Weight
80g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x155
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe 980 XX
Yinhe 980 XX is a specialized defensive table tennis blade, renowned for its exceptional control and feel, making it a top choice for choppers and defensive players. Inspired by classic defensive designs, this 5-ply all-wood blade features carefully selected willow wood outer layers designed to provide superior ball feedback and dwell time. Its construction facilitates precise chopping, blocking, and a varied defensive game, while also offering enough power for effective counter-attacks. The blade is favored by professional players who rely on consistent, stable defensive maneuvers and the ability to disrupt opponents' rhythm. Available in various handle types, it offers a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern defensive requirements.
This 5-ply all-wood construction features willow wood on the outer layers, designed to maximize feel, control, and dwell time crucial for defensive play. The symmetrical wood core provides stability and vibration absorption for consistent performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe 980 XX offers a speed rating on the lower end, befitting its defensive nature. Our testing shows it provides enough pace for controlled attacks but primarily focuses on defensive play, with a character often described as medium-slow. Some players report it feels faster than its listed specifications, potentially closer to all-round capabilities, but it remains a tool optimized for control over raw power.
This blade is universally praised for its outstanding control, with ratings consistently hitting 9 or higher. This high level of control allows players to execute precise defensive shots, generate heavy spin, and maintain consistency even under pressure. The exceptional feel from the willow wood outer plies gives you confidence in every touch and placement.
The willow wood outer plies provide exceptional feel and control, allowing players to sense the ball intimately for precise shot execution and effective spin variation. The sensation is soft yet stable, perfect for absorbing incoming attacks and maintaining touch on defensive returns.
The blade's construction and extended dwell time tend to produce a higher throw angle, which is beneficial for defensive players looking to loop and chop with significant arc. This makes shots more difficult for opponents to attack aggressively.
The blade's construction, especially the willow wood outer layers, is engineered to provide optimal dwell time. This extended contact is crucial for defensive players to generate heavy spin on chops and counter-attacks, as well as for absorbing pace and controlling the ball effectively.
While described as thin and flexible, though not extremely so, the blade offers a good amount of flex for defensive shots and provides a satisfying arc for looping. It balances this flexibility with the stability needed for consistent chopping and blocking.
Yinhe 980 XX features excellent vibration damping with a soft composition that ensures stability. This low vibration characteristic contributes to superior control and comfort during defensive play, reducing unwanted feedback and allowing for cleaner, more consistent strokes.
Yinhe 980 XX is consistently described as a high-quality defensive blade. The craftsmanship and materials used, particularly the willow wood outer plies, contribute to its superior feel and durability, making it a reliable choice for defensive players. It represents excellent value within its specialized category.
Technology
Yinhe 980 XX is crafted using a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction with carefully selected willow wood for the outer plies. This material is known for providing exceptional feel, control, and dwell time. The construction aims to replicate the performance characteristics of classic defensive blades while being optimized for modern table tennis demands, including the 40+ ball. The design prioritizes stability and vibration damping, essential for executing precise defensive strokes like chops and blocks, making it a purpose-built tool for defensive specialists.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kim Song I
Kim Song I, a renowned defensive player from North Korea and the 2016 Rio Olympic Women's Singles Bronze Medalist, has used Yinhe 980 XX as her primary blade. Her success with this blade underscores its suitability for elite-level chopping, blocking, and strategic counter-attacking. The blade's exceptional control and feel allow her to employ a diverse range of defensive techniques and disrupt opponents' play effectively at the highest competitive levels.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Matsushita Pro Model
Yinhe 980 XX is widely regarded as a direct spiritual successor to the Butterfly Matsushita Pro Model, a highly respected defensive blade that was discontinued. Many players note the strong similarities in feel, control, and playing characteristics between the two blades, making Yinhe 980 XX a popular modern alternative for those seeking that classic defensive performance.
Victas Swat
Players report they can play Yinhe 980 XX and Victas Swat interchangeably, noting similar feelings and control characteristics. This suggests Victas Swat shares key defensive attributes with Yinhe 980 XX, such as excellent control and feel for defensive play, making it another viable option in this category.