Weight
85g
Thickness
7.2mm
Plies
3-ply
Head Size
154x155
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Masamune
Yasaka Masamune delivers a classic Japanese table tennis experience with its 3-ply Hinoki cypress construction. This all-wood blade strikes that perfect balance between speed and control, making it ideal for players who mix attacking drives with precise placement. The thick Hinoki layers give you both flexibility and stability, creating a blade that feels solid on impact yet responsive in your hand. It really shines in generating heavy spin without losing pace, making it a favorite among advanced club players and tournament competitors who need both precision and power.
Three substantial layers of Hinoki cypress wood create the foundation for this blade's signature performance and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our testing shows the Masamune operates in that mid-fast range, bordering on OFF- territory that attacking players will appreciate. It's quick enough for powerful drives while maintaining the control needed for consistent play.
The Masamune really stands out in the control department. Our analysis indicates it provides excellent precision for varied playing styles, giving you confidence in both placement and touch shots.
You get that classic Hinoki feel - medium shot sensation with soft racket characteristics that provide excellent feedback without being too hard on the hand.
With its emphasis on dwell time and spin generation, the Masamune produces drives with amazing arc, suggesting a medium to slightly higher throw angle that aids topspin consistency.
Where the Masamune really excels is in dwell time. The thick Hinoki construction lets you grip the ball longer, resulting in exceptional spin generation on loops and serves.
That thick 3-ply Hinoki construction gives you both flexibility and resilience, creating a blade with good catapult for attacking shots while maintaining control.
The blade delivers moderate feedback with good vibrations that players appreciate - enough to feel connected to every shot without being overwhelming.
Crafted in Japan from premium Hinoki wood, the Masamune showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and durability that Japanese-made blades are known for.
Technology
Yasaka keeps it pure with the Masamune - three layers of premium Hinoki cypress wood crafted using traditional Japanese techniques. Hinoki's unique combination of softness and resilience gives you exceptional dwell time and feel, letting you really work the ball for powerful loops and delicate short game touches. Those thick plies provide remarkable stability and power, creating a solid impact feel while maintaining that responsive nature Hinoki is known for. This design philosophy delivers powerful all-round performance that excels whether you're driving through attacks or setting up defensive chops.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Satoshi Aida
Japanese all-round chopper Satoshi Aida demonstrates the Masamune's versatility with his innovative style that blends cutting and attacking strokes. Paired with Rakza 7 rubbers on both sides, the blade's flexibility and dwell time perfectly support his ability to launch powerful attacks from defensive positions while generating heavy spin.
Similar Blades
Tibhar Defense Plus
Players often compare the Masamune to the Tibhar Defense Plus, particularly regarding stability and control in defensive situations. The main difference lies in the Masamune's ability to deliver more attacking speed when needed, while both excel for players who value control and chopping capabilities.
Athletico Balance
For those who love the Hinoki feel but want some composite enhancement, the Yasaka Athletico Balance offers a similar experience with inner carbon layers. It provides that familiar Hinoki touch with added power for more aggressive attacking play.