Weight
84.5g
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90
Joola Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90 is a premium offensive blade built for aggressive players demanding maximum power and precision. Developed with Chinese national team star Zhou Qihao, it features a 5+2 ply construction with vertically aligned Hyper ARY-c fiber for a powerful catapult effect and crystal-clear feedback. Hard Koto outer layers deliver direct power and accuracy, while the design ensures a large sweet spot for consistent, high-level performance. This next-generation weapon is engineered to dominate the table with explosive strokes and assertive play.
The 5+2 construction features Koto outer plies for a crisp feel and direct power, sandwiching vertically aligned Hyper ARY-c fibers that provide a significant catapult effect and clear feedback. The Ayous and Kiri inner plies contribute to the blade's overall stiffness and responsiveness.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90 is renowned for its exceptional speed, especially when actively engaging the ball. Its vertically aligned Hyper ARY-c fibers and stiff Koto outer layers contribute to a powerful catapult effect, allowing for explosive shots. Players report it is faster than the Butterfly Viscaria, offering a direct, penetrating trajectory ideal for aggressive offensive play where pace is paramount.
Despite its high speed, the Hyper ARY-C 90 offers a commendable level of control for advanced players. The clear feedback and large sweet spot contribute to precise shot placement. While its stiffness requires good technique, the blade allows for controlled blocking and effective short game play when paired with appropriate rubbers, making it surprisingly manageable for its power class.
The blade delivers a hard and crisp feel due to its Koto outer layers and vertically aligned Hyper ARY-c fibers. This provides crystal-clear feedback on ball contact, allowing players to precisely gauge their shots. The direct and responsive sensation is particularly appreciated for offensive play, though it may feel demanding for those used to softer blades.
Players report a long, low arc and a direct, penetrating trajectory, indicating a medium-low throw angle. This is characteristic of fast, stiff blades and is very effective for powerful drives and flat attacking shots, though it may require adjustment for high-looping strokes.
Hyper ARY-C 90 offers a medium dwell time. While not as long as blades with softer wood or inner fiber construction, it provides enough time on the ball for effective spin generation, especially when paired with suitable rubbers. The stiffness means dwell is more influenced by the rubber's characteristics and the player's technique.
This blade is decidedly stiff. The combination of Koto outer plies and vertically aligned Hyper ARY-c fibers results in minimal flex. This stiffness is key to its power and directness, enabling fast, penetrating shots. It sacrifices some of the 'feel' associated with more flexible blades but delivers superior speed and power transfer for aggressive play.
A defining characteristic is its exceptionally low vibration. Players experience crystal clear ball feedback with almost no disruptive oscillation. This contributes to a direct and crisp feel, allowing precise impact sensation, though it underscores the need for clean technique to maximize performance.
The build quality of the Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90 is consistently praised. It is exceptionally well-manufactured with a premium feel, featuring precise construction and high-grade materials. This results in a durable, responsive blade that stands up to the demands of high-level play, representing Joola's top-tier craftsmanship.
Technology
Joola Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90 utilizes 'Hyper ARY-c' fiber technology, featuring a densely woven, multi-dimensional weave of stiff and elastic composite materials. This fiber is vertically aligned to maximize a catapult effect for increased speed and spin while providing crystal-clear feedback with minimal vibration. Reinforced by hard Koto outer plies, the combination enhances direct power and accuracy. This material science delivers immediate power transfer and explosive ball response, positioning it as a next-generation offensive blade.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhou Qihao
Zhou Qihao, a prominent player in the Chinese national team, collaborated closely with Joola to develop this blade. He uses it for his aggressive, offensive playing style, which relies on powerful third-ball attacks and consistent pressure. The blade's speed, direct power, and clear feedback align perfectly with his dynamic game, enabling decisive smashes and precise shots from various distances.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 90 is frequently positioned as a direct competitor. Both are 5+2 constructions with Arylate-Carbon fibers and Koto outer plies. However, TTSensei experts note the Hyper ARY-C 90's vertically aligned fiber and stiffer construction provide slightly more power and a larger sweet spot while maintaining excellent feedback, offering a more direct and powerful alternative for aggressive players.
Butterfly Viscaria Super ALC
Many players find the Hyper ARY-C 90 to be a compelling substitute for the Viscaria Super ALC, offering a similar high-performance profile. It utilizes stiff outer plies and advanced composite fibers to deliver comparable speed and power. Our analysis highlights its strong power output and large sweet spot as key advantages, making it a potent offensive option.