Weight
83g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gatien Carbon 3D
Yasaka Gatien Carbon 3D is a hybrid offensive blade designed for players seeking a dynamic blend of speed and control. It features Yasaka's proprietary 3D technology, which enhances flexibility and expands the sweet spot for a more forgiving feel. The strategic placement of carbon layers within the wood plies provides a crisp response and a noticeable catapult effect, ideal for generating powerful topspin and aggressive attacks. This construction offers a lively yet stable performance, making it a versatile choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to elevate their offensive game with confidence.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply hybrid construction with wood outer layers, carbon inner layers, and a wood core. This arrangement leverages carbon for speed and stiffness while the wood provides feel and control, typical for blades aiming to balance offensive power with playing comfort.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Gatien Carbon 3D offers substantial speed for offensive play, thanks to its integrated carbon layers. This construction provides a crisp, responsive feel that translates into powerful drives and quick counter-attacks. While it delivers a noticeable speed advantage, it remains controlled enough for consistent aggressive play, making it a strong choice for players who want to dictate the pace of the rally.
Despite its offensive nature, this blade maintains excellent control. The 3D technology enhances flexibility and enlarges the sweet spot, which improves accuracy during blocks, pushes, and short game maneuvers. Players find they can place shots with precision, making the blade accessible and reliable for executing tactical plays alongside powerful attacks.
Gatien Carbon 3D provides a responsive, medium feel that is both crisp and engaging. The blend of carbon and wood, enhanced by 3D technology, creates a lively touch with good ball feedback. It's not overly stiff, allowing players to feel the ball on the rubber for better shot shaping and spin creation.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for creating steep, spin-heavy topspin shots. This trajectory helps in looping over the net with safety and aggression, making it effective in modern offensive rallies where arc and spin are paramount.
The 3D technology significantly increases flexibility, leading to a longer dwell time. This extended contact helps generate more spin and provides better control, especially on topspin strokes where feeling the ball is crucial for placement and power modulation.
Enhanced flexibility is a key feature of the 3D technology. This gives the blade a dynamic, springy character that aids in the catapult effect and spin generation. The flexible feel makes it more forgiving and helps in creating powerful, arcing shots with ease.
Vibration is well-controlled in this blade. The combination of wood and carbon, along with the 3D construction, dampens excessive feedback, resulting in a stable hitting surface. Players experience a clean, direct feel without distracting or harsh vibrations, contributing to a confident stroke.
Yasaka Gatien Carbon 3D is crafted with high-quality materials and consistent construction. Players report a solid, well-made blade with a pleasant finish that holds up well over time. The attention to detail in its build contributes to a reliable performance feel, which is a hallmark of Yasaka's reputation for producing dependable table tennis equipment.
Technology
Yasaka Gatien Carbon 3D incorporates proprietary 3D technology designed to increase blade flexibility and expand the sweet spot. This innovation, combined with strategically placed carbon fiber layers within wood plies, creates a powerful yet forgiving offensive tool. The carbon enhances speed and stiffness, while the 3D construction improves dwell time and effective hitting area. The result is a dynamic playing experience with a noticeable catapult effect, facilitating aggressive topspin and drives. Manufactured in Sweden, known for high-quality equipment, this blade offers a balanced blend of power and control for modern attackers.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jean-Philippe Gatien
Jean-Philippe Gatien, a former World Champion, has a long association with Yasaka, and blades bearing his name reflect his offensive playing philosophy. While the Gatien Carbon 3D may not be his exact signature model, it embodies the balance of power and feel characteristic of his style—emphasizing strong all-around offense, technical precision, and strategic play that benefits from a blade offering both speed and control.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Extra 3D
Yasaka Extra 3D shares the same 3D technology but is a 5-ply all-wood blade. It offers a similar emphasis on flexibility, a large sweet spot, and good control, making it an excellent alternative for players who prefer a softer, more dwell-oriented feel without the added speed and stiffness of carbon layers.
Yasaka Max Carbon 3D
Yasaka Max Carbon 3D is a 9-ply hybrid blade that is significantly faster and stiffer. While it also features 3D technology, it's designed for extreme offensive play, offering higher speed and power at the expense of some control and feel compared to the more balanced Gatien Carbon 3D.