Weight
89g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe 970 XX - C
Yinhe 970 XX - C is an offensive table tennis blade built for aggressive players who thrive on speed and spin. Its 5+2 construction with inner carbon layers delivers a powerful, responsive feel ideal for fast attacks and heavy looping from mid-distance. Designed to offer a competitive edge, this blade balances explosive power with a degree of control and vibration dampening, making it a compelling choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to dominate rallies with pace and precision.
The 5+2 structure with inner carbon layers aims to provide a fast and powerful offensive blade. Koto as the outer layer offers a stiff surface for good speed and spin. The inner ALC (Arylate Carbon) layers contribute to speed and reduce vibration, while the Kiri core provides lightness and flexibility.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe 970 XX - C is consistently rated as a very fast blade, often described as the fastest in its series. The 5+2 construction with carbon fiber provides significant power for aggressive shots, particularly drives and powerful loops. It excels in generating high ball speed, making it suitable for players who rely on pace to win points.
Despite its noted speed, Yinhe 970 XX - C also receives relatively high control ratings. This suggests that despite its offensive capabilities, it remains manageable for players with good technique. The inner carbon layers likely contribute to a more controlled feel compared to outer carbon blades. However, some reviews highlight a small sweet spot and significant flex, which can reduce control for less experienced players.
Yinhe 970 XX - C offers a feel that leans towards medium-hard, with clear feedback from the carbon layers. Some describe it as feeling like a stiff wood blade but with the kick of ALC. However, the significant flex reported can also lead to a sensation where the ball sinks into the sponge, creating a complex feel that requires mastery.
The combination of speed, flex, and carbon layers generally results in a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for looping and driving, as it allows the ball to clear the net with a good trajectory, especially on aggressive shots. Players can achieve high, arcing loops that are difficult for opponents to handle.
The combination of inner carbon and wood plies, along with noticeable flex, suggests a medium-to-long dwell time. This allows for good spin generation on loops and serves, enabling players to impart significant spin on the ball. The flexibility contributes to a longer ball contact time, which is beneficial for spin-oriented play.
Yinhe 970 XX - C features a significant amount of flex, a key characteristic contributing to both its powerful looping ability and potential control issues when not managed correctly. This flexibility allows the blade to bend and then spring back, adding power to shots.
The inner carbon layers help to dampen vibration, providing a less harsh feel compared to blades with outer carbon. While there isn't a lot of vibration, some users find the feedback quite low. This moderate vibration dampening contributes to a more comfortable feel during play, especially for longer sessions.
Yinhe blades are generally known for offering good value for money, and the 970 XX - C is no exception. Build quality is typically solid, with a good finish and durable construction. While not reaching the premium craftsmanship of top-tier European or Japanese brands, it offers excellent performance and durability for its price bracket.
Technology
Yinhe 970 XX - C features a 5-ply wood construction with two inner layers of carbon fiber. This '5+2' structure is designed to create a blade that offers the speed and power associated with carbon blades while maintaining a more controlled feel and reduced vibration compared to outer-carbon constructions. The inner placement of the carbon layers is a key technological aspect, aiming to provide a catapult effect and enhanced spin potential without sacrificing too much of the blade's natural feel and control.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Bo
Wang Bo, a prominent Chinese professional table tennis player, has been noted to use blades with similar construction characteristics, potentially including the Yinhe 970 series. His style, characterized by powerful forehand loops and solid backhand play, aligns with the performance characteristics of this blade, which offers a blend of speed, spin, and control suitable for an aggressive, all-round offensive game.
Similar Blades
Yinhe Pro 01 ALC
Yinhe Pro 01 ALC is frequently mentioned as a more controllable alternative for intermediate players, even though it has a higher base speed. Players report that the Pro 01 is a lot more controllable and offers a very linear and predictable response compared to the 970 XX - C. If the 970 XX - C's flexibility and smaller sweet spot pose control challenges, the Pro 01 ALC provides a more forgiving and predictable playing experience while still being a fast, offensive blade.