Weight
86g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x153
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Tension Hinoki
Gambler Tension Hinoki is an aggressive hybrid blade built for players who demand high speed and spin. Its 7-ply construction pairs classic Hinoki outer layers with micro fiber carbon, delivering a powerful, direct feel ideal for offensive play. The blade offers a solid medium-hard touch with deep resonating power, making it a potent weapon for advanced attackers who can harness its pace. While designed for speed, it maintains respectable control for precise shot placement, striking a balance favored by aggressive loopers and drivers.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply construction. It uses Hinoki wood for both outer layers, followed by a layer of micro fiber carbon. The inner core consists of multiple wood layers, with another micro fiber carbon layer placed symmetrically before the final Hinoki outer ply.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TTSensei experts note this blade is engineered for high-speed attacking. It delivers powerful, decisive shots with deep resonating power, especially when striking the sweet spot. The hybrid construction provides a significant boost, making it a powerhouse for players who can generate their own racket speed.
For an offensive-oriented blade, the Tension Hinoki offers a respectable level of control. It allows for precise shot placement during attacks, provided the player maintains good technique. The balance is sufficient for aggressive players but may feel less forgiving if technique falters or with certain weight variations.
The blade provides a solid, direct feel. The Hinoki outer plies contribute a pleasant touch, but the carbon layers create a firmer, less flexible sensation compared to all-wood blades, resulting in a medium-hard overall character.
The blade likely produces a medium-high throw angle, which is typical for speed-oriented hybrid constructions. This facilitates powerful loops and drives, helping the ball clear the net with good arc for aggressive topspin play.
Dwell time sits in a medium range. The Hinoki outer layers help retain the ball for spin generation, while the carbon integration prioritizes speed, creating a balance suitable for spin-oriented attacks without excessive dwell.
The blade exhibits medium-low flexibility. The carbon layers enhance stability and power for offensive strokes, resulting in a stiffer, more direct response that reduces excessive bending on impact.
Vibration is moderate. The composite construction offers a good balance, dampening excessive shock while still providing clear, direct feedback on contact. Players describe a solid feel without prominent, harsh vibrations.
The blade exhibits good quality with a solid construction and attractive Hinoki outer plies. Players find it reliable and well-made for its category, offering a consistent feel that holds up during play. It represents a solid value proposition for players seeking this performance profile.
Technology
Gambler Tension Hinoki utilizes a hybrid 7-ply construction that integrates two layers of micro fiber carbon within a wood core. This technology aims to enhance speed and power characteristic of composite blades while retaining the desirable feel and dwell associated with Hinoki outer plies. The design targets aggressive players, seeking to deliver powerful, point-ending shots with good spin generation and controlled feedback. The construction is engineered to provide deep resonating power for decisive attacks.
Similar Blades
Gambler Exotic Hinoki IM8 Carbon
Another Gambler hybrid featuring Hinoki and carbon, the Exotic Hinoki IM8 Carbon uses a 5-ply construction (3 wood + 2 carbon). It's generally lighter and thinner, which might offer a slightly softer feel and potentially more dwell time due to its all-wood core, providing a different balance of Hinoki touch and carbon power.
Gambler Fire Dragon Hinoki
This offensive blade also uses Hinoki outer plies but incorporates a proprietary High Modulus Carbon (F.L.C.) composite. It's described as having very fast control and excellent feeling. The different carbon technology likely creates a distinct feel and speed profile, potentially making it faster or stiffer compared to the Tension Hinoki's micro fiber carbon.