Yasaka Gatien Extra

Blade description:

The Yasaka Gatien Extra is a quintessential 5-ply wooden blade, known for its exceptional balance between control and versatility. It caters to a variety of playing styles, making it a popular choice among players ranging from beginners to experienced amateurs. Crafted from a combination of anegre, limba, and ayous woods, this blade delivers a feedback-rich playing experience that enhances shot accuracy and touch. It’s particularly noted for its ability to generate impressive spin and allows players to dictate the pace of their game, especially when paired with faster rubbers.

Weighing approximately 84 grams, the Yasaka Gatien Extra is classified as a lightweight blade, enabling effortless transitions and quick movements during play. Its medium-thickness design provides a blend of flexibility and control. The blade’s stiffness is rated at 3.7, offering a soft feel during slow hits, while still providing responsiveness for aggressive shots. This control-oriented character makes it ideal for players who enjoy looping and executing spin-heavy shots, although it may require a strong technique to fully realize its offensive capabilities.

For those seeking alternatives, the Stiga Offensive Classic remains a popular counterpart for competitive players, providing a stiffer feel and higher speed potential. However, the Yasaka Gatien Extra’s unique combination of control, feedback, and flexibility sets it apart, particularly for those interested in refining their fundamental skills without being overwhelmed by a speed-driven blade. Overall, the Yasaka Gatien Extra is a trusted companion for players looking to develop their game in a balanced, nuanced manner, enhancing both defensive and offensive plays.

Recent Reviews

#1 — November 2014

Review of Donic Barxter

The Donic Baxter is a table tennis blade that is perfect for those of you who are looking for a balanced blade that can do it all. This blade is made from seven layers of wood, including kiri, limba and spruce. The result is a blade that is both lightweight and sturdy, so you can play your best without getting tired. The Donic Baxter is also equipped with a carbon layer that helps to increase the power and speed of your shots.

The Donic Baxter is a versatile blade that can be used by players of all levels. However, it is especially well-suited for those of you who are looking for a blade that can provide good control and accuracy. The blade’s seven-layer construction provides a good level of feel, so you can always be in control of your shots. The carbon layer also helps to increase the blade’s power and speed, so you can put away your opponents with ease.

Overall, the Donic Baxter is a great choice for those of you who are looking for a balanced blade that can do it all. This blade is perfect for players of all levels, and it is sure to help you take your game to the next level.

#2 — February 2014

Control

The blade has exceptional control, allowing for precise shot placement and consistency. Its well-balanced design provides stability and accuracy, enabling players to execute controlled loops, blocks, and drives with ease. The blade’s ample dwell time allows for a clean contact point with the ball, resulting in increased spin potential.

Spin

The blade’s high spin capability is another standout feature. Its tacky surface generates a significant amount of friction, which enhances ball grip and allows players to impart heavy topspin and sidespin on their shots. This attribute makes the blade ideal for players who rely on spin-heavy techniques to create unpredictable trajectories and outmaneuver opponents.

#3 — December 2013

I recently purchased the Yasaka Extra. It is no longer referred to as Gatien and I believe it is distinct from the reviews posted here. My blade weighs 90 grams, is classified as off-, and is considerably stiffer than I anticipated.

When hitting slowly, it has a pleasant, soft feel. As you strike harder, you can sense a noticeable shift; it becomes significantly stiffer, making loops and brush loops somewhat more challenging. It is even stiffer than its Chinese counterpart, the Galaxy W-6.

While I appreciate the increased speed, I primarily purchased this blade because I sought a flexible, soft, and controllable wood with some bite, as described in the reviews. However, it fails to deliver on this expectation. It resembles a stiff blade with a soft touch, similar to many other models.

Another drawback is its low throw. Upon replacing the W-6 with the Yasaka Extra while using the same rubbers, 80% of my shots ended up in the net. I am still struggling to adapt to this blade, and it has been an unpleasant surprise.

To ayoushinoki: Yes, the only blade available in the store is the one with the Yasaka metal tag on the handle end and JTTAA chop. However, it is not an exceptional blade. In fact, the Galaxy copy, the W-5, is significantly superior.