Weight
92.4g
Thickness
5.95mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Yinhe Venus V-16
Yinhe Venus V-16 is a hybrid table tennis blade designed for offensive players seeking a blend of speed, spin, and control. Introduced in 2010, it features a 5+2 ply construction with CarboKev fibers to enhance the sweet spot and reduce harsh vibrations, offering a crisp yet responsive feel. This blade provides a fast, smooth looping experience suitable for mid-distance attackers who appreciate direct feedback and a good balance of power and finesse.
The 5+2 construction consists of an outer Limba veneer for feel and spin, followed by a CarboKev fiber layer to enhance the sweet spot and reduce vibration. The inner wood plies provide stability and structure to the blade, contributing to its overall speed and responsiveness. This combination aims for a balance between the power of carbon and the feel of wood.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Venus V-16 is widely regarded as a fast blade. Its hybrid construction with CarboKev layers contributes to its offensive capabilities, making it suitable for powerful shots and fast rallies. Players report it feels very linear and adjustable, offering controlled power rather than being overwhelmingly fast.
Despite its high speed, Venus V-16 maintains a commendable level of control. The inclusion of CarboKev fibers provides a less harsh feel than pure carbon, contributing to better ball feedback and control during delicate shots like pushes and serve receives. Many players find the control very acceptable for an offensive blade.
The feel of Yinhe Venus V-16 is generally described as crisp and direct, leaning towards medium-hard due to its hybrid construction. The CarboKev layers provide distinct feedback, less numb than some composite blades, allowing players to feel the ball's impact clearly. TTSensei experts note its soft touch is reminiscent of the Butterfly Maze blade.
The blade has a high throw angle, which is advantageous for looping and generating topspin. This high trajectory allows the ball to clear the net with ease, especially on aggressive loops, and can put opponents in difficult positions.
The dwell time is generally considered moderate. While the hybrid construction offers some dwell for spin generation, it's not exceptionally long. This suits players who rely on quick, powerful strokes and counter-attacks, but those seeking extended ball contact for extreme spin might find it slightly limited, especially with European/Japanese rubbers.
Venus V-16 is generally considered a stiff blade. This characteristic is beneficial for fast attacking shots and counter-hitting, providing a solid platform for power. The stiffness, combined with the CarboKev, contributes to its crisp feel and direct ball feedback.
The CarboKev fiber layers are noted for their ability to minimize vibration, providing a stiff yet smooth feel. This results in a blade with minimal unwanted harshness, contributing to better control and comfort during play, especially during powerful shots.
Reviewers consistently praise the build quality of the Yinhe Venus V-16, especially considering its affordable price point. The construction is solid, with smooth finishing and well-made handles. The materials used are high-quality, contributing to a feel that belies its cost and feels comparable to more expensive blades.
Technology
Yinhe Venus V-16 utilizes a 5+2 ply construction, combining wood layers with CarboKev (Carbon-Kevlar) fibers. This hybrid technology aims to leverage the strengths of both materials: the speed and stiffness typically associated with carbon, and the feel and vibration dampening of Kevlar, all while maintaining a relatively crisp and direct response. The outer veneers are Limba, contributing to spin-friendly surface characteristics. This construction is designed to create a larger sweet spot and a more refined playing experience compared to pure wood or standard composite blades, all at an accessible price point.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Michael Maze
Yinhe Venus V-16 is frequently cited as a clone or spiritual successor to the Butterfly Michael Maze blade. It aims to replicate the Maze's playing characteristics, including its speed, looping ability, and feel, but at a significantly lower price point. Both blades are known for their hybrid construction and suitability for aggressive, spin-oriented play.
Yinhe Pro 01
Some players note that Venus V-16 feels similar to a Viscaria, and that the Yinhe Pro 01 is also a Viscaria clone. This suggests that while the V-16 is compared to the Maze, other Yinhe blades aim to replicate high-end offensive blades like the Viscaria. The Pro 01 series features an inner carbon construction, potentially offering a different feel and performance profile compared to the V-16's outer CarboKev.