Weight
70g
Thickness
5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
168x163
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Yinhe Def 5
Yinhe Def 5 is a defensive table tennis blade built for players who value control and feel above all. Its 5-ply all-wood construction centers around a balsa core, making it exceptionally lightweight and superb at dampening vibrations. This design enables precise chopping and blocking, while the inherent flexibility allows for effective, spin-heavy attacks when you seize the opportunity. Perfect for modern defensive strategies, it provides a superior connection to the ball, letting you execute nuanced defensive plays and surprise opponents with well-timed offensive shots. It's a reliable and controlled choice for dedicated defenders.
Yinhe Def 5 uses a 5-ply all-wood construction. While the specific species of the outer and inner plies are not consistently documented, the inclusion of a balsa core is a consistent and critical feature. This layered wood structure is classic for defensive blades, prioritizing control, vibration absorption, and a connected feel over raw speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Def 5 is designed for defense, placing its speed on the lower end of the spectrum. Players report needing to generate more power to drive the ball, indicating a slower, more controlled pace. This low-to-medium speed is a deliberate trade-off, providing a stable platform for defensive play while still offering enough basic capability for counter-attacks when you commit fully.
Control is the defining characteristic of the Def 5. Its construction, highlighted by the balsa core, delivers exceptional predictability and stability. This translates to pinpoint accuracy for defensive maneuvers like chops and blocks, allowing you to place the ball exactly where you intend. Players consistently report top-tier control, making it a trusted tool for defensive specialists.
The blade delivers a medium-soft feel, largely due to its balsa core which excels at absorbing vibrations. This creates a very direct and connected sensation on ball contact, allowing for nuanced touch and control. Some players may perceive it as quite soft and flexible, which enhances its defensive capabilities.
Yinhe Def 5 likely produces a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps in effectively lifting backspin balls during chops and creates a higher arc on offensive loops. The higher trajectory makes shots more difficult for opponents to attack aggressively, fitting perfectly into a defensive strategy.
Def 5 provides a long dwell time, a key asset for defensive play. The combination of its flexible nature and balsa core allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer. This is crucial for generating heavy spin on chops and for absorbing the pace of incoming shots, giving you more time to control the return.
This is a flexible blade, a desirable trait for defenders. The flexibility aids in generating significant spin on chops and provides a softer, more forgiving feel on blocks. It also helps in loading the ball for controlled attacking shots, adding an offensive dimension when you decide to switch gears.
Vibration dampening is a standout feature. The balsa core acts as an excellent shock absorber, significantly reducing harsh feedback on impact. This results in a very soft, comfortable feel that is particularly valued in defensive play, reducing fatigue and improving touch over long rallies.
Yinhe Def 5 offers very good build quality for its price point. Feedback indicates consistent construction and reliable performance typical of the Yinhe brand. It's recognized as a well-made blade within the defensive category, providing solid durability and finish that meets player expectations for a specialized control blade.
Technology
Yinhe Def 5's core technology is its 5-ply all-wood construction featuring a balsa wood core. Balsa is renowned for being extremely lightweight and possessing superior vibration-dampening properties. This construction allows the blade to absorb impact energy effectively, providing exceptional control and a soft, connected feel. The natural wood composition ensures a direct feedback loop with the ball, facilitating precise defensive maneuvers like chopping and blocking. The inherent flexibility of this build also permits controlled, spin-oriented attacking shots, making it a versatile tool for the modern defender.
Similar Blades
Yinhe DEF-11
Yinhe DEF-11 is a related defensive blade that also utilizes a balsa core for lightweight control. A key difference is its use of wenge wood on one outer veneer, making that side slightly more rigid and better suited for smooth rubbers, while the other side remains softer for pips-out play. This gives the DEF-11 a distinct dual-sided character compared to the Def 5's more uniform all-wood feel, but both are firmly positioned as capable tools for strong defensive play.