Weight
86g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
7-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe 988
Yinhe 988 is a Japanese penhold blade built for fast attack and aggressive looping. Its 7-ply hybrid construction combines five wood layers with two carbon layers, delivering significant power and a large sweet spot. This design provides a crisp, direct feel that excels in offensive play, though some players note it sacrifices a bit of ball feedback for its speed. As a cost-effective carbon option, it offers serious performance for players who prioritize power and consistency in their attacking game.
The construction features seven layers in a symmetrical arrangement: wood outer plies sandwich carbon layers, which in turn surround a central wood core. This 5 wood, 2 carbon hybrid composition is engineered to enhance speed and power while maintaining a relatively large sweet spot.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe 988 is a very fast blade, with its 5+2 carbon construction providing a significant speed boost perfect for fast attacks and aggressive loops. While manufacturer ratings are at the top end, players report it still allows for a degree of control, making its speed highly effective for offensive play without being completely uncontrollable.
Control is the natural trade-off for the Yinhe 988's high speed. It remains manageable for offensive play, but it's not the blade's strongest suit. Players need precise technique and the ability to handle fast rebounds to execute their shots effectively, as the direct feel doesn't offer much margin for error.
The blade offers a direct and stiff feel. The carbon layers contribute to this firmness, providing a fast, powerful response that some players describe as having minimal ball feedback, which emphasizes power over touch.
The fast nature and carbon construction promote a medium-high throw angle. This helps generate effective spin on loops and powerful drives, complementing an aggressive playing style.
Dwell time is moderate. The stiff, direct construction can grip the ball enough for powerful shots, but it doesn't provide the prolonged dwell associated with softer, all-wood blades, fitting its fast-attack identity.
This is a relatively stiff blade. The two carbon layers and 7-ply construction minimize flex, providing a direct power transfer crucial for its speed-oriented performance.
Vibration levels are medium. The carbon layers transmit feedback directly, while the wood plies help dampen some of it, creating a balance between useful tactile response and playing comfort.
For its affordable price point as a carbon blade, Yinhe 988 offers good value and solid build quality. Our testing shows it provides a decent manufacturing standard, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for players seeking high-performance materials without a premium cost.
Technology
Yinhe 988 utilizes a 7-ply hybrid construction, blending five wood layers with two layers of carbon fiber. This design aims to merge the natural feel of wood with the speed-enhancing properties of carbon. Yinhe, with decades of experience in equipment R&D, employs manufacturing techniques to ensure consistent carbon integration. This process optimizes power and expands the sweet spot, all while maintaining an accessible price point for players seeking high-performance materials.
Similar Blades
Yinhe Pro-01X
Yinhe Pro-01X is another carbon-infused blade from the same brand, often viewed as a higher-end option. It shares the focus on speed and offensive capabilities but may offer a more refined feel or performance profile compared to the budget-friendly 988.
Palio Carbon Jpen blades
Palio produces carbon Jpen blades that are comparable to the Yinhe 988. They similarly offer aggressive, fast play at an affordable price point with a hybrid wood-carbon construction, catering to players with the same offensive, penhold style.