Yinhe Venus V-14

Weight

87g

Thickness

5.8mm

Plies

7-ply

Head Size

157x150

Handles

FL

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Yinhe

Yinhe Venus V-14

China
2010

Yinhe Venus V-14 is a popular 7-ply offensive blade that masterfully balances speed and control. Its hybrid construction, featuring five wood plies and two composite layers like Carbokev or ALC, delivers a larger sweet spot and enhanced power while maintaining excellent feel for spin generation. This blade is a standout choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a high-performance, versatile attacking tool suitable for loops, drives, and blocks, all at a remarkably accessible price point.

7-Ply Construction

The 7-ply construction features five wood layers (Koto, Ayous, Kiri) and two composite fiber layers (Carbokev, which may be ALC in the Pro version). This sandwich structure is designed to balance the speed and stiffness of the fibers with the feel and dwell time of the wood core and outer plies.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.5

Venus V-14 delivers high offensive speed, rated around 8.5. Its hybrid construction with carbon/kevlar or ALC layers provides significant acceleration, making it faster than most all-wood blades and highly effective for looping and fast-attack rallies. This speed is well-suited for players looking to inject pace into their game without sacrificing too much touch.

Control
8.5

Despite its speed, Venus V-14 offers excellent control. The wood plies, particularly the Kiri core, contribute to good dwell time and feedback, allowing for precise shot placement and effective spin generation. This high level of control supports confident looping, blocking, and tactical counter-attacking play.

Feel
Medium-Soft
SoftMedium-SoftHard

Venus V-14 provides a medium-soft feel. The composite layers add responsiveness, while the wood plies offer a softer, more connected touch than stiffer carbon blades. This combination gives good ball feedback, aiding in spin development and controlled strokes.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

The throw angle is medium-high, which is ideal for modern attacking play. It allows players to generate powerful, arcing topspin shots that dip sharply onto the table, as well as execute flatter, faster drives.

Dwell Time
8.0

Dwell time is rated as good (8.0). The blade allows the ball to sink in sufficiently, facilitating effective spin generation for powerful topspins and controlled placement shots, which is a key strength for offensive players.

Flexibility
5.0

Flexibility is medium, rated at 5.0. This provides a balance, allowing for some ball pocketing to aid spin while maintaining enough stiffness for powerful, direct offensive shots. The V-14 Pro is generally considered slightly stiffer.

Vibration
6.0

Vibration is moderate, rated at 6.0. It offers a crisp feel with some feedback that aids in shot execution, without being overly distracting or harsh. The V-14 Pro may exhibit slightly less vibration due to its ALC composition.

Quality
8.0

Build quality is consistently praised, earning an 8.0 rating. Players report robust construction, good finishing, and reliable durability, especially considering its price point. The V-14 Pro version features polished aesthetics and refined manufacturing, making it a solid and trustworthy piece of equipment for competitive play.

Technology

Yinhe Venus V-14 utilizes a hybrid construction technology, combining wood plies with composite materials like Carbokev (Carbon + Kevlar) or Arylate Carbon (ALC) in the 'Pro' version. This design enhances speed, enlarges the sweet spot, and improves feedback while preserving desirable flexibility and dwell time for spin generation. The 'Pro' editions, released for the company's 30th anniversary, were specifically engineered with updated manufacturing techniques to optimize performance for the 40+ plastic ball, offering both refined play and aesthetics.

Pro Players Using This Blade

Xu Yingbin

Xu Yingbin, a rising Chinese player with a world ranking as high as 126, uses the Yinhe V-14 Pro. His adoption at the national junior and Chinese Super League level underscores the blade's capability for high-level offensive play. The V-14 Pro's blend of speed, control, and feel complements his aggressive, two-winged looping style, allowing him to generate substantial spin and power from all distances.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Viscaria

Venus V-14 Pro is widely considered a strong, budget-friendly alternative to the Butterfly Viscaria. Both share a similar 5+2 ALC-based construction. Players report the V-14 Pro delivers approximately 80-90% of the Viscaria's renowned speed and spin potential, making it an excellent value-driven option for those seeking a comparable high-performance offensive experience.

Butterfly Timo Boll ALC

Venus V-14 Pro is frequently compared to the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC, with many users noting nearly identical playing characteristics. The similar ply composition results in comparable speed, control, and looping feel. For players who favor the Timo Boll ALC's performance profile but seek a more affordable option, the V-14 Pro presents a compelling and highly similar alternative.