Weight
92g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Purple Dragon PD-537
Yinhe Purple Dragon PD-537 is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade built for players who demand a crisp, direct feel alongside powerful speed. Its walnut outer plies deliver a rigid, clear hitting sensation that excels in fast attacks and aggressive looping. Crafted with a generous sweet spot and comfortable handle, it offers an impressive balance of control and pace, making it a standout choice for intermediate to advanced attackers. This blade pairs exceptionally well with modern, spin-oriented rubbers and provides fantastic value for its performance level, suitable for both close-table play and mid-distance power shots.
The seven-layer structure features a symmetrical build with walnut outer plies for rigidity and a crisp feel, sandwiching five layers of ayous wood. This ayous core provides a solid, responsive foundation that complements the walnut's directness, creating a blade optimized for power and control in offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
PD-537 generates impressive pace, rating highly for offensive play. The rigid walnut outer plies and 7-ply construction create a responsive, direct feel that accelerates the ball effortlessly. Players can execute fast attacks and powerful loops with minimal effort, making it ideal for aggressive, speed-focused strategies. This blade consistently delivers more than enough power for modern attacking rallies.
Despite its offensive nature, PD-537 offers very good control through a large, forgiving sweet spot and predictable ball behavior. Drives and blocks feel precise and manageable, allowing players to maintain accuracy during fast exchanges. This balance makes it suitable for attackers who need to place powerful shots with confidence, rather than sacrificing precision for pure speed.
A distinctively crisp and clear sensation comes from the walnut outer plies, offering direct feedback and a solid connection with the ball. This medium-hard feel provides excellent touch for powerful shots and spin generation, giving players precise control over their offensive execution.
A high throw angle is a key characteristic, helping generate deep, arcing topspin shots that clear the net comfortably. This trait is excellent for aggressive looping and creating heavy spin, allowing players to attack effectively from mid-distance and in rally situations.
Dwell time is medium-to-high, allowing for good ball contact and effective spin generation during loops and topspin shots. The walnut surface provides a slightly shorter dwell compared to softer woods, but still offers ample time for brush contact and controlled arc creation.
The blade leans toward stiffness due to its 7-ply construction and rigid walnut outer layers. This firmness contributes to its direct, powerful response, making it ideal for drives and shots where a solid, immediate rebound is desired over a flexible, catapult effect.
Vibration is moderate, delivering clear, informative feedback without being harsh or overwhelming. This level helps players feel the ball's interaction with the rubber, aiding in touch shots and control while maintaining a comfortable playing experience.
Craftsmanship and finish are clear strengths, with a smooth handle, well-integrated layers, and a premium feel that exceeds expectations for its category. The blade's construction is solid and consistent, showing attention to detail in the finishing. Players report a durable, high-quality product that performs reliably over time.
Technology
PD-537 employs a 7-ply all-wood construction with a focus on rigidity and response for the 40+ ball. The combination of ayous core plies and walnut outer layers is designed to concentrate energy for powerful shots. TTSensei experts note the use of specialized drying techniques aimed at enhancing the wood's transparency and sweet spot performance, contributing to its crisp feel and consistent play.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
Often cited as a direct performance alternative, Clipper Wood shares a similar 7-ply all-wood, offensive-oriented profile. PD-537 matches its fast-attack and arc-generating capabilities, with many players finding it offers comparable or even greater speed while maintaining a crisp, direct feel familiar to Clipper users.
Yinhe Purple Dragon PD-437
PD-437 serves as a sibling blade within the same series, differing primarily with a limba outer ply instead of walnut. This results in a slightly softer feel and potentially longer dwell time, making PD-437 a choice for players who prefer more brush contact and arc, while PD-537 offers a more direct, crisp response.