Weight
85g
Thickness
5.75mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Z5 VF
Yinhe Z5 VF Shiryu Katana is an offensive table tennis blade designed for players seeking a perfect harmony of speed and control. Its hybrid construction pairs Kiso Hinoki outer plies with inner Basalt fiber layers, creating a softer, more responsive feel than traditional carbon blades. This design enhances spin capabilities, expands the sweet spot, and delivers excellent stability with ample power for aggressive attacking play. It's a versatile choice for modern offensive styles that demand precision and touch.
This 5-ply construction combines the responsiveness and feel of Kiso Hinoki wood with the added properties of Basalt fiber. The Basalt layers are strategically placed between the wood plies to enhance the sweet spot, provide a softer feel compared to carbon, and increase elasticity with vibration dampening for better control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Z5 VF is generally classified as an offensive blade with a speed rating around 8.5. While some sources list it as OFF+, many players find it plays more like a fast OFF- or a solid OFF, emphasizing its balanced nature rather than extreme speed. The blade's speed increases when actively engaging the ball, offering significant power when needed for aggressive shots.
Control is consistently highlighted as a major strength of the Yinhe Z5 VF. Players report its exceptional ability to keep the ball on the table, even with fast shots or aggressive play. The larger sweet spot and moderate vibration contribute to a feeling of confidence and precision, making it suitable for players who rely on accurate placement and spin generation.
The Basalt fiber layers contribute to a softer and more responsive feel compared to carbon blades. Many users describe it as having a pleasant, almost velvety touch on the ball, with a good balance between direct feedback and dampening of excessive vibrations. This creates a forgiving playing experience that enhances touch shots.
The throw angle is generally perceived as being slightly above average, providing good trajectory for both attacking shots and serves. This facilitates looping and topspin play, allowing players to clear the net with confidence and apply consistent pressure to opponents.
This blade offers a good amount of dwell time, which allows players to impart significant spin on the ball. The combination of wood plies and the slightly softer feel from the Basalt fiber enables the ball to sink into the blade slightly longer, enhancing spin generation for loops and serves.
Yinhe Z5 VF has medium flexibility, often attributed to the thinness of the overall construction and the properties of Basalt fiber, which is less stiff than carbon. This flexibility aids in generating spin and provides a pleasant feel during strokes without compromising the offensive capabilities of the blade.
Vibration is very low, almost non-existent according to player feedback. This is a significant advantage of the Basalt fiber construction, which effectively dampens unwanted vibrations while retaining sufficient feedback. This contributes to a more stable and comfortable playing experience during long sessions.
Yinhe Z5 VF is generally regarded as a well-constructed blade, offering excellent value for its price point. While not in the premium tier of some European or Japanese brands, its materials and craftsmanship are considered solid for an offensive hybrid blade. The build quality is reliable and provides good performance for the investment.
Technology
Yinhe Z5 VF Shiryu Katana utilizes unique 'Fiber Volcanics' technology with Basalt fiber integrated into its 5-ply construction. This material, derived from volcanic rocks, is positioned between Kiso Hinoki wood layers. Basalt fiber is known for being softer and more flexible than carbon fiber, yet stiffer than glass fiber. This hybrid approach expands the blade's sweet spot, provides a softer ball feel, and enhances spin generation without the harshness sometimes associated with carbon blades. The 'Shiryu Katana' designation reflects a blend of power and precision, characteristic of fine craftsmanship.
Similar Blades
Xiom Feel HX Pro
Players report that Yinhe Z5 VF offers similar playing characteristics to the Xiom Feel HX Pro, providing better speed and lighter weight at a more accessible price point. Both blades feature hybrid constructions focusing on control and spin with moderate speed for offensive play, making them suitable for players seeking a balanced attacking blade.