Yasaka Gatien Extra
Blade description:
The Yasaka Gatien Extra (often referred to as the Yasaka Extra) is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade renowned for its exceptional control and communicative feel. It is a lightweight, neutrally balanced blade that provides high-quality feedback, allowing players to sense exactly how they are impacting the ball. While not inherently fast, it functions as a “neutral” platform that rewards proper technique, making it a popular choice for skill development and stroke recalibration.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Feedback: The blade is characterized by a soft, flexible feel that provides accurate, real-time vibration feedback. This makes it highly responsive during delicate shots and touch play.
- Speed and Power: Generally categorized as a slower to moderate speed blade, it requires the player to generate their own power through active strokes. When paired with modern, high-tension offensive rubbers, it can become quite fast, effectively “bringing out” the power of advanced sheet technologies.
- Flexibility and Spin: The construction offers a moderate amount of flex, which facilitates spin generation and looping. It is particularly effective for topspin and brush loops due to its ability to “bite” into the ball during deep contact.
- Control and Versatility: It excels in controlled, balanced play and is highly forgiving during technical drills. It is well-regarded for its ease of use in transitional play (switching between forehand and backhand) and serving, though some users find its flexibility can make passive blocking more challenging compared to stiffer composite blades.
Construction and Performance Notes
- Composition: This is a 5-ply all-wood blade (typically Anegre-Limba-Ayous-Limba-Anegre). It contains no carbon or composite layers.
- Performance Dependency: The blade’s performance is highly sensitive to the rubbers paired with it. While it pairs well with tensors and medium-hard, medium-tacky rubbers, some users find it can feel “mushy” with very soft sponges or struggle to penetrate harder, traditional Chinese tacky rubbers.
- Consistency: As a classic wood model, individual blade variations may occur. Some users note differences in stiffness and throw angle between older versions and newer production runs, impacting consistency for those accustomed to specific legacy versions.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2024
2 of the best blades for looping of all time. The other one is Stiga OC.
This is a very sensitive blade. Different rubbers on this blade can be very different.
If you use Chinese sticky rubber, it can be a looping machine and very spinny but very hard to block.
Maybe you will say this is an all-around/slow blade, which it is. But if you are good at looping, the speed is still OK and very accurate.
The handle’s design is thin and long, so it is very good for learning RPB.
#2 — 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.
#3 — 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.
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