Weight
87.7g
Thickness
5.95mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156.5x151.5
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Ma Lin Extra Offensive
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for technical attackers who value a perfect marriage of speed, control, and exquisite ball feel. Developed with the legendary Ma Lin, this Swedish-made blade uses hard walnut outer veneers paired with Scandinavian pine to deliver direct power for aggressive topspin, blocks, and counters. Its slightly thicker, medium-soft core provides remarkable dwell time and feedback, enabling precise shot-making. While built for offense, it maintains impressive control, making it a versatile choice for players who dominate at close-to-mid distances with spin and placement. Renowned for its large sweet spot and consistent performance, it remains a classic for offensive play.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. The outer plies are hard walnut, known for directness and speed. These are supported by spruce inner plies, and the core consists of a thicker, medium-soft ayous wood. This combination provides power from the hard outer layers and dwell time/feel from the softer core and inner plies, contributing to its characteristic offensive performance with good ball feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is consistently rated as a fast blade, solidly in the OFF category. Its hard walnut outer plies and overall construction create a direct and powerful feel, enabling strong attacks and quick counters. While it doesn't reach the extreme speeds of carbon blades, it provides ample pace for aggressive play, especially from close to mid-distance.
Despite its offensive nature, Ma Lin Extra Offensive maintains a high level of control, praised for its predictability and large sweet spot. This allows players to execute precise shots and maintain consistency during rallies. The dwell time also aids control, particularly for spin-oriented strokes.
Feel is often described as medium-hard, leaning stiffer due to the hard walnut outer plies. However, the thicker, medium-soft ayous core provides good dwell time and ball feedback, preventing an overly harsh sensation. This balance offers a distinct and satisfying touch for offensive players.
The combination of hard outer plies and good dwell time often results in a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for generating powerful and deep-arcing topspin shots.
The blade offers good dwell time for an offensive blade with hard outer plies. This allows the ball to sink into the wood, enabling players to generate significant spin and maintain good control during strokes, particularly for looping and topspin.
Ma Lin Extra Offensive is moderately flexible. It's not as stiff as some composite blades, offering a bit of flex that aids in looping and absorbing incoming power on blocks. This flexibility contributes to its dwell time and feel, making it comfortable for continuous offensive play.
Vibration levels are generally considered medium. While the hard outer plies transmit some vibration, the overall construction and wood layers help dampen excessive harshness, providing a balanced feel that isn't overly buzzy but still offers good feedback.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is generally regarded as a well-made blade, often produced in Sweden at renowned factories. Our experts note its solid construction, good finish, and durability, contributing to its reputation as a high-quality piece of equipment.
Technology
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a 5-ply all-wood blade handcrafted in Sweden, known for its precise veneer selection and construction. The use of hard walnut outer veneers is a key design aspect, providing a distinct feel and increased power compared to blades with softer wood topsheets. The thick, medium-soft ayous core is a deliberate choice to enhance ball dwell and feedback. The blade's surface is typically lacquered at the factory to improve speed and durability. It also features the traditional 'Double Lens' design on the handle, a characteristic inherited from older Yasaka series.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ma Lin
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive was famously developed in collaboration with and used by the Chinese superstar Ma Lin, who used the Chinese Penhold version. He famously won the gold medal in Men's Singles at the 2008 Olympic Games with this blade. Ma Lin's aggressive, close-to-table topspin style, characterized by powerful loops and quick counters, is perfectly suited to the blade's characteristics. Its ability to generate spin and provide direct feedback aligns with his dynamic and attacking game.
Similar Blades
Stiga Rosewood NCT V
Stiga Rosewood NCT V is often compared to Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive due to its similar 5-ply Swedish construction and use of hard outer veneers. Both blades offer a good blend of speed and control for offensive play, with a notable feel for the ball. The Rosewood NCT V might offer a slightly different feel due to its specific wood composition, but it's considered a close alternative for players seeking a similar offensive all-wood experience.
Yinhe Pro-5W
Yinhe Pro-5W is mentioned as a potential alternative due to its similar construction, featuring walnut and spruce as the top two layers. While some players report it might be slightly slower, it offers a comparable feel and quality at a potentially lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for similar playing characteristics.