Weight
78g
Thickness
9mm
Plies
3-ply
Head Size
165x138
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Yagyu 3 (III)
Yasaka Yagyu 3 (III) is a specialized Japanese penhold blade built for aggressive, close-to-the-table play. Its three-layer construction of premium Hinoki wood delivers a stiff, direct feel with low dwell time, perfect for executing fast flat hits and powerful blocks. The distinctive 'R' profile features a wider racket face and shorter handle, enhancing maneuverability and control for quick exchanges. This blade offers a unique combination of high speed and precision, making it a top choice for players who master a direct, attacking style.
The blade features a simple 3-ply construction using only Hinoki wood. All three layers are identical, resulting in an all-wood build known for its stiffness, speed, and low dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yagyu 3 (III) delivers impressive speed from its 3-ply Hinoki construction and stiff character. This design translates into fast, direct shots ideal for aggressive play close to the table, allowing players to attack the ball with minimal delay.
Despite its high speed, the blade maintains excellent control. The inherent properties of Hinoki wood and the thoughtful blade design enable precise shot placement, particularly for blocking and flat-hitting, making it surprisingly manageable for a fast blade.
The 3-ply Hinoki construction creates a distinctly stiff and hard feel upon contact. This sensation is favored by players who execute flat hits and blocks, providing a solid, direct feedback compared to softer, more flexible blades.
The stiff nature and low dwell time promote a medium-low throw angle. This favors flatter ball trajectories, which are perfect for direct attacks and controlled blocking shots.
Dwell time is very low due to the blade's stiff nature and 3-ply construction. This characteristic is ideal for players who prefer to hit the ball early and flat, minimizing contact time for a direct response.
The blade is considered very stiff. Its 3-ply all-Hinoki build contributes directly to this rigidity, which in turn supports its speed and direct-hitting characteristics.
The all-wood Hinoki construction provides a moderate level of vibration feedback. Players can feel the ball contact clearly without the sensation being overly dampened or excessively harsh, offering a good connection to the shot.
Yasaka is renowned for quality craftsmanship, and the Yagyu series upholds this reputation. Players report solid build quality and good durability for its price point, reflecting the brand's commitment to reliable equipment.
Technology
Yasaka Yagyu 3 (III) embodies traditional craftsmanship through its straightforward yet highly effective three-layer construction of premium Hinoki wood. Hinoki, a Japanese cypress, is prized for its unique combination of lightness, natural stiffness, and distinctive tactile feel. The manufacturing process focuses on harnessing these inherent properties to create a blade optimized for a specific, aggressive style of play. The deliberate 'R' profile design, with its wider head and shorter handle, further refines the blade for Japanese penhold players, enhancing maneuverability and control to complement the wood's natural characteristics.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Yagyu V
Yasaka Yagyu V is another Japanese penhold blade crafted from Hinoki wood. As a single-ply construction, it typically offers a softer feel and more dwell time compared to the 3-ply Yagyu 3 (III). Both are designed for control in the Japanese penhold style, but the Yagyu V may appeal to players seeking a slightly more forgiving, tactile touch, while the Yagyu 3 (III) is favored for its outright speed and stiffness.