Weight
82g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gatien Allround
Yasaka Gatien Allround is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade celebrated for its masterful balance of control, feel, and accessible speed. Developed with World Champion Jean-Philippe Gatien, it provides a versatile foundation for modern allround play, excelling in spin generation and consistent shot-making. Its forgiving nature and premium Swedish craftsmanship make it a trusted choice for players developing their technique or seeking a reliable, predictable blade for both defensive and offensive rallies.
This is a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood blade. While the exact species of the outer and inner plies are not specified, the core is confirmed to be Swedish Aspen. This combination of light veneers is designed to create a balanced blade with good feel and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating around 7, the Gatien Allround sits comfortably in the allround-plus category. It delivers enough pace for effective attacking shots and topspin drives, providing a solid platform for building offensive points without sacrificing the control that defines its character. Players find it offers a bit more zip than traditional all-wood control blades, making it suitable for modern, active play.
Control is the hallmark of this blade, consistently rated as outstanding. It allows for pinpoint placement, safe blocking, and incredibly consistent defensive play. The design excels at absorbing pace, making it exceptionally forgiving and an ideal tool for players focused on refining their technique and building rally consistency.
The Gatien Allround provides a comfortable, medium-soft feel that creates a strong connection to the ball. This characteristic enhances touch for short game play and allows the ball to sink into the blade slightly, aiding spin generation and providing a direct, communicative sensation without being overly dampened.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for generating high-arching, spin-heavy loops that easily clear the net. This trajectory supports aggressive topspin play and can create challenging returns for opponents.
Dwell time is a key strength, rated as medium to long. This extended contact allows players to impart heavy spin on loops and serves, making it easier to brush the ball effectively. It contributes significantly to the blade's forgiving nature and its capacity for spin variation.
The blade exhibits a medium level of flexibility. This balance provides enough stiffness for controlled offensive punches while allowing sufficient flex to pocket the ball during brushing strokes, which synergizes with its dwell time to boost spin potential.
Vibration levels are moderate, providing clear, tactile feedback on ball impact without being harsh or jarring. This level of sensation helps players feel the shot and make micro-adjustments, enhancing overall control and the connected playing experience.
Manufactured in Sweden, the Gatien Allround is praised for its excellent craftsmanship and remarkable consistency from blade to blade. The build quality feels premium and durable, contributing to its reputation as a dependable, long-lasting piece of equipment that performs exactly as expected every time you pick it up.
Technology
The Gatien Allround embodies traditional Swedish blade-making expertise. Its 5-ply all-wood construction utilizes carefully selected veneers, including a core of Swedish Aspen, chosen for their specific acoustic and mechanical properties to achieve an optimal balance. Developed in collaboration with a world champion, the design philosophy prioritizes a harmonious blend of feeling, control, and accessible power. The focus is on durable craftsmanship and consistent performance, resulting in a blade that behaves predictably shot after shot.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jean-Philippe Gatien
Jean-Philippe Gatien, the 1993 World Champion, was instrumental in developing the closely related Gatien Extra blade, which shares the core philosophy of the Allround. His input was crucial in shaping a blade that balances feeling and controlled power for a dynamic, modern topspin game, ensuring the design supports versatile play that blends offense with excellent touch.
Similar Blades
STIGA Allround Evolution
The STIGA Allround Evolution is a frequent point of comparison, as both are classic 5-ply all-wood blades celebrated for their all-around control and feel. Players often find them to have very similar playing properties, making the Evolution a strong alternative for anyone who appreciates the Gatien Allround's balanced and forgiving character.
Butterfly Petr Korbel
The Butterfly Petr Korbel is another classic 5-ply all-wood blade often mentioned alongside the Gatien series. The Korbel is generally considered to be a bit faster and perhaps slightly harder, positioning it more toward offensive allround play. The Gatien Allround typically offers a softer feel and more emphasis on control, providing a nuanced choice for players on the allround spectrum.