Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe DE-1
Yinhe DE-1 is a 7-ply defensive and all-around blade that delivers exceptional control and a soft feel at an accessible price. Its hybrid construction features three Acrylate layers for vibration dampening and flexibility, creating a forgiving platform ideal for taming fast rubbers. With a medium-high throw and generous dwell time, it excels at precise chops, blocks, and controlled counter-attacks, making it a standout choice for players who prioritize consistency and touch over raw power.
The 7-ply stack with three interspersed Acrylate layers creates a unique blend of flexibility, dwell time, and vibration dampening. This structure is central to the blade's defensive capabilities and its characteristically soft, controlled feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
DE-1 provides sufficient speed for defensive chops, blocks, and controlled counter-attacks rather than raw power. The Acrylate layers help absorb incoming pace, prioritizing control and placement over outright acceleration, making it ideal for players who build points with consistency.
Control is the blade's defining strength. Its soft feel and extended dwell time allow for exceptional precision in defensive play, blocking, and placement shots. Players can easily manage incoming speed and direct the ball with accuracy, making it a reliable partner for tactical play.
DE-1 delivers a soft to medium-soft feel thanks to its thin veneers and Acrylate layers. This provides good feedback with a dampened sensation, which enhances control and comfort, especially when handling fast shots.
The blade's dwell time and flexible nature contribute to a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping and lifting the ball with spin over the net, particularly useful in defensive or all-around playstyles.
The combination of multiple thin plies and Acrylate layers creates generous dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This aids in spin generation for defensive shots and provides more time for controlled topspin strokes.
While designed for defense, the 7-ply construction with softer materials provides good flexibility. This allows for effective spin generation and adds a controlled, catapult-like feel to strokes without becoming overly stiff.
Acrylate layers are known for their vibration-dampening properties, resulting in a very stable and controlled feel. Vibration is minimal, contributing to a comfortable, predictable playing experience that reduces fatigue.
Despite its budget-friendly positioning, DE-1 exhibits excellent build quality, balance, and finish. The craftsmanship feels refined, with a comfortable handle and overall execution that rivals blades at twice the price, offering outstanding value.
Technology
Yinhe DE-1 utilizes a 7-ply construction that strategically layers three Acrylate fiber sheets between four wood plies. This design enhances control and dwell time by creating a forgiving playing surface that dampens vibrations and absorbs incoming ball speed. Acrylate, a synthetic fiber, provides a unique blend of elasticity and stiffness, contributing to the blade's distinctive feel—offering the softness needed for defensive touch while maintaining enough responsiveness for controlled offensive play.
Similar Blades
Yinhe Earth E-1
Yinhe Earth E-1 is a 5-ply all-wood blade that offers a more traditional, crisp feel with Koto outer layers. While both blades are control-oriented, DE-1's hybrid Acrylate construction provides enhanced vibration dampening and a softer touch, making it more suited to defensive play. The E-1 focuses on a pure wood sensation, often compared to classic all-wood or even some ALC blades in feedback.