Weight
88.5g
Thickness
6.9mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
150x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fire Dragon Hinoki
Gambler Fire Dragon Hinoki is a hybrid offensive blade built for attacking players who demand power, precision, and a confident touch. Its construction pairs high-grade Hinoki outer plies with proprietary FLC composite layers and a clear wood core, creating an expanded sweet spot and dynamic flex recovery. This design delivers stability for powerful attacks and consistent feedback, making it ideal for aggressive, modern playstyles. Available in Flared, Straight, and Chinese Penhold handles, it offers a versatile foundation for offensive dominance.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction with two outer layers of Cypress (Hinoki) wood, two inner layers of FLC (Filament-Interwoven Carbon) composite, and a central clear wood core. This hybrid design provides the feel and touch of wood with the added power, speed, and enlarged sweet spot characteristic of carbon composites.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Fire Dragon Hinoki delivers high offensive speed suitable for aggressive attacking play. The FLC composite layers provide significant power for smashes and fast loops, while the blade's construction maintains enough stability to harness that speed effectively during rallies.
Despite its speed, this blade offers commendable control for precise placements, controlled blocks, and effective counter-loops. The Hinoki outer plies and manageable throw angle provide good feedback, allowing players to make adjustments confidently even during fast exchanges.
The blade offers a fantastic touch with the Hinoki surface providing confidence while the FLC composite adds stiffness and direct feedback. This creates a medium-hard feel that allows players to clearly discern shot characteristics and execute with precision.
The blade features a medium-low throw angle that benefits controlled looping and blocking, preventing the ball from sailing too long. This characteristic complements its speed and makes offensive play more manageable and consistent.
The combination of Hinoki wood and FLC composite suggests medium dwell time. The Hinoki outer plies provide some dwell for spin generation, while the composite layers offer a crisper response for faster shots, creating a balanced characteristic.
Characterized by mid-low flexibility, the blade's stiffness from the FLC composite layers contributes to its offensive capabilities and speed while still allowing for controlled feel on impact, making it responsive without being overly rigid.
Players report a solid, stiff feel with a dense tone typical of carbon constructions. This translates to medium vibration levels that provide clear feedback without excessive harshness, helping players understand impact quality.
Build quality receives consistent praise, with excellent craftsmanship and solid construction that feels premium. The attention to detail suggests good durability, making this blade a strong value proposition that performs above its price category.
Technology
Gambler Fire Dragon Hinoki incorporates proprietary FLC (Filament-Interwoven Carbon) technology featuring two layers of high-modulus carbon interwoven with multi-stranded tempered filament. This construction expands the optimal striking surface and enhances flex recovery for more powerful, explosive shots while maintaining feel and control. Combined with high-grade Hinoki outer plies known for their touch and a clear wood core, this hybrid approach delivers the natural feel of wood with carbon's performance benefits in a cohesive package.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Garaydia ZLC
Fire Dragon Hinoki is often compared favorably to the Butterfly Garaydia ZLC, suggesting similar performance characteristics in speed, control, and overall feel. Our analysis indicates it offers comparable offensive capability and touch at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive alternative.
Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed
The flared handle design shares similarities with the Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed, implying comparable ergonomics and potentially similar playing feel. This makes it a consideration for players who appreciate that particular handle comfort and grip security.
Donic Waldner Legend Carbon
Similar to the Ovtcharov Carbospeed comparison, the handle design shows parallels with the Donic Waldner Legend Carbon, suggesting potential similarities in overall ergonomic feel and playing characteristics for those familiar with that blade.