Weight
85g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
167x154
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe LQ-1
Yinhe LQ-1 is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade designed for players who prioritize control and placement without sacrificing offensive potential. Its construction pairs soft inner layers with very solid outer plies, creating a direct feel and reduced dwell time that excels in blocking and counter-hitting. The oversized head provides a generous sweet spot and enhanced stability, making it a versatile tool for aggressive defensive tactics and close-to-table play.
This is a 5-ply all-wood construction. While the exact wood species for each layer are not specified, the design is noted for using soft inner layers combined with very solid outer layers to achieve its unique playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
LQ-1 operates with a moderate speed that leans towards the faster side for a defensive blade. This rating makes it effective for aggressive play at the table, allowing for powerful blocks and confident counter-hitting while maintaining a controllable foundation.
Excellent control is a hallmark of this blade, providing the precision essential for defensive play and touch shots. This high level of command allows players to focus on ball placement and consistency, making it a reliable choice for strategic rallies.
LQ-1 offers a medium-hard feel characterized by solid outer layers. This creates a stiffer, more direct connection with the ball compared to softer defensive blades, contributing to its reduced dwell time.
It likely produces a medium throw angle. This balanced arc helps in generating effective spin for loops and provides a manageable trajectory for controlled defensive chops and blocks.
The combination of soft inner layers and very solid outer plies is designed to reduce dwell time. This results in a medium to medium-short contact, providing a quick, direct response that favors blocking and hitting.
LQ-1 is noted for its stiffness. This lower flexibility contributes to its speed and direct feel, making it particularly effective for blocking and driving shots rather than highly arcing, flexible loops.
As a 5-ply all-wood blade, it provides a moderate level of vibration. This offers clear tactile feedback on shots without being overly harsh or numb, giving players a good sense of ball contact.
The LQ-1 is consistently praised for its build quality, noted for durable construction and consistent performance. This suggests strong manufacturing standards, resulting in a blade that feels solid and reliable over time.
Technology
Yinhe LQ-1, also known as the Li Qian Special, utilizes a specific 5-ply wood layering strategy. The core philosophy pairs soft inner layers with very solid outer layers. This design aims to reduce the ball's dwell time on the racket, creating a more direct and immediate feel. The result is a blade that enhances blocking stability and counter-hit speed. Combined with its oversized head for a larger sweet spot, this technology supports a versatile style that blends defensive control with offensive initiative.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Li Qian
The blade is named after the defensive specialist Li Qian, suggesting its design is inspired by her playing style. While specific details of her professional usage are not confirmed, her association indicates the blade is engineered for a high-level defensive or all-around game that incorporates offensive elements.
Similar Blades
Yinhe LQ-2
The LQ-2 is the direct sibling, also designed for defense. Our comparisons show LQ-1 is harder, faster, and better for close-table blocking and play with long pips. The LQ-2 typically offers more flex for forehand looping, greater control for backhand chops, and is often preferred for chopping further from the table.
Butterfly Joo Se Hyuk
Frequently mentioned as a comparable blade in style, the Butterfly Joo Se Hyuk is also considered a 'fast' defensive blade. Both are known for offering significant control while maintaining enough speed for aggressive defensive play and integrating offensive attacks into the rally.