Weight
88g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yinhe MC-4
Yinhe MC-4 combines a 5+2 ply hybrid construction of wood and carbon with a unique microcrystalline coating, creating a versatile offensive blade. It delivers a balanced blend of speed and control, making it ideal for players developing their looping and fast attack game. The blade provides a solid, comfortable feel with excellent spin potential, bridging the gap between traditional all-wood blades and more aggressive carbon options for a wide range of playing styles.
MC-4 is constructed with 5 wood plies and 2 carbon layers in a 7-ply stack. This combination provides a balance of elasticity from the wood and stiffness/speed from the carbon. The microcrystalline coating is applied to the surface to enhance elasticity and offer protection, though the exact layer order may vary slightly.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yinhe MC-4 is considered an offensive blade with a speed rating around 8.5 out of 10. Our testing shows it offers more speed than some initial ratings suggest, particularly when hitting harder, making it suitable for fast loops and attacks. It retains enough control to not feel overwhelmingly fast for intermediate players, providing a responsive yet manageable pace.
A key strength of the MC-4 is its control, consistently rated around 8.0. This allows players to execute precise shots and maintain consistency even during offensive strategies. The blade offers good feedback, enabling players to feel the ball and adjust their strokes accordingly for reliable placement.
Despite the carbon layers, many players find the MC-4 retains a woody feel, which is highly appreciated. The feel is often described as solid and provides good feedback, allowing players to connect with the ball effectively. It's not overly stiff, offering a comfortable playing experience with a distinct character.
The combination of wood and carbon, along with the microcrystalline coating, tends to produce a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping, as it helps get the ball over the net with a good trajectory, especially on drives and topspins.
The blade offers good dwell time, which is crucial for generating spin on loops. This allows the ball to sink into the rubber and blade, enabling players to impart significant spin and control their shots effectively during topspin rallies.
MC-4 strikes a good balance between stiffness and flexibility. This characteristic allows for a responsive feel during shots while providing enough flex to generate power and spin effectively on loops and drives, making it versatile for various strokes.
Vibration levels are generally considered moderate. While the carbon provides stiffness, the wood plies and microcrystalline coating help manage vibrations, preventing excessive harshness and providing a controlled feel during impact without being too muted.
For its price point, Yinhe MC-4 is consistently praised for its build quality and finishing. Players report excellent balance and a solid feel. While some minor edge finishing might be needed upon receipt, the overall construction is considered very good, offering excellent value and reliable performance.
Technology
Yinhe MC-4 incorporates 'Microcrystalline' technology, which involves applying a special coating to the blade surface. This coating enhances elasticity and acts as a protective layer. Combined with the 5 wood and 2 carbon layers, this technology aims to provide unique playing characteristics that balance speed, control, and feel. Yinhe blades generally use high-temperature treatments and advanced processes to combine desirable traits from European and Asian designs.
Similar Blades
Yinhe Mercury Y-13
Players who have used the Yinhe Mercury Y-13 note the MC-4 offers a higher arc when brush looping and more control on both backhand and forehand. This suggests the Y-13 might be a slightly faster or less controlled alternative, making the MC-4 a good upgrade or a more balanced option for those seeking improved consistency.
Yinhe MC-2
MC-2 is also part of Yinhe's MicroCrystalline series but is described as the 'All Round Version' compared to the MC-4's offensive focus. While both share the microcrystalline technology, MC-2 typically features a 5-ply all-wood construction, emphasizing control and all-around play, whereas MC-4 is positioned as a more offensive and faster hybrid blade.