Weight
65g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
166x155
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Yinhe Balsa 7
Yinhe Balsa 7 is a table tennis blade built for players who value control and a lightweight feel, making it a standout choice for defensive play, precise blocking, and effective chopping. Its thick balsa wood core delivers a distinctive, dampened sensation that enhances control in the short game and on blocks. While primarily defensive, it offers enough versatility for smooth, controlled attacks and accurate placement on comfortable balls. The blade's light weight and oversized head further amplify its control capabilities, providing a large sweet spot for consistent play.
The blade features a 5-ply all-wood construction with a thick central core of balsa wood. This core is known to provide a unique feel, characterized by increased control and vibration dampening, which is highly beneficial for defensive play and close-to-the-table actions. The outer wood layers contribute to the overall structure and touch of the blade.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Balsa 7 is characterized by its low speed, making it ideal for players who rely on placement and control rather than raw power. This rating aligns with its primary function as a defensive blade, offering just enough speed for controlled offensive maneuvers when needed.
The blade boasts exceptional control, a direct result of its lightweight construction, balsa core, and larger head size. This high rating is consistent with its intended use for defensive play, precise blocking, and accurate chopping, giving players confidence in their placement.
The thick balsa core provides a distinct dampened and soft feel, characteristic of many balsa blades. This feel emphasizes control and touch, especially in the short game and during blocking, with less vibration compared to carbon or harder wood blades.
The combination of a flexible wood construction and a balsa core generally leads to a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for defensive shots like chops and pushes, allowing for greater arc and control over the ball's trajectory.
The balsa core typically offers a medium-to-long dwell time due to its ability to absorb energy and allow the ball to sink into the rubber. This contributes to the blade's excellent control and spin-generating capabilities on serves and loops.
Rated at 3.0, the blade exhibits a low level of stiffness, indicating some flexibility. This characteristic aids in control and dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball more and generate spin effectively.
The balsa core is known for its natural vibration-dampening properties. This results in a low vibration rating, which contributes to the blade's controlled feel and comfort during play, minimizing harsh feedback.
While direct quality ratings are scarce, Yinhe blades are generally recognized for offering good value. The Balsa 7's construction, particularly the balsa core, contributes to its unique playing characteristics. Users report a solid feel for a blade in its price range, though durability might be a consideration for aggressive play.
Technology
Yinhe Balsa 7 primarily utilizes a classic all-wood construction with a core made of balsa wood. Balsa, known for its extremely low density and excellent vibration-dampening properties, is chosen for its ability to create lightweight blades with high control. The thick balsa core is a defining feature, providing a unique feel and enhancing the blade's performance in defensive play, short game tactics, and controlled blocking. There are no advanced composite materials like carbon or arylate involved in this particular model.
Similar Blades
Yinhe T-11+ Carbon
While the Yinhe Balsa 7 is an all-wood defensive blade, the T-11+ is a much faster, lighter, 7-ply (5 wood + 2 carbon) offensive blade that also features a balsa core. Players seeking a lighter blade might consider the T-11+ for its offensive capabilities, but it offers a drastically different playing experience due to its speed and composite construction.
TSP Black Balsa 7.0
This is another balsa core blade that is often mentioned in discussions about lighter, faster blades than typical balsa options. While it might be faster and have a different feel than the Yinhe Balsa 7, it shares the characteristic lightness and balsa feel that defensive players might appreciate.