Yasaka Extra Special
Blade description:
This all-wood 7-ply blade features a Walnut-Limba-Ayos-Ayos-Ayos-Limba-Walnut construction. Designed for an offensive style of play, it offers a crisp, solid feel with a medium-hard touch. Its composition provides a balance between stiffness and dwell time, making it effective for both high-quality looping and powerful flat hitting at close to mid-distance.
Playing Characteristics
- Performance: The blade is characterized by high speed and effective power, making it capable of handling play away from the table. It provides a noticeable trampoline effect that, while controlled, offers more kick than traditional 7-ply blades like the Clipper.
- Feel and Control: Users report high levels of control despite the blade’s offensive nature. The Walnut outer plies provide a crisp, direct sensation during blocking and short-game exchanges. While the blade offers sufficient dwell time for spin-heavy loops, it requires sound technique to fully manage its power, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
- Weight and Balance: The blade can feel head-heavy and is often found in the 88g to 96g weight range. Because weight distribution can vary, it is recommended to confirm the specific weight before purchase.
Setup Recommendations
- Rubbers: The blade pairs well with a wide variety of rubber types, including tacky Chinese sheets and modern tensors. While medium-hard rubbers are frequently recommended to capitalize on its offensive potential, players seeking more forgiveness often prefer medium-soft sponges to increase the dwell time and spin production.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — November 2020
In terms of feeling, this blade offers a perfect blend of the Clipper and YEO. However, it is faster than both, making it a more viable option in today’s game. I own two of these blades, one weighing 96 grams and the other 88 grams. I recommend purchasing from TTEUstore as they provide exact weights. The heavier blade feels incredible but will likely be used primarily for training. It offers a low throw, crisp but not overly hard feel, and minimal flex with a slight amount of give. While I have not tried the Barwell blade, if I were to create my own blade, I would utilize the same materials as this one.
#2 — October 2019
Amazing all-wood blade with great control. It is suitable for an offensive playing style and has more power than the YEO blade.
#3 — April 2019
This blade excels in all aspects, particularly in looping and topspins. Its control is exceptional.
Comparable to Nittaku Barwell, Yasaka XS is slightly firmer and stiffer. Yasaka XS shares 95% of the renowned Nittaku Barwell’s characteristics.
Despite being heavier and firmer than Yasaka XS, Barwell has a softer feel and medium hardness. Nittaku Barwell also offers slightly higher dwell and spin.
Yasaka XS is faster than Barwell, potentially due to its heavier weight (around 90g-93g) compared to Barwell’s 85-89g.
Overall, Yasaka Extra Special is an exceptional performance blade available for under £55, earning it a well-deserved 9.7/10 rating.
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