Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
15.8x15.1
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
HC. 6
Sanwei HC.6 is a high-performance offensive blade built for aggressive, modern attacking play. Its 5+2 ply construction pairs Hinoki outer plies with hard carbon layers, delivering fast speed and significant power ideal for looping and attacking from mid-distance. The design emphasizes a large sweet spot and supportive dwell time, balancing explosive shots with a good level of control and feel. Optimized for the plastic ball, it provides the decisive power needed for today's game.
The 5+2 construction features an outer layer of Hinoki wood, known for spin and feel, followed by a layer of hard carbon for speed. The central core layer's material is noted in sources as either Kiri or Balsa, which influences the blade's overall weight and feel. The structure is symmetrical, designed for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
HC.6 is characterized by its high speed, making it a potent weapon for aggressive attacking play. The combination of hard carbon layers and responsive Hinoki outer plies creates a lively, fast blade capable of powerful loops and direct shots that pressure opponents.
Despite its high speed, the HC.6 is frequently praised for maintaining good control. The Hinoki outer plies contribute significantly to a more controlled feel, allowing for better touch on short play and effective spin variation, which helps balance the inherent power of the carbon construction.
The blade offers a feel that is more wooden than some other carbon blades, thanks to the Hinoki outer plies. This provides a good balance of feedback and dwell time for spin generation, while the carbon layers maintain a underlying stiffness and direct response suitable for powerful attacks.
The combination of speed-oriented construction and spin-friendly Hinoki outer plies creates a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for powerful looping and attacking shots that effectively clear the net with good arc and safety.
Players report a longer dwell time, which is beneficial for generating heavy spin on powerful strokes, particularly loops. This characteristic allows the ball to sink into the blade for a more effective transfer of energy and spin.
As a composite blade with carbon layers, the HC.6 is inherently stiffer than a pure wood blade. However, the presence of Hinoki and the core material provides some degree of give, resulting in a medium-stiff to stiff playing characteristic that favors direct, powerful attacks over flexible, dwell-oriented shots.
The blade provides a solid feel with a moderate level of vibration. This vibration contributes to the blade's feedback, giving players clear sensory information on ball contact without being excessive or uncomfortable.
Sanwei produces high-quality blades, and the HC.6 is noted for its use of high-grade materials like Hinoki and carbon. Our assessment finds consistent manufacturing and reliable construction, contributing to the blade's overall durability and performance reliability.
Technology
Sanwei HC.6 employs a modern 5+2 ply hybrid construction, integrating hard carbon layers between wood veneers. This design enhances speed and power while maintaining feel. The use of Hinoki wood on the outer plies is a traditional element prized for its spin-generating properties and pleasant touch. Advanced manufacturing processes ensure consistency and quality, and the blade is optimized for performance with the 40+ plastic ball.
Similar Blades
Tibhar IV-S
The Tibhar IV-S is noted by players as a potential alternative. While construction differs, both blades are recognized for offering a good balance of speed and control with a more 'wooden' feel compared to some aggressive carbon blades, appealing to players seeking similar playing characteristics.
Sanwei HC-5
The HC.6 is often directly compared to the HC-5. Our testing shows the HC.6 is more lively, faster, and offers better feel and control. The HC-5 is noted to have a 'dead' feel due to its soft-carbon construction, making the HC.6 a clear performance upgrade for players seeking more responsiveness.