Weight
80g
Thickness
11mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x154
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe DEF-11
Yinhe DEF-11 is a specialized defensive table tennis blade built for players who value exceptional control and a distinct feel. Its defining feature is a thick 11mm balsa core within a 5-ply construction, delivering lightness and superior vibration dampening for excellent ball feedback. The blade is engineered for a combi-style game, with a darker, slightly faster side optimized for attacking shots and a lighter, softer side tailored for defensive maneuvers and spin-heavy serves. This unique design provides outstanding value, offering a versatile platform for players who blend traditional defense with opportunistic attacks.
The 5-ply construction is centered on a substantial 11mm balsa wood core, providing a unique blend of lightness and feel. The outer veneers differ, with a darker, harder wood like wenge on one side and a softer wood on the other, creating the blade's signature differential performance for offense and defense.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
DEF-11 delivers moderate speed with a clear differentiation between sides. The darker, more rigid side offers slightly higher speed suitable for forehand attacks, while the lighter side is tuned for a slower, controlled defensive game. This design emphasizes precise placement and tactical variety over raw power, making it a true combi blade.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. The thick balsa core creates exceptional dwell time, allowing for precise ball placement and heavy spin generation. This high level of control is crucial for defensive play, enabling consistent chops, blocks, and well-placed counter-attacks.
The prominent balsa core provides a softer, more cushioned feel compared to blades with harder materials. This superior ball feedback allows players to better sense contact, which is essential for touch shots and precise defensive play.
The combination of the thick balsa core and differentiated sides promotes a medium-to-high throw angle, particularly on the forehand side. This creates a good arc on offensive loops and drives while maintaining enough control for consistent defensive shots.
The 11mm balsa core significantly extends dwell time, creating longer ball contact. This is instrumental for generating heavy spin, executing controlled defensive shots, and achieving a heightened sense of touch during play.
Flexibility is moderate. While the balsa core can offer some give, the overall construction with other wood plies—and the description of one side being more rigid—creates a balanced flex profile suitable for both controlled attacks and stable defensive blocks.
Balsa wood's natural vibration-dampening properties result in a relatively low level of feedback through the handle. This contributes to a comfortable, controlled playing experience, reducing harsh sensations on off-center hits.
Players report the DEF-11 offers excellent value for its price, delivering superb performance and a notably light weight. While specific premium material details are limited, consistent positive feedback on its gaming performance and construction suggests good build quality within its category.
Technology
Yinhe DEF-11 is engineered as a combi blade around a distinctive 11mm balsa wood core. This thick central layer is chosen for its exceptional lightness and natural vibration-dampening, which translates to superior ball feel and control. The 5-ply construction uses carefully selected woods to create differential performance: the darker side is slightly faster and more rigid for offensive drives and smashes, while the lighter side is softer and slower, optimized for defensive blocks, chops, and generating spin with long pips. This asymmetrical design empowers players to seamlessly switch between defensive stability and aggressive counter-attacks.
Similar Blades
Yinhe T-11+ / T-11s
The Yinhe T-11+ and T-11s are other balsa-cored blades from the same brand, known for their lightness and differentiated sides. However, they are generally classified as offensive or all-round offensive rather than defensive. They share the emphasis on light weight and unique balsa feel but are designed for a more attacking style compared to the DEF-11's specialized defensive focus.