Weight
87g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Galaxy 970
Yinhe Galaxy 970 series blades, including the 970XX-A, 970XX-C, and 970XX-K, deliver performance-oriented design at an accessible price. Featuring a 5+2 construction with inner carbon, ALC, or KLC layers, these hybrid blades balance offensive speed with impressive control and dwell time. They excel in powerful looping and fast attacks, offering a modern feel that suits intermediate to advanced players seeking a high-value alternative to premium brands.
This 5+2 construction places two fiber layers between wood plies, closer to the core. This configuration aims to deliver carbon-like power and stiffness without excessive harshness, while the inner placement promotes better feel and dwell time compared to outer carbon designs. The exact wood species are often based on player speculation, as Yinhe does not always disclose them officially.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Designed for offensive play, the 970XX series delivers high speed crucial for attacking shots and fast rallies. The inner carbon, ALC, or KLC layers significantly boost the blade's speed potential. The 970XX-C is particularly noted for fast attack speed, while the 970XX-K offers a slightly different pace due to its Kevlar-carbon composition, providing a versatile range within the series.
Despite their offensive nature, these blades offer very good control, a trait attributed to the inner fiber placement. This design provides a softer feel and better ball engagement, allowing for precise placement and consistent stroke execution even during rapid exchanges, making them surprisingly manageable for aggressive players.
Players report a crisp, solid feel with a hint of hardness, often described as having a high wooden character. The inner fiber layers contribute to this solidity, while the specific fiber types influence the overall stiffness. The 970XX-K variant introduces more flexibility, adding a distinct rotational sensation to the touch.
These blades produce a medium-high to high throw angle, which is excellent for looping and clearing the net with heavy spin. This characteristic helps players generate deep, arcing shots that are difficult for opponents to handle.
The inner placement of the fiber layers promotes a notably long dwell time compared to outer carbon blades. This extended contact allows for excellent ball grip and superior spin generation, especially beneficial for heavy looping and brush-style strokes.
Flexibility varies across the series, ranging from medium to medium-flexible. The 970XX-K is notably flexible, which aids in adding rotation to shots. Other variants with standard carbon or ALC tend to be stiffer, offering a more direct and solid response.
Vibration is well-managed, presenting a medium level that contributes to the blade's feedback without being distracting. The wood and inner fiber combination creates a controlled or somewhat muted sensation, providing useful tactile information on shot quality.
Build quality is generally considered very good for the price, often drawing favorable comparisons to more expensive brands. The structural integrity and performance are reliable, though some minor finishing touches like sharp edges may require light sanding. Overall, they represent solid craftsmanship and dependable construction.
Technology
The 970XX series utilizes a core '5 wood + 2 inner fiber' construction. The key technological variation lies in the fiber type: the 970XX-A uses inner Arylate Carbon (ALC) layers, the 970XX-C uses standard Carbon fiber, and the 970XX-K uses Kevlar Carbon (KLC). This inner placement is designed to enhance dwell time and control while maintaining offensive power, creating a feel often associated with innerforce-style blades. The original 970 was a pioneer in using woven carbon fiber in Chinese blade manufacturing.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Bo
Wang Bo, a Chinese player, has used a blade referred to as the 'Yinhe 970 base,' a likely predecessor to the 970XX series, particularly associated with the 970XX-C. This connection highlights the blade's suitability for aggressive topspin games, especially when paired with Chinese-style sticky rubbers. Its spin-friendly nature and ability to generate heavy topspin align perfectly with the forehand-driven, serve-and-attack style common among many Chinese professionals.
DPR Korea National Team
The Yinhe Galaxy New 970XX-K is advertised as being used by the DPR Korea National Team. This endorsement indicates the blade, with its Kevlar Carbon construction and focus on looping performance, meets the rigorous demands of high-level international competition. It validates the blade's effectiveness for players who prioritize spin-heavy attacks and a flexible, controllable feel.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce ALC.S
The 970XX-A, with its 5+2 structure and inner ALC layers, is frequently compared to the Butterfly Innerforce ALC.S. Both blades deliver the signature blend of speed, control, and dwell time characteristic of innerforce technology. Our experts note the Yinhe offers a remarkably similar playing experience at a much more accessible price point, making it a standout budget-friendly alternative for players seeking those ALC looping characteristics.
Butterfly Viscaria
While the Viscaria is an outer-carbon blade, players often compare it to the 970XX series due to their shared offensive prowess and popularity. The 970XX-A and -C provide a more accessible entry into high-performance carbon blades, offering comparable speed and spin potential for attacking players. The key difference lies in the feel, with the inner fiber placement of the Yinhe providing a distinct, often more dwell-oriented sensation.