Weight
87g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gatien Extra
Yasaka Gatien Extra is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade celebrated for its perfect harmony of power and feel. Developed with French World Champion Jean-Philippe Gatien, this Swedish-made blade delivers a soft touch and exceptional ball feedback, making it a top choice for players who favor a modern topspin game. Its versatile nature provides consistent control and a comfortable playing experience, ideal for those who rely on generating their own power rather than blade-assisted speed.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. This classic structure is known for providing a good balance of speed, control, and dwell time, contributing to the blade's soft feel and excellent ball feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Gatien Extra operates as a true all-round blade, offering a moderate level of speed. It's not designed for explosive power but provides ample pace for offensive plays, particularly when combined with modern rubbers. Players find its speed is best harnessed through their own generated power rather than relying on inherent blade acceleration.
Control stands as the primary strength of the Gatien Extra. Its soft feel and excellent dwell time enable precise ball placement and manipulation. This makes the blade highly suitable for players who prioritize accuracy, from tight exchanges at the table to controlled rallies at mid-distance.
Gatien Extra delivers a distinctively soft feel, a hallmark of its 5-ply all-wood build. This characteristic allows for excellent dwell time, enabling players to impart significant spin and receive clear feedback on ball contact, ideal for developing touch and sensitivity.
The combination of soft feel, good dwell time, and moderate flexibility allows Gatien Extra to produce a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping and lifting the ball with an effective trajectory and spin, especially from mid-distance.
The soft nature and 5-ply construction provide substantial dwell time. This extended contact facilitates greater spin generation on serves and loops, while also aiding precise control during soft shots and blocks.
The 5-ply wood construction offers a moderate level of flexibility. This contributes positively to the blade's dwell time and overall feel, allowing for effective spin generation and good control, especially in close-to-table exchanges.
Players frequently note the lack of unwanted vibrations, which contributes to a clean, stable feel and enhanced control. This low vibration characteristic helps absorb ball impact effectively.
The blade is renowned for its high-quality Swedish craftsmanship. Players consistently praise the excellent build quality, the pleasing feel of the wood, and the overall durability, which together uphold its long-standing reputation as a well-made product.
Technology
Yasaka Gatien Extra embodies traditional Swedish craftsmanship in blade manufacturing. Developed in collaboration with World Champion Jean-Philippe Gatien, its design optimizes the interplay between wood veneers to achieve a perfect balance between power and feel. The classic 5-ply all-wood construction emphasizes natural wood characteristics, delivering exceptional dwell time and ball feedback. This traditional approach, combined with Yasaka's dedication to quality, results in a blade that consistently provides a soft touch and predictable performance, favored by players who prioritize control and spin.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jean-Philippe Gatien
Jean-Philippe Gatien, a former World Champion, was instrumental in developing this blade named after him. Designed in collaboration with Yasaka to suit his aggressive yet controlled topspin style, he used it during a highly successful period in his career. He valued its excellent feel, control, and ability to generate spin, which perfectly complemented his dynamic offensive game.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Extra
Yasaka Sweden Extra is often considered the successor or a very close relative to the Gatien Extra. It shares the same 5-ply all-wood construction and Swedish manufacturing. Our analysis suggests they offer very similar playing characteristics, including excellent control, good feel, and a focus on spin, with the Sweden Extra being the more commonly referenced current model.
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is another classic 5-ply all-wood blade frequently compared to the Gatien Extra. Both are lauded for their all-round capabilities and good feel. However, the Petr Korbel is generally perceived as being slightly faster with a bit more inherent power, while the Gatien Extra is often highlighted for its superior control and softer feel, especially for close-to-table play and spin generation.