sweet spot and enhanced power while preserving good ball feedback. This blade excels for looping and attacking styles, providing ample dwell time for spin generation and the stiffness needed for powerful shots. A versatile choice for intermediate to advanced players, it performs reliably in both close-to-table and mid-distance rallies.
Yinhe Carbokev K-2 is built with a 5-ply construction. While the specific wood types are not detailed, the blade incorporates two layers of 'Carbon Kevlar weave' fiber material, confirming its hybrid nature. This structure is designed to offer the power and large sweet spot of carbon combined with the increased dwell time and softer feel contributed by Kevlar. Placing the CarboKev layers between wood plies is a common technique to achieve this balanced performance profile.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Carbokev K-2 delivers fast offensive performance, with our testing confirming a speed rating around 8.5. This pace comes from its hybrid construction where carbon fiber provides the explosive power for aggressive looping and attacking shots. It offers enough thrust for decisive offensive play while retaining sufficient control to remain versatile during mid-distance exchanges, making it an excellent blade for players looking to upgrade their attacking potential.
Despite its high speed, Carbokev K-2 maintains excellent control. The inclusion of Kevlar alongside carbon, combined with wood plies, creates a larger sweet spot and better vibration management. This allows for consistent shot execution, especially for players who integrate spin and precise placement into their offensive strategy. It provides a smooth transition for players moving to faster blades without sacrificing tactical precision.
Carbokev K-2 delivers a medium-hard feel that offensive players appreciate. The CarboKev layers provide a crisp stiffness for power and speed, while the wood plies contribute a degree of flexibility and clear feedback. This responsive blend creates a direct connection with the ball, aiding in the execution of powerful shots and nuanced spin control during fast rallies.
Yinhe Carbokev K-2 produces a medium-high throw angle, which is highly beneficial for attacking players. This trajectory allows the ball to clear the net with a greater safety margin, facilitating aggressive opening loops and consistent follow-up attacks. It supports a heavy topspin game while still permitting controlled placement for tactical variety.
This blade provides a moderate dwell time, a key feature for modern offensive play. The combination of wood and CarboKev materials allows the ball to sink into the blade slightly longer than with stiffer all-carbon options, which greatly facilitates spin generation. This characteristic is crucial for players who rely on heavy topspin loops and controlled drives, offering a reliable platform for spin-oriented attacks.
The blade exhibits a stiff, medium-stiff flexibility. The carbon Kevlar layers significantly reduce flex compared to traditional all-wood blades. This stiffness is advantageous for generating explosive speed and power, particularly during aggressive strokes and smashes, while the composite's properties still allow for controlled looping and touch play.
Vibration on the Carbokev K-2 is moderate and well-managed. The CarboKev composite is engineered to absorb impact shock, resulting in less harsh feedback compared to blades with pure carbon layers. This leads to a more comfortable playing experience and helps maintain control during rapid exchanges, without completely eliminating the direct tactile feedback necessary for precise shot-making.
Yinhe Carbokev K-2 offers very good build quality, especially considering its competitive price. Players consistently report solid construction and reliable durability from blades in the Carbokev series. While specific manufacturing details are limited, the blade's consistent performance and lack of common quality complaints suggest a well-made product that provides excellent value for offensive players.
Technology
Yinhe Carbokev K-2 utilizes a hybrid construction with 'Carbon Kevlar weave' layers. This technology merges the high strength and stiffness of carbon fiber with the vibration-dampening and slightly softer characteristics of Kevlar. The goal is to create a blade that delivers the enhanced speed and enlarged sweet spot of carbon, while preserving a degree of the control and dwell time associated with wood. This engineered blend aims to give offensive players a versatile tool for powerful looping and decisive attacking shots across all distances.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
While direct comparisons for the K-2 are limited, other blades in Yinhe's Carbokev series (like the K-5) are noted for similarities to the Butterfly Viscaria. This suggests the K-2 might share a comparable hybrid offensive profile, offering a budget-friendly alternative for players seeking the Viscaria's balanced power and control characteristics.
Butterfly Michael Maze
The Yinhe Carbokev line, including models like the K-6, is known to replicate the performance of renowned professional blades. This indicates the K-2 could serve as a cost-effective alternative to blades like the Butterfly Michael Maze, providing a similar hybrid construction tailored for dynamic, offensive playstyles favored by many advanced players.