Hinoblaze

Weight

85g

Thickness

6.6mm

Plies

5-ply

Head Size

154x148

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Nittaku

Hinoblaze

Japan
2012

Nittaku Hinoblaze is a premium Japanese-crafted all-wood blade designed for offensive players who demand both power and control. Its 5-ply construction features a thick Hinoki outer ply, contributing to a hard, responsive feel and a distinctive sound on impact. With an average weight of 85g and a 6.6mm thickness, it delivers substantial power while remaining maneuverable. The blade's 'Burning Wood' technology enhances the sweet spot, providing clear feedback and making it ideal for aggressive topspin play, powerful drives, and solid blocking.

5-Ply Construction

The blade is constructed from 5 plies of wood, with Hinoki used as the outer and inner plies—a signature of Nittaku blades aimed at speed and distinct feel. While the exact inner wood types are unspecified, the overall build results in a hard, offensive blade.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.0

Hinoblaze is consistently rated as a very fast blade. Its thick Hinoki construction and 'Burning Wood' technology contribute to powerful shots and high speed, making it well-suited for aggressive offensive play where pace is a priority.

Control
6.4

Despite its high speed, Hinoblaze offers excellent control—a hallmark of quality Japanese blades. This allows for precise placement, effective blocking, and good feel on softer shots, providing versatility across different playing situations.

Feel
Hard
SoftHard

The blade delivers a hard, crisp feeling due to its thick Hinoki construction and dense composition. This provides direct feedback on impact, favored by offensive players for powerful, decisive strokes.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Given its offensive nature and Hinoki construction, Hinoblaze likely produces a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for generating powerful topspin with a good, arcing trajectory.

Dwell Time
8.0

While specific ratings are scarce, the hard feel and thick Hinoki construction suggest a medium to long dwell time, especially when paired with softer rubbers, allowing for good spin generation and ball contact.

Flexibility
4.0

Characterized as stiff to medium-stiff, Hinoblaze is not particularly flexible. This stiffness enhances its power and directness in offensive play, enabling hard, penetrating hits.

Vibration
6.0

Hinoblaze offers a medium level of vibration, providing direct feedback without being excessively jarring. This contributes to its controllable nature, and the 'Burning Wood' technology may help manage vibration effectively.

Quality
9.5

Crafted in Japan, Hinoblaze is renowned for exceptional build quality and durability. Players consistently praise its craftsmanship and premium feel, aligning with Nittaku's reputation for producing high-quality table tennis equipment.

Technology

Nittaku Hinoblaze utilizes proprietary 'Burning Wood' technology, designed to enhance the blade's sweet spot for a more forgiving hitting area and a distinct, clear sound on impact. This technique, combined with the thick Hinoki top ply, aims to maximize power output while maintaining control and providing tactile feedback. The 'Made in Japan' craftsmanship underscores the precision and quality involved in its manufacturing, ensuring a premium playing experience.

Similar Blades

Nittaku Acoustic

Nittaku Acoustic is another highly acclaimed 5-ply all-wood blade from Nittaku, known for its excellent balance of speed, control, and feel. Like Hinoblaze, it is crafted in Japan using high-quality wood plies. While Acoustic often has a slightly softer feel and a more balanced throw angle, both blades represent Nittaku's commitment to top-tier offensive all-wood options favored by players seeking classic wooden performance.