Weight
85g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
HC. 5
Sanwei HC.5 is a 7-ply offensive blade that masterfully blends wood feel with composite power. Its unique 5+2 construction pairs soft Hinoki outer plies with inner soft carbon layers, creating a blade with excellent dwell time, a comfortable medium-soft touch, and impressive spin generation. Designed for dynamic topspin play and aggressive all-around strategies, it offers a balanced speed that is accessible yet potent. The relatively lightweight design enhances maneuverability, making it a versatile choice for players seeking control without sacrificing offensive capability.
The symmetrical 7-ply, 5+2 construction features Hinoki outer layers for a soft touch and spin, followed by Koto, soft carbon, a soft wood core, and then mirrored back. This layout aims to provide the feel of wood with the performance boost of carbon, enhancing dwell time and enlarging the sweet spot.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
HC.5 delivers good speed for an offensive blade, feeling fast yet manageable. It provides noticeable acceleration on hard hits with enough power for mid-distance attacks. Our testing shows it sits comfortably faster than typical all-wood blades but remains more controlled than some high-end composite models, offering a balanced offensive pace.
Control is a standout feature, with players reporting excellent precision in the short game and during looping. The blade inspires confidence for precise serve placement and stable counter-topspins. The soft carbon layers contribute to a stable, forgiving feel that balances offensive intent with defensive security.
The blade offers a soft, tactile feeling with a perceptible but reduced vibration. The sensation on impact is reminiscent of classic wood blades but with a modern, composite-enhanced touch, largely attributed to the Hinoki outer plies and inner soft carbon.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, beneficial for creating steep, offensive arcs on topspin shots. This helps in attacking over the net and maintaining consistency during extended rallies.
HC.5 exhibits excellent dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the rubber and blade for enhanced spin generation. This characteristic is a major asset for players utilizing heavy topspin and looping strokes, enabling greater rotation on shots.
The blade offers a medium level of flexibility. It incorporates enough flex to aid dwell time and spin, yet maintains sufficient stiffness from the carbon layers to provide a solid foundation for powerful offensive shots.
Vibration is moderate—present and noticeable, providing good ball feedback, but not overwhelming or fatiguing. This contributes to a balanced playing experience where you can feel the shot without discomfort.
Build quality is generally considered good, especially for its price point. The construction is solid and durable, with a functional finish. While not featuring a premium aesthetic, it represents significant value, with some players noting better edge work than more expensive alternatives.
Technology
Sanwei HC.5 utilizes a '5+2' construction, combining five layers of wood with two layers of soft carbon. This design integrates the tactile feedback and spin-friendly characteristics of traditional wood blades, particularly from the Hinoki outer plies, with the added speed, enlarged sweet spot, and stability provided by the inner soft carbon layers. The strategic placement of the soft carbon near the core aims to balance responsiveness without sacrificing the cherished feel and control of wood.
Similar Blades
Yinhe T-6 / T-6S
Often compared to the HC.5, the Yinhe T-6 series is described as slightly faster, harder, and stiffer. Both are Hinoki carbon blades with similar offensive characteristics, but the HC.5 is generally noted for its softer feel and superior dwell time, offering a different balance in the same category.
Sanwei HC-5S
Presented as the direct successor to the HC.5, the HC-5S shares the same 5+2 Hinoki carbon construction philosophy. It features an updated design and is noted to potentially have a slightly larger, thicker handle, aiming to build upon and refine the successful formula of its predecessor.