Weight
86g
Thickness
5.75mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 45
JOOLA Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 45 is a premium offensive blade designed for players who demand a perfect harmony of speed, spin, and control. Its unique 5+2 ply construction features diagonally aligned Hyper ARY-C fibers at a 45-degree angle, paired with soft Limba outer plies. This combination delivers exceptional feel, extended dwell time, and a higher ball arc, creating larger safety windows for aggressive topspin attacks and precise placement. It's an ideal match for intermediate to advanced players focused on spin variation and a sensitive, controlled offensive game.
The 5+2 construction combines five wood veneers with two layers of Hyper ARY-C composite fibers. The diagonal 45-degree alignment of the Hyper ARY-C fibers, coupled with the soft Limba outer plies, provides a unique balance of flexibility, dwell time, and feel that enhances spin generation and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade is classified as OFF+ and provides substantial speed, enabling aggressive offensive play. While not as fast as blades with 90-degree carbon alignment, its speed is considered ample for most offensive situations, especially when paired with suitable rubbers. The diagonal ARY-C fiber placement contributes to a balanced speed that doesn't overpower control, making it effective for powerful loops and drives.
Control is a standout feature, consistently praised for its excellence. The Limba outer plies and 45-degree Hyper ARY-C fiber alignment create a sensitive feel and excellent ball feedback, allowing for precise placement and shot variation. This high level of control makes the blade forgiving for intermediate players while offering advanced players the fine-tuned command needed for a nuanced game.
The blade offers a good feel and touch, with Limba outer plies providing a sensitive and controlled composition that gives players a direct connection with the ball. While some note a slightly hollow sound on low-power shots, the overall tactile feedback is highly regarded, particularly for spin-oriented play where feel is crucial.
The extended dwell time and flexible nature of the blade, combined with the Limba outer plies, create a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for generating high-arc topspin shots with larger safety windows, making aggressive play more consistent.
The construction, particularly the diagonal Hyper ARY-C fiber alignment and Limba outer plies, promotes extended ball dwell time. This increased contact time allows players to impart more spin on the ball, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of serves, loops, and counter-loops.
The 45-degree alignment of the Hyper ARY-C fibers significantly enhances the blade's flexibility compared to blades with 90-degree carbon placement. This flexibility contributes to better dwell time, increased spin potential, and a more forgiving playing experience that helps with touch shots and control.
The blade provides a clear impact feel with moderate vibration. The ARY-C fibers and wood layers work together to absorb some shock, resulting in a balanced feel. Some users note a slightly hollow sound on softer shots, but this doesn't detract from the overall playing experience.
Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 45 is consistently lauded for its high-quality construction and finish. Players report impeccable attention to detail and describe it as a masterpiece of manufacturing. This high standard ensures consistent performance and durability, making it a reliable choice for serious players.
Technology
JOOLA Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 45 features advanced Hyper ARY-C fiber technology where the composite material is densely woven and aligned diagonally at a 45-degree angle. This specific fiber orientation enhances the blade's flexibility and balance, leading to increased dwell time and a higher ball arc. When paired with soft Limba outer veneers, this technology creates a blade that offers both power and exceptional feel, allowing for sensitive control and explosive spin. The 5+2 ply structure, comprising five wood layers and two layers of Hyper ARY-C, is designed to produce a large sweet spot for consistent and dynamic ball response across all playing situations.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhou Qihao
Zhou Qihao is a prominent Chinese table tennis player and the namesake of this blade series. As a current Chinese National Doubles Champion and member of the Chinese National Table Tennis Team, the blade was developed with his direct feedback and testing. Hyper ARY-C 45 is designed to suit players who value feeling, stability, and an extra kick in their game, aligning perfectly with his versatile offensive style that emphasizes control and spin variation.
Similar Blades
JOOLA Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90
Hyper ARY-C 90 serves as the direct counterpart to the 45, differing primarily in carbon fiber alignment (90 degrees) and outer wood (Koto instead of Limba). While the 45 emphasizes feel, flexibility, and spin with a medium-high throw, the 90 focuses on stiffness, direct power, and cleaner feedback with a potentially lower throw angle. This makes the 90 better suited for aggressive, direct attackers who prefer immediate ball response over dwell time.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Our testing shows the JOOLA Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 45 offers comparable or superior speed to the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC while providing different playing characteristics. The JOOLA blade delivers more spin potential and a distinct feel due to its unique ARY-C fiber composition and Limba outer plies, making it an excellent alternative for players seeking enhanced spin generation alongside offensive power.