Weight
89g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe 977
Yinhe 977 delivers a legendary performance that challenges premium brands, offering a masterful blend of explosive speed and pinpoint control. Its versatile nature makes it a top choice for aggressive players seeking a high-quality offensive blade without the steep price tag. The construction provides a crisp, engaging feel that inspires confidence for powerful topspin attacks, quick counters, and solid blocking, making it a compelling value proposition for intermediate to advanced competitors.
The 7-ply stack is engineered for a blend of attributes. Koto outer plies offer spin potential, the inner KLC fiber layers boost power and enlarge the sweet spot, and the Kiri wood plies contribute to the blade's overall balance, feel, and harmonic dampening.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe 977 is an exceptionally fast blade, designed for dominant offensive play. The inner KLC composite layers act as a powerful springboard, enabling devastatingly quick counter-attacks and explosive power shots that can overwhelm opponents. This speed is a core characteristic, making it a favorite for players who like to dictate the pace of the rally with aggressive, forward-moving strokes.
Despite its blistering speed, Yinhe 977 offers surprisingly refined control. The balanced construction provides excellent feedback and a predictable feel, allowing for precise shot placement and tactical nuance. Players find they can execute delicate blocks, controlled opening loops, and accurate placements with confidence, making it a versatile weapon for strategic offensive play rather than just raw power.
The blade provides a direct, crisp, and solid feel upon contact. It's not overly stiff but offers a firm, responsive platform that transmits clear feedback, described by many as having a 'superb feeling' that enhances shot confidence and connection with the ball.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which naturally facilitates powerful topspin arcs and aggressive attacking play. This trajectory helps in lifting backspin and creating heavy, diving loops that are difficult for opponents to handle.
Dwell time is notably good, allowing for ample ball contact to generate heavy spin, especially when paired with modern tensor or tacky rubbers. This characteristic is crucial for effective looping and spin-oriented offensive play, giving players time to brush the ball effectively.
Yinhe 977 exhibits a medium-stiff to stiff flex profile. This firmness supports its high-speed, direct character, making it ideal for players who generate their own power and prefer a stable, unforgiving hitting surface that translates energy efficiently.
Vibration levels are moderate. The KLC layers provide power without completely deadening the feel, offering enough feedback for players to sense their shots without being jarred by excessive harshness. This balanced vibration contributes to its overall controllability.
Yinhe 977 boasts excellent build quality and finish that consistently impresses players. The craftsmanship rivals that of far more expensive blades, with a solid feel, clean edges, and a premium aesthetic. This high level of quality ensures durability and a consistent playing experience, offering tremendous value for a blade that performs at such an elite level.
Technology
Yinhe 977 utilizes an advanced 7-ply construction with inner KLC composite layers. This 'inner carbon' design enhances speed and stiffness while preserving a softer touch and superior control compared to outer-carbon blades. Koto outer plies provide an excellent, spin-friendly surface, while the Kiri wood layers contribute to the blade's overall feel, balance, and harmonic response. This technology creates a modern offensive playing experience that echoes the performance of top-tier professional blades.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Bo
Wang Bo used the Yinhe 977S variant to achieve a significant victory against top players like Xu Xin, demonstrating the blade's capability at the highest professional level and cementing its reputation as a tournament-worthy weapon.
Yao Li
Yao Li is closely associated with the Yinhe 977 series, indicating her familiarity, potential use, or endorsement of the blade, further highlighting its standing within professional circles.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Yinhe 977 is frequently mentioned in the same breath as the Viscaria due to strikingly similar construction and playing characteristics. Both are celebrated for their offensive speed, control, and versatility, with the 977 serving as a highly capable and more budget-conscious alternative for aggressive players.
DHS Hurricane Long 5
The blade also draws strong comparisons to the DHS Hurricane Long 5, sharing a reputation for offensive power, spin-friendliness, and a high-level feel. This positions Yinhe 977 as a formidable competitor in the elite inner-fiber blade category, offering a comparable experience.
Yinhe Pro 05
Within the Yinhe family, the Pro 05 shares a similar inner-carbon structural philosophy with the 977. Both are designed for offensive dominance, suggesting overlapping technological goals, though the 977 is often noted for its unique synthesis of playing sensations from other top blades.