Weight
91g
Thickness
6.05mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe M-4
Yinhe M-4 is a composite blade built for offensive play, striking a compelling balance between speed, spin, and control. Its hybrid construction delivers a dynamic playing experience with a generous sweet spot, making it a versatile choice for aggressive tactics. Players can generate powerful shots while retaining the feel necessary for precise placement. Positioned as a high-value option, the M-4 combines modern technology with affordability, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts looking to elevate their attacking game.
The blade uses a 7-ply, 5+2 construction. This setup features a thick Ayous core, flanked by carbon fiber layers, which are then surrounded by outer plies of Limba wood. This specific layering is designed to provide a stiff, powerful core from the carbon and Ayous, while the Limba outer plies contribute to a softer feel and enhanced dwell time for spin.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe M-4 is a fast blade well-suited for offensive play, capable of generating significant pace for direct attacks and fast rallies. While it incorporates carbon, it doesn't feel overly stiff or uncontrollable. This balance makes it highly effective for modern offensive styles where speed is needed without sacrificing all touch.
Control is a standout feature for the M-4. It allows for precise placement and confident execution across various strokes, including the short game and blocking. The thoughtful integration of wood plies within its hybrid construction contributes significantly to this balanced and forgiving control, even during powerful attacks.
Yinhe M-4 delivers a distinctively woody feel despite its carbon layers, landing in the medium-hard category. It provides clear, crisp feedback on ball contact, feeling stiffer than some blades like the Viscaria but with more flex than others like the Timo Boll ALC. This unique balance offers good sensation for control alongside composite power.
Yinhe M-4 produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for an aggressive looping style. This arc allows players to generate heavy spin with a good margin over the net, making it effective for both opening loops and sustained topspin rallies.
The M-4 provides a medium to medium-high dwell time. This characteristic allows players to embed the ball into the rubber and blade surface effectively, facilitating the generation of powerful, spinny loops and providing a forgiving window for brush contact.
Exhibiting medium flexibility, the M-4 has more flex than a typical stiff carbon blade. This flexibility contributes to its good dwell time and spin potential, while the carbon layers ensure there's enough underlying stiffness for solid offensive power, creating a well-balanced response.
Vibration is moderate, offering useful feedback without being jarring. The blend of wood and carbon layers filters out harsh frequencies, resulting in a sensation that communicates contact quality effectively while remaining comfortable during play.
Yinhe M-4 is generally considered well-made for its price point, offering solid build quality and good value. Minor finishing details like edge sanding have been noted, but the overall construction is robust and consistent. It represents a reliable choice in its market segment, delivering performance that often exceeds its cost.
Technology
Part of Yinhe's 'Micro Crystalline' (MC) series, the M-4 incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques. While the exact nature of 'Micro Crystalline' is proprietary, it is understood to be a protective coating that enhances the blade's elasticity and durability. The core technology lies in the strategic integration of carbon layers within a wood matrix, a design focused on blending raw power with controlled feel. Yinhe's commitment to R&D in blade crafting is evident in this synthesis of materials.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Many players find the Yinhe M-4 offers a comparable experience to the Viscaria, often cited as an inspired alternative. It shares a similar speed and power profile but typically feels a bit slower, harder, and exhibits more flex. This results in a blade with potentially greater dwell time and a slightly softer overall sensation while maintaining offensive capability.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
When compared to the Timo Boll ALC, the M-4 generally provides more flex. Both are ALC-style blades, but this difference in flexibility means the M-4 might offer a distinct feel on ball contact, favoring players who prefer a bit more dwell and a less rigid sensation, without stepping back from offensive potential.