Weight
90g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
nullxnull
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Ma Lin Hard Carbon
Yasaka Ma Lin Hard Carbon is an offensive table tennis blade built for players who demand high attack power and a crisp, hard feel. Its construction combines Wenge outer plies with inner carbon layers, creating a fast and stiff response ideal for powerful drives and smashes. While designed for aggression, it retains a degree of manageability, making it a compelling choice for intermediate to advanced attackers looking to pair it with modern, harder rubbers.
The blade features a 7-ply construction with Wenge wood as the outer layers, known for hardness and durability. Three inner wood plies are interspersed with two carbon fiber layers, an arrangement designed to boost power and stiffness while maintaining a degree of wood-like controllability and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ma Lin Hard Carbon is consistently rated as a very fast blade, the quickest in its series. The combination of hard Wenge outer plies and inner carbon layers generates significant power, allowing for explosive drives and smashes that challenge opponents with sheer pace.
For a carbon blade focused on offense, it offers a commendable level of control. Players report it feels manageable and stable, providing good feedback that helps maintain accuracy during aggressive rallies, especially when paired with suitable rubbers that complement its character.
True to its name, the blade delivers a distinctly hard feel. The Wenge outer plies provide crisp, direct feedback on impact, favoring a stiff sensation that efficiently transmits power for players who prefer a solid, unyielding touch.
The hard outer plies and carbon construction tend to produce a medium-high throw angle. This helps in generating powerful topspin shots with a good arc, allowing the ball to clear the net confidently during aggressive loops.
While built for speed, the construction manages to retain a moderate dwell time. It provides enough contact for effective spin generation and looping, especially when combined with grippy rubbers, without sacrificing its offensive directness.
This is a relatively stiff blade. The hard woods and carbon layers limit flex, contributing to its fast, direct, and linear response that favors power shots over a flexible, catapult-like effect.
The blade offers a balanced vibration level. The carbon and wood layering works to minimize harsh or unpleasant feedback, resulting in a comfortable and solid feel during play that communicates impact without being jarring.
Crafted in Sweden, a region renowned for premium blade manufacturing, and bearing JTTA approval, this blade exemplifies high craftsmanship. Its build quality, durability, and finish consistently receive praise, marking it as a reliable, top-tier product.
Technology
Yasaka Ma Lin Hard Carbon utilizes a 5+2 ply construction, integrating two carbon fiber layers within the wood core. This inner carbon design is paired with hard Wenge outer plies, a combination engineered for a hard feel and high speed. Manufactured in Sweden, a region celebrated for precision woodworking and blade craftsmanship, it also carries JTTA approval, signifying it meets stringent quality and performance standards for competitive play.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon
As the direct counterpart, Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon offers a softer feel and potentially greater dwell time through different material choices. It's better suited for players who prioritize control, touch, and spin generation over the raw speed and stiff response of the Hard Carbon version.
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon
This blade shares a similar inner carbon construction and offensive intent. However, TTSensei experts note the Waldner Senso Carbon often provides a more pronounced woody feel and a slightly softer touch, appealing to players seeking carbon-enhanced power without fully departing from a traditional wood blade sensation.