Weight
88g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hino 5.22
Nittaku Hino 5.22 is a meticulously crafted 5-ply all-wood blade designed for the modern offensive player who values precision and feel. It offers a unique balance of power and control, making it suitable for aggressive topspin play from mid-distance while maintaining excellent touch for short game techniques. The blade's construction from select woods provides a crisp, direct feedback that many players find enhances their shot consistency and feel for the ball.
The blade uses a symmetrical 5-ply construction with Limba outer plies, Mahogany middle plies, and an Ayous core. This combination aims to provide a crisp hitting surface (Limba), stiffness and rebound (Mahogany), and a lightweight, stabilizing core (Ayous) for a balanced offensive profile.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hino 5.22 sits firmly in the OFF- category. It generates very good speed, especially when engaging its full power potential on loops and drives. The speed is linear and controllable, feeling faster than many classic 5-ply all-wood blades but not as explosively fast as carbon hybrids. It provides ample power for offensive rallies from mid-distance.
Control is a standout feature. The all-wood construction provides a high level of inherent stability and predictability. Players find blocking, touch shots, and service return to be exceptionally reliable. The direct feedback allows for fine adjustments, making it easier to control the depth and placement of powerful shots.
The feel is crisp, direct, and on the harder side of medium. Impact feels solid and immediate with a distinct woody feedback. It's not a soft, flexy blade, but it also avoids feeling overly stiff or dead, offering a good transmission of vibration for ball sensation.
Hino 5.22 produces a medium throw angle. Loops and drives tend to travel on a trajectory that is neither particularly flat nor loopy, making it versatile for adapting to different incoming balls and spin levels.
Dwell time is rated as medium to medium-long. As an all-wood blade, it naturally holds the ball slightly longer than stiff carbon composites, aiding in spin generation and control during brushing contact, though it is not as dwell-heavy as some softer 5-ply blades.
The blade exhibits a medium level of flexibility. It has a slight flex that contributes to its dwell time and catapult effect, but it is primarily a stable and direct-hitting blade. The flex is more noticeable during powerful strokes than in short game touches.
Vibration is moderate. You get clear, informative feedback on impact—enough to feel the quality of contact without being excessive or numb. It provides a good sense of where the ball hits the racket, which many players appreciate for technical feedback.
Nittaku's craftsmanship is evident in the Hino 5.22. Fit and finish are typically excellent, with precise layer alignment, smooth finish, and high-quality wood selection. The handle is comfortably shaped and well-sanded. It represents the premium tier of Japanese table tennis manufacturing, known for consistency and durability.
Technology
Nittaku Hino 5.22 leverages high-quality, select wood veneers in a precise 5-ply construction. The specific wood types are chosen and treated to optimize the balance between hardness for speed and elasticity for dwell time and feel. Nittaku's manufacturing process ensures tight bonding and consistency, resulting in a blade with a linear power response and excellent feedback, embodying traditional craftsmanship aimed at modern offensive play.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper
The Stiga Clipper is another iconic 7-ply all-wood OFF blade. It is generally faster, stiffer, and has a harder feel than the Hino 5.22. Players looking for even more direct power and a more solid, less flexible impact might prefer the Clipper, though it may offer slightly less dwell time and a different feedback character.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
For players considering a composite alternative, the Timo Boll ALC offers similar speed with the added stability and 'kick' of Arylate-Carbon layers. The ALC will feel crisper and more direct with less dwell time and a different vibration profile. It's a logical step for those wanting to transition from a wood feel to a modern composite one while maintaining control.
Nittaku Acoustic
Within the Nittaku lineup, the Acoustic is a famous 5-ply all-wood blade. It is generally considered softer, more flexible, and with a higher dwell time than the Hino 5.22. The Acoustic offers superior touch and spin potential at the expense of some outright speed and directness, catering to players who prioritize feel and control over raw power.