Weight
88g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
11-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hino 7.22
Nittaku Hino Blade 7.22 is a high-performance offensive blade designed for players seeking a potent blend of speed, control, and unique feel. Its sophisticated eleven-ply construction combines seven layers of premium, aged Kiso Hinoki wood with four layers of carbon fiber. This hybrid design creates a stiff, solid feel that excels in powerful topspin drives, decisive counter-attacks, and precise blocking. Despite its robust build and OFF+ classification, the lightweight Hinoki core ensures excellent maneuverability. Crafted in Japan, it represents a fusion of traditional wood feel with modern carbon-enhanced power, offering advanced players a sophisticated tool for aggressive, competitive play.
The blade features an 11-ply construction with seven layers of Kiso Hinoki wood and four layers of carbon fiber. The carbon plies are positioned close to the outer surfaces, enhancing stiffness, speed, and elasticity while allowing the unique feel of the aged Hinoki to remain present. This complex hybrid build is engineered for powerful offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hino Blade 7.22 is a very fast offensive blade, with its official rating aligning with an OFF+ classification. The multiple carbon layers integrated close to the outer plies significantly boost its power and pace potential. This design makes it ideal for players who rely on explosive drives and a powerful, direct attacking game where raw speed is a primary asset.
Despite its high-speed nature, Hino Blade 7.22 retains a respectable degree of control. This balance allows players with solid technique to execute precise placement and controlled strokes. The solid feel and stiffness contribute to predictability, making it manageable for offensive players who still need to maintain accuracy during fast rallies.
Hino Blade 7.22 delivers a stiff and solid feel that leans toward medium-hard. The carbon layers create a firm, direct contact with the ball, while the underlying Kiso Hinoki wood provides a unique, embracing sensation. This combination is well-suited for players who prefer a crisp, communicative feel for direct attacks and blocking.
Hino Blade 7.22 produces a medium-high throw angle, which is typical for fast, offensive hybrid blades. This characteristic helps in generating penetrating, arcing shots with good speed and spin, ideal for aggressive topspin play.
The blade offers a medium dwell time. Its stiff, hybrid construction is designed for speed and directness, but it still provides sufficient dwell to generate effective spin for topspin driving. Players often find pairing it with softer rubbers can help extend the contact time for enhanced spin creation.
This is a relatively stiff blade. While the Kiso Hinoki wood has some natural flexibility, the multiple carbon layers dominate the overall characteristic, resulting in a low-flex profile. This stiffness contributes significantly to its speed, power, and direct shot response.
Vibration feedback is clear and communicative, allowing players to feel ball contact distinctly. The wood-carbon construction transmits sensations efficiently without being overly harsh or jarring. This good level of feedback aids in stroke adjustment and provides a satisfying, connected playing experience.
Craftsmanship on the Hino Blade 7.22 is exceptional, reflecting Nittaku's renowned standards for Japanese-made products. The use of premium, aged Kiso Hinoki wood is precise, and the carbon integration is flawless. The blade feels durable, finely finished, and exhibits excellent aesthetic appeal, contributing to a high-quality perception that matches its premium positioning.
Technology
Nittaku Hino Blade 7.22 employs an advanced eleven-ply construction, blending seven layers of aged Kiso Hinoki wood with four layers of high-elasticity carbon fiber. The key innovation is the strategic placement of carbon layers immediately adjacent to the outer Hinoki veneers. This design maximizes the blade's stiffness and elastic rebound, unlocking powerful offensive capabilities while preserving the distinctive tactile feedback and classic feel of premium Hinoki. The technology aims to deliver a sophisticated synergy of speed, control, and spin potential, all crafted with precision in Japan.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jiwei Xia
Coach Jiwei Xia has provided insights on the blade's performance, highlighting its speed, solid feel, and effectiveness for finishing points and blocking. His analysis indicates it's a blade suitable for high-level competitive play, reflecting confidence in its capabilities for advanced offensive strategies.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Hino Blade 5.22
Nittaku Hino Blade 5.22 is the natural sibling within the Hino series. It features a 7-ply construction (5 wood, 2 carbon) and is generally described as slightly slower and more flexible than the 7.22. TTSensei experts note it's often recommended for players seeking a more controlled, looping-oriented game, whereas the 7.22 is geared toward direct, powerful offense.
Stiga Carbonado 190
Stiga Carbonado 190 is another high-performance composite blade known for its speed and stiffness. Players report that those who appreciate the direct, powerful characteristics of blades like the Carbonado 190 might find the Hino 7.22 to be a compelling alternative, especially if they desire the unique feel of Hinoki wood combined with carbon-enhanced power.