Weight
72.5g
Thickness
9mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Balsa 9
Yinhe Balsa 9 is a unique table tennis blade defined by its lightweight construction and exceptional control, stemming from a thick balsa wood core. It delivers a distinct playing experience centered on feel and precision. This all-wood blade excels in the short game, blocking, and precise placement, offering outstanding maneuverability. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with a wide range of rubbers, including long pips, short pips, and anti-spin, making it a superb choice for players who rely on a sensitive touch and disruptive tactics.
The blade is built around a thick central core of balsa wood, surrounded by four other wood plies. This 5-ply all-wood construction is fundamental to its lightweight nature and exceptional feel. The balsa core provides a soft touch and good vibration dampening, which directly contributes to its outstanding control-oriented performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Balsa 9 is designed for players who prefer lighter blades with medium speed. It provides sufficient pace for controlled attacks and smooth transitions from defense to offense, but it is not a speed-demon. The blade prioritizes control and feel, offering a balanced and manageable speed that supports precision over raw power.
Control is the standout feature of the Balsa 9. Its lightweight build and thick balsa core deliver an exceptional feel for the ball, enabling precise placement, effective blocking, and confident chopping. This makes it highly suitable for players whose game is built on touch, accuracy, and tactical disruption.
The thick balsa core creates a distinct, soft to medium feel that provides excellent feedback. This sensitive touch is crucial for finesse shots, allowing players to feel ball contact deeply, especially during short game exchanges and blocking.
With its soft feel and control-oriented design, the Balsa 9 typically produces a medium-low throw angle. This trajectory is ideal for players who prefer to control the ball's arc and keep shots low over the net.
The blade's emphasis on control suggests a medium to long dwell time. This allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, providing more time for spin generation and precise placement, which is particularly beneficial when paired with slower rubbers.
The thicker profile and nature of balsa wood suggest a moderate to medium-flexible blade. This flex allows for good power transfer in strokes when needed, while still maintaining the primary focus on control and feel.
The balsa core is known for its vibration-dampening properties, resulting in a less harsh and more comfortable playing experience. This reduces unnecessary feedback, letting players focus purely on ball contact and shot execution.
Yinhe maintains its reputation for good value with the Balsa 9. Players report a well-balanced, lightweight blade with consistent feel, pointing to reliable construction for its price. The overall build quality supports its specialized performance without compromise.
Technology
Yinhe Balsa 9 features a unique construction centered on a thick balsa wood core. Balsa is exceptionally lightweight, known for its soft feel and excellent vibration-dampening qualities. This core is encased by four other wood plies to create a 5-ply all-wood blade. Some variants, like the T-9 Pro, incorporate a single carbon layer on one side of the balsa core for an asymmetric design. This aims to provide a distinct contrast between a faster, offensive side and a more controlled, defensive side, catering to players who use different rubbers on each side.
Similar Blades
Yinhe T-11s
Yinhe T-11s is a balsa carbon blade that shares the lightweight properties of balsa wood. While the Balsa 9 is an all-wood control blade, the T-11s incorporates carbon for a faster and more powerful offensive option. It's often considered by players who enjoy the balsa feel but desire significantly more speed and attacking potential.
Yinhe T-9 Pro
Yinhe T-9 Pro is a direct variant designed for combi and long pips play. It features an asymmetric construction with a carbon layer on one side and a wood-only side, creating a distinct contrast. This makes it an alternative for players who appreciate the Balsa 9's concept of different feels per side but want a faster, carbon-enhanced attacking option on one wing.