KTL (LKT) Ayous Hinoki

Rated OFF-, this blade provides moderate offensive speed suitable for looping and attacking play. It delivers good pace with control, but players need to supply their own power, especially from further behind the table. It's not a pure speed demon but offers a balanced offensive foundation.

Control is a standout feature, offering excellent precision and predictability. This allows for confident shot placement and execution of varied spins, making it a significant advantage for players who rely on tactical variation and consistent ball placement.

The feel is generally described as medium, offering a flexible touch with a soft, responsive sweet spot. The Ayous and Hinoki combination provides good ball feedback, allowing players to sense contact and spin effectively, though some note occasional unusual vibrations.

The wood composition and flexibility produce a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for creating the necessary arc on powerful topspin loops, especially from mid-distance positions.

Dwell time is a major strength, thanks to the inner Hinoki plies. This allows the ball to sink into the blade longer, enabling players to impart heavy spin on loops and serves, which is ideal for bigger, spin-focused strokes.

The blade is moderately flexible, contributing to its dwell time and feel. This flexibility aids in spin generation and control, allowing for a subtle 'whip' effect when accelerating through shots.

Vibration levels are medium overall. While some players report weird vibrations outside the sweet spot, others find the feedback on impact to be good without being excessively harsh, providing useful tactile information.

The blade is praised for its impressive quality relative to its price. It features a premium lacquered finish typically found on more expensive models, contributing to a durable and aesthetically pleasing build. Craftsmanship is solid, delivering great playability and value.