Weight
82g
Thickness
5.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gatien 2040
Yasaka Gatien 2040 is a lightweight, 5-ply allwood blade crafted in Sweden for developing players who prioritize control and precision. Its balanced design offers a consistent playing experience, ideal for beginners and intermediates building their technique. The blade's lightweight nature and slightly thinner handle enhance maneuverability and comfort, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands. With excellent ball feel and steady quality, the Gatien 2040 provides a reliable foundation for developing a solid, spin-oriented game.
The Yasaka Gatien 2040 features a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This type of build is known for providing a good balance of speed, control, and feel, which is characteristic of allround blades. The specific wood types are not disclosed by the manufacturer, but this construction typically offers a comfortable dwell time and moderate flex.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Gatien 2040 is generally considered a moderate-speed blade. It offers enough pace for developing offensive players but is not designed for explosive power. Its speed is best utilized by players who can generate their own power through technique and good spin, rather than relying on the blade for raw speed.
Control is a significant strength of the Gatien 2040. Its softer feel and excellent ball feedback allow players to place shots accurately and consistently. This makes it ideal for learning proper technique, executing placement shots, and developing a consistent game.
Players describe the Gatien 2040 as having good ball feel and excellent feedback. This allows for a sensitive touch on the ball, which is crucial for developing players to understand the impact and spin generated. The feel is generally described as comfortable and not overly stiff.
The combination of moderate speed and good dwell time suggests a medium to medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for generating looping shots with sufficient arc and depth.
The 5-ply allwood construction typically provides a good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for spin generation. This is consistent with its performance as a control-oriented, allround blade suitable for developing topspin.
As a 5-ply allwood blade, the Gatien 2040 offers a moderate level of flexibility. This allows for good ball pocketing and spin generation, contributing to its control-oriented characteristics. It's not a stiff blade, enabling a more forgiving and adaptable playing style.
Our testing shows a moderate level of vibration that aids in ball feedback without being disruptive, contributing to a comfortable feel with positive feedback.
The Gatien 2040 is recognized for its solid build quality, a common trait of Swedish-made table tennis equipment. The materials and construction provide durability and a consistent playing experience, which is reassuring for players developing their game.
Technology
Yasaka Gatien 2040 is a testament to traditional Swedish craftsmanship in table tennis blade manufacturing. Built with a 5-ply all-wood construction, it embodies the principles of balanced performance, emphasizing control and feel. While not incorporating advanced synthetic materials, its design focuses on optimizing the natural properties of wood. The blade's construction is refined to provide consistent feedback and a comfortable dwell time, crucial for players developing their technique. The attention to detail in its manufacturing ensures a durable and reliable product that serves as an excellent platform for learning and improving table tennis skills.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jean-Philippe Gatien
While the Gatien 2040 is named after Jean-Philippe Gatien, it is primarily associated with the Yasaka Gatien Extra series, which was developed in collaboration with him. The Gatien 2040, being an older and more basic allround model, may have been a blade he used or tested during his early career or as a developmental tool. The Gatien Extra line, developed with him, focuses on a balance between power and feeling for the modern topspin game.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Classic
The Yasaka Sweden Classic is often mentioned as a similar allround blade from Yasaka, also produced in Sweden. It shares the 5-ply allwood construction and emphasizes control and feel, making it a suitable alternative for players who appreciate the traditional wooden blade characteristics of the Gatien 2040. Both blades are geared towards developing players looking for a reliable allround performance.