Weight
92g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
159x149
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe Hinoki 3A
Yinhe Hinoki 3A is a premium single-ply blade crafted from Kiso Hinoki, a Japanese cypress renowned for its exceptional feel and unique playing characteristics. Made from wood sourced from trees over 200 years old, it is carefully selected for flawless structure to ensure outstanding performance. Positioned as an OFF+ class blade, it offers high-speed capabilities balanced by exceptional control and significant spin generation. Its construction provides a distinct, almost indescribable feeling when striking the ball, making it a true work of art for discerning players.
This blade is a single-ply construction made entirely from Kiso Hinoki wood, known for its exceptional feel and unique vibration properties. The lack of synthetic materials or multiple wood layers allows for a very pure and direct transfer of energy from the ball to the player's hand.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe Hinoki 3A is classified as an OFF+ blade, indicating high-speed potential. Our testing shows it possesses strong offensive capabilities suitable for aggressive play. While some players report a slightly lower speed, the general consensus leans towards a powerful and fast blade that excels in driving the ball forward with authority.
Despite its high speed, Yinhe Hinoki 3A offers surprisingly good control. Players report it provides a reliable platform for controlled play, especially for spin-oriented shots. The direct feedback from the single-ply Hinoki allows for precise touch, making it possible to execute both powerful attacks and delicate placements with confidence.
Yinhe Hinoki 3A delivers a distinct feel due to its single-ply Hinoki construction. Players note unique vibrations that are surprisingly pleasant and not distracting. While initially unusual compared to multi-ply blades, those who appreciate direct feedback enjoy the pure wood sensation. It provides excellent feel for ball contact, enabling precise control in all shots.
Given its OFF+ rating and emphasis on spin, Yinhe Hinoki 3A likely produces a medium-high to high throw angle, particularly when paired with spin-oriented rubbers. This helps in clearing the net with aggressive loops and provides a good arc for powerful attacking shots, making it ideal for topspin play.
The single-ply Hinoki construction typically offers a longer dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the wood. This characteristic is crucial for generating high spin, which is a frequently noted strength of the blade. Its controlled nature and ability to create significant rotation suggest a medium to long dwell time.
Yinhe Hinoki 3A falls into the medium-stiff category. This balance allows for both powerful strokes and good feel for the ball. The single-ply nature of the wood provides a degree of natural flexibility that is enhanced by the specific properties of the Hinoki, offering a responsive yet stable hitting platform.
The blade exhibits a moderate level of vibration, described as unique and pleasant rather than jarring. This controlled vibration is a hallmark of high-quality Hinoki blades and contributes significantly to the blade's feel and feedback. It is neither a dead blade with no sensation nor excessively buzzy.
The quality of Yinhe Hinoki 3A is highly praised, with a perfect finish and consistent wood grain. The use of rare, old-growth Kiso Hinoki wood from over 200-year-old trees contributes to its premium status. It is often described as a work of art, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship and material selection that ensures consistency and durability.
Technology
Yinhe Hinoki 3A is built around the concept of pure wood craftsmanship, utilizing a single ply of Kiso Hinoki. This ancient Japanese cypress is known for its unique cellular structure, which provides a distinctive feel, sound, and vibration transmission. The wood is sourced from trees exceeding 200 years in age, selected for optimal quality and consistency. The manufacturing process emphasizes mechanical shaping and finishing, avoiding glues and artificial materials to preserve the wood's natural properties. This artisanal approach creates a blade that is both a high-performance tool and a collector's item, often presented in a custom wooden gift case.
Similar Blades
Yinhe Kiso Hinoki 5A
Yinhe Kiso Hinoki 5A is another single-ply Hinoki blade from the same brand, often mentioned alongside the 3A. While the 3A is described as OFF+, the 5A is sometimes noted as having even higher speed and control ratings, potentially due to a slightly different wood selection or preparation. Both are premium single-ply offerings appealing to players who prioritize feel and spin generation.
Yinhe Kiso Hinoki #200, #260, #350
These numbered variants of Yinhe's Kiso Hinoki blades are differentiated by the age of the wood used, such as 200, 260, or 350 years old. The general principle is that older wood tends to be faster. While specific performance differences are subtle, these blades represent a spectrum of single-ply Hinoki options within Yinhe's line, each offering a unique feel and speed characteristic based on the aged wood.