Weight
85g
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Offensive 40
Yasaka Offensive 40 is a Swedish-made 7-ply all-wood blade designed for offensive players seeking a lively blend of speed and control. It features a thicker, harder center veneer engineered to boost power and a factory lacquer for enhanced durability and speed. Known for its springy, medium-soft feel and high throw angle, it offers a large sweet spot and plays with a flex that many compare to a faster 5-ply blade. This blade suits intermediate to advanced attackers who can harness its energetic character for dynamic topspin and quick attacks.
The blade uses a symmetrical 7-ply all-wood construction. While the exact wood species for each layer aren't specified, the design centers on a distinct, thicker, and harder wood veneer at its core (layer 4). This central ply is flanked by three wood layers on each side, creating a build aimed at balancing speed from the core with feel and flex from the outer plies.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Offensive 40 delivers solid offensive speed, typically rated between 8.0 and 8.5. The thicker, harder center ply provides a noticeable power increase over standard all-wood blades. While its 7-ply construction suggests stability, the blade's flexible nature gives it a livelier, more catapult-like feel that many players associate with faster 5-ply designs, making it quick for loops and drives without feeling overly rigid.
Control is good but requires adaptation. The blade offers excellent blocking stability and a predictable, large sweet spot. However, its high throw angle and inherent flexibility mean that while spin generation is easy, precise shot placement can be challenging if your technique isn't tuned to its springy character. Players who master its feel are rewarded with great touch in the short game.
Offensive 40 provides a distinctly medium-soft, lively feel. Despite the 7-ply build, the outer plies and overall flex create a softer impact sensation than expected, offering good ball pocketing and feedback. This springy character makes it very responsive on touch shots and helps with spin generation.
This blade produces a characteristically high throw angle. The combination of flex and medium-soft feel helps lift the ball, creating loopy, spin-heavy arcs that are excellent for topspin rallies but require adjustment to prevent shots from sailing long during flat hits.
Dwell time is medium, aided significantly by the blade's flexibility and softer surface. This allows the ball to stay on the racket face a fraction longer, which is beneficial for brushing loops, adding spin to serves, and controlling the arc of your shots, especially with modern tensor rubbers.
The blade exhibits noticeable flexibility, which is a key part of its playing character. This flex contributes to its dwell time, catapult effect, and the perception that it plays more like a 5-ply. It's not a stiff blade, offering a whippy, energetic response rather than a solid, direct one.
Vibration levels are moderate. The all-wood construction and flex transmit a clear, crisp feedback on impact, which many players enjoy for sensing ball contact. It's not a dead feel, but the vibration is generally controlled and not described as excessive or harsh.
Build quality is generally average. The blade is finished with a factory lacquer that enhances durability and playing speed. However, some players note the surface finish may not feel as premium or refined as those on higher-end blades from other brands, though it remains perfectly functional for regular play.
Technology
Yasaka Offensive 40 evolves from the classic Offensive blade with key technological focuses. The primary upgrade is a specifically engineered thicker and harder center wood veneer, designed to inject more power and stability into the core while maintaining a manageable weight. Additionally, the blade surface receives a factory-applied lacquer finish. This coating serves a dual purpose: it increases the blade's durability against wear and moisture, and it slightly hardens the surface to enhance rebound speed and playing consistency.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Clipper
Many players find the Yasaka Clipper to be a more solid and controlled alternative. It's often praised for its consistent, direct feel and reliable all-round offensive performance, making it a preferred choice for players who want a classic Swedish-made blade with less of the springy flex characteristic of the Offensive 40.
Yasaka Extra 7
For players seeking a truer 7-ply experience, the Yasaka Extra 7 is a notable alternative. Our testing shows it is significantly stiffer and harder, offering a more direct and powerful feel with speed often rated slightly higher. It contrasts with the Offensive 40 by providing a more solid, less flexible platform that feels like a traditional offensive wood blade.