Weight
88g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Earth E-3 VB
Yinhe Earth E-3 VB is a table tennis blade designed for players seeking a balance of speed and control, suitable for an all-round to offensive playing style. The 'VB' designation signifies its Vacuum Baked core, a manufacturing process that removes moisture from the wood to enhance control and player feel. This treatment, combined with its 5-ply all-wood construction, contributes to a blade that offers good dwell time for spin-oriented shots while maintaining sufficient power for aggressive play. The Limba outer plies, Spruce mid-plies, and a Vacuum Baked Ayous core create a responsive playing surface. It offers a familiar feel at a more accessible price point.
This 5-ply all-wood construction features soft Limba outer plies for feel and dwell, Spruce mid-plies for structure and speed, and a vacuum-baked Ayous core. The vacuum baking process enhances control and consistency by removing internal moisture.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Earth E-3 VB is generally classified as an ALL+ blade, indicating a balanced speed effective for close-to-mid-distance attacking shots. While described as ALL+, many players perceive it as having a speed close to OFF- due to its stiffness and how it pairs with faster rubbers. The vacuum baking process and 5-ply construction contribute to this versatile speed profile.
Control is consistently highlighted as a strong suit of the Earth E-3 VB. The vacuum baking process is specifically noted for enhancing control, making the blade predictable in all aspects of the game from short game and serves to powerful loops. This high level of control makes it suitable for a wide range of skill levels.
Earth E-3 VB offers a soft to medium-soft feel with good dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball sinking into the wood. This characteristic aids in spin generation and control, making it particularly beneficial for players who rely on touch and finesse in their game.
The combination of a softer feel, good dwell time, and ALL+ speed rating suggests a medium to medium-high throw angle. This facilitates looping and topspin shots with good arc, allowing players to clear the net comfortably and direct the ball with precision.
The blade's 5-ply wood design and soft Limba outer plies contribute to significant dwell time. This allows for excellent spin potential by giving the ball more time to sink into the rubber and blade, aiding in powerful loops and controlled short game play.
Opinions on flexibility vary slightly. While some reviews describe it as a flexible blade, others note an expectation of flex that wasn't met. Given the 5-ply wood construction and typical characteristics, a medium flexibility is a reasonable estimate, balancing stiffness for speed with enough flex for spin.
The blade is generally described as having a moderate vibration level. Some users note a surprising lack of flex, suggesting a relatively stiff feel for an all-wood blade, which translates to moderate vibration transfer rather than excessive harshness. The vacuum baking process might also affect vibration characteristics.
The build quality of Yinhe blades, including the Earth E-3 VB, is generally regarded as very good, especially considering its price point. The materials are well-assembled, and the finish is often described as attractive. For its cost, the quality represents excellent value.
Technology
Yinhe Earth E-3 VB incorporates Vacuum Baked (VB) technology, which involves subjecting the core wood layer to an airless oven to remove internal moisture. This process increases the blade's stability, enhances control, and improves the consistency of its playing characteristics. Combined with its 5-ply all-wood construction, this treatment creates a responsive and controllable blade that balances speed with feel, offering a unique playing experience.
Similar Blades
Yinhe Earth E-3 (non-VB version)
The standard Yinhe Earth E-3 is the direct predecessor and shares a similar 5-ply Limba/Spruce/Ayous construction. Players report the VB version offers enhanced control compared to the non-VB model, suggesting they are very similar in feel and performance, with the E-3 VB having a slight edge in control.
Stiga Offensive Classic
Many players compare Earth E-3 VB to the classic Stiga Offensive Classic. This comparison suggests the Yinhe blade offers similar playing characteristics, such as a 5-ply construction and a focus on control and looping, but at a significantly lower price point.
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Earth E-3 VB shares a similar construction (Limba-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Limba) with the Butterfly Petr Korbel. This indicates comparable feel, dwell time, and all-round offensive capabilities, positioning the Yinhe blade as a more budget-friendly alternative.