Yinhe 981

Yinhe 981 is a very fast blade engineered for aggressive offensive play. It excels at delivering powerful shots and quick attacks, making it a potent weapon for players who prioritize speed. This high pace supports a dominant, attacking style from both wings.

Despite its focus on speed, the 981 maintains a respectable level of control. This balance allows offensive players to execute shots with good precision, though its stiffer nature can be less forgiving during intricate touch play or when attempting heavy spin loops compared to more controlled blades.

Yinhe 981 delivers a medium-hard to stiff feel upon impact. This firmer sensation provides a direct, less dampened feedback that many players prefer for hitting and smashing, especially when paired with short or medium pimpled rubbers.

Given its fast and stiff character, the 981 likely produces a medium-high throw angle. Shots, especially loops, will tend to travel with a pronounced arc, helping clear the net effectively during aggressive offensive rallies.

Players report a very low dwell time, meaning the ball spends minimal time on the racket face. This characteristic enhances direct hitting power but can reduce the blade's suitability for generating heavy topspin through prolonged brushing contact.

This is a stiff blade. Its rigid nature contributes significantly to its high speed and direct hitting power, but it offers little flex, which is why dwell time is limited and it feels less conducive to brush-looping techniques.

The stiffer construction and fast nature of the blade transmit a moderate to high level of vibration. This provides clear tactile feedback on shot quality, which some players appreciate, though it may feel less cushioned than softer alternatives.

For its price point, the Yinhe 981 offers good quality. The solid, all-wood construction provides a classic and reliable feel. While players report some weight inconsistencies between individual blades, the overall build and finish represent solid value in its category.