Weight
87g
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Carbokev K-5
Yinhe Carbokev K-5 is a hybrid table tennis blade built for offensive players who demand a blend of speed, control, and spin. Its 7-ply construction sandwiches two inner layers of CarboKev—a composite of carbon and Kevlar fibers—within a wood core. This design aims to deliver the stiffness and power of carbon while preserving a softer, more connected wood-like feel. The result is a versatile blade that excels in spin-oriented attacks, offering responsive power for loops and drives while maintaining enough touch for controlled placement. It's a compelling choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking high performance without a premium price tag.
The construction follows a symmetrical 7-ply layout: wood outer plies, wood inner plies, two inner CarboKev fiber layers sandwiching a wood core, and then mirrored again. This inner-fiber placement is key to its playing character, aiming to deliver composite power and stability while maintaining a wood-like feel and enhanced control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Carbokev K-5 is a fast blade, squarely in the offensive category. The inner CarboKev layers provide a solid, springy kick that translates into excellent pace for loops and powerful drives. You'll find it generates easy speed for attacking shots from mid-distance, making it a potent weapon for an aggressive playing style.
Despite its speed, the K-5 maintains good control. The softer feel from the inner composite placement and wood construction gives you clear feedback, allowing for precise placement and tactical play. It handles short game and controlled opening loops well, though the high speed requires a committed stroke for consistency.
The blade has a distinctly soft and connected feel for a composite model. The ball seems to sink into the racket face, providing excellent feedback and a cushioned sensation that is particularly helpful for spin generation and touch shots.
The throw angle tends to be medium-high. This characteristic, born from its blend of speed and dwell, creates a good arc on loops, helping the ball clear the net safely while maintaining offensive pressure, which is perfect for topspin-oriented play.
Dwell time is a strength. The medium-soft feel and inner fiber placement allow the ball to stay on the racket face longer, giving players more time to impart heavy spin and control the trajectory of their loops and brush strokes.
It's a fairly flexible blade. This flex contributes significantly to its dwell time and spin potential, allowing the racket to bend and snap through the ball during brushing contact, which is ideal for modern, spin-heavy attacking techniques.
Vibration is moderate. The composite layers help dampen harsh feedback, resulting in a feel that is springy and lively without being overly sharp or numb. You get clear tactile information without excessive sting.
Manufacturing quality is a standout feature. The blade exhibits a clean finish, consistent plies, and solid construction that belies its affordable price point. Players consistently report it feels well-made and durable, offering a premium tactile experience that competes with blades costing significantly more.
Technology
Yinhe Carbokev K-5 centers on its proprietary CarboKev material—a fusion of carbon and Kevlar fibers layered internally within the blade. This technology seeks a specific synergy: carbon provides the foundational stiffness and rebound for speed, while Kevlar introduces durability and a softer, more elastic response. By embedding these layers inside the wood plies, the design aims to offer a controlled power release. The result is a blade that feels more connected and wood-like than outer-carbon models, prioritizing dwell time and spin-friendly feedback alongside its offensive power.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Often discussed as a budget-conscious alternative, Carbokev K-5 targets a similar performance profile: a balanced hybrid blade for spin-oriented attack. While the Viscaria uses outer Arylate-Carbon, the K-5's inner CarboKev seeks to replicate that blend of speed, control, and dwell time. Players find the K-5 offers a notably softer feel and excellent value, making it a compelling option for those attracted to the Viscaria's style but not its price.
Yinhe Pro-05
This sibling blade from Yinhe shares the 5+2 inner fiber hybrid concept, here using Kevlar-Carbon (KLC). Both are high-value offensive options. The Pro-05 may feel slightly different due to variations in wood selection and fiber composition, but both cater to players wanting modern composite performance—good speed, high spin potential, and a controlled feel—from an affordable manufacturer.