Weight
92g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Atletico Power
Yasaka Atletico Power is an innovative offensive blade that masterfully blends power, control, and spin. Its 5-ply wood core is augmented by two inner aramid carbon layers, creating a dynamic playing experience. The signature thicker core works with the carbon to deliver excellent energy transfer for powerful shots while maintaining a softer touch for precision and spin-heavy strokes. Often compared to the W968, it presents a compelling option for advanced players seeking a competitive edge.
The construction features a 5-ply wood core with two inner aramid carbon layers. The defining 'thicker core' pushes these carbon layers closer to the surface. This configuration is engineered to provide the explosiveness associated with outer carbon blades while maintaining the feel and control typical of inner composite designs.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Atletico Power offers excellent speed for powerful shots and smashes, making it a strong choice for offensive play. Its hybrid construction contributes to a consistently fast feel. While ratings from our community vary, the consensus points to a high-speed output that supports aggressive attacking strategies.
Control is a standout strength for this blade. Despite its impressive speed, it provides excellent maneuverability and predictability, allowing players to place shots with accuracy and maintain consistency during rallies. This high level of control makes it a reliable weapon for strategic offensive play.
The feel is direct and leans towards the harder side for an inner fiber blade, a result of the aramid carbon layers sitting closer to the surface. Players experience a woody sensation on soft touches, which transitions into a more powerful, carbon-activated feedback during hard strokes.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps in generating powerful topspins with a good arc over the net. This characteristic is beneficial for offensive players looking to attack with both pace and heavy spin.
Dwell time is a topic of discussion. The carbon's proximity to the surface can make the feel more direct and potentially reduce dwell compared to some inner fiber blades. However, it still provides sufficient ball contact for effective spin generation during loops.
Flexibility sits in the medium range. It's not overly stiff, allowing for some flex on powerful strokes to aid spin and power generation. However, the carbon composite lends a direct feel and stability, making it lean towards the stiffer side of medium.
Vibration is moderate and well-balanced. The wood plies and construction effectively dampen excessive harshness from the carbon layers, resulting in a feel that is lively enough for feedback but not jarring, suitable for extended offensive play.
Yasaka Atletico Power exhibits good manufacturing quality with precise construction. It's often described as innovative and is frequently compared to the highly regarded W968, which speaks to its attention to detail and solid craftsmanship. The blade feels well-made and durable in hand.
Technology
Yasaka Atletico Power utilizes a unique inner carbon construction with 5 plies of wood and 2 layers of aramid carbon. This design positions the carbon layers closer to the core than outer carbon blades, aiming to deliver a softer touch and enhanced feel while still providing powerful shots. The key technological element is the thicker core, which works synergistically with the aramid carbon to create a distinctive balance of speed, control, and spin generation.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhou Kai
Zhou Kai, a notable Chinese player, uses the Yasaka Atletico Power. His adoption of the blade demonstrates its capability at the highest levels of play. Players who choose this blade typically seek an optimal balance of power, spin, and control, which aligns perfectly with the demands of top-tier offensive table tennis.
Liu Jialiang
Liu Jialiang is another Chinese player associated with the Yasaka Atletico Power. His usage underscores the blade's suitability for competitive play, particularly for offensive styles that require a robust combination of speed, spin, and stability. The frequent comparison to the W968 further highlights its performance pedigree.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane Long 5 (HL5)
Yasaka Atletico Power is frequently compared to the DHS Hurricane Long 5. Both are offensive blades with 5+2 ply constructions. However, many players find the Atletico Power offers a more direct feel and potentially less dwell time than the HL5, making it a solid alternative for those seeking a similar performance profile with nuanced differences in tactile feedback and speed.
DHS W968
The Atletico Power is often cited as being very similar in both structure and performance to the highly regarded DHS W968. Both blades feature a 5-ply wood core with two composite layers. This close comparison makes the Atletico Power a compelling consideration, offering a comparable high-level playing experience that may suit players looking for subtle variations in feel or dynamics.