Yasaka Goiabao 5

Blade description:

The Yasaka Goiabao 5 is a meticulously crafted table tennis blade that stands out for its exceptional balance of speed, control, and a pleasing sensory feedback, making it a popular choice among attacking players. Constructed from five layers of high-quality wood, this blade offers a substantial yet comfortable feel in hand. It is designed for intermediate to advanced players, who appreciate a versatile blade that excels in both offensive and defensive play styles.

Weighing in at approximately 86 grams, the Goiabao 5 remains relatively lightweight, allowing for swift maneuverability during fast-paced rallies. Its thickness and density add to its overall firm feel, contributing to its impressive stiffness rating of 6.2. Players will find that the blade exhibits a unique characteristic where it can flex during looping, while simultaneously delivering a hard and solid contact for precise driving strokes. This flexible yet stiff composition allows aggressive players to unleash powerful topspins while maintaining control on delicate touches and blocks.

While there are alternatives on the market, such as the Yasaka Extra Offensive or the Ma Lin Carbon blades, the Goiabao 5 offers a notable upgrade with better consistency and minimal vibration. Its design provides a low throw, perfect for executing precise shots from both mid-distance and close to the table, making it particularly effective for users of aggressive rubbers like Rakza 9 or Chinese tacky options. Overall, the Goiabao 5 combines speed, control, and aesthetic beauty into an affordable package, making it a valuable addition for anyone looking to elevate their game.

Recent Reviews

#1 — March 2023

CPen Review

I tested this blade with Skyline 3 Provincial FH and H3 on BH. It’s a solid 5-ply blade. Compared to the Yasaka Extra Offensive, it has little flex and a stiff, hard surface.

Looping rubber is optimal for this blade because of its low throw and long trajectory. For short game, a light touch is necessary to keep the ball short. Vibrations are minimal.

Blocking, slapping, and looping near and far were all effective. Playing far from the table was impressive for a 5-ply blade. There were no issues encountered.

I purchased this blade due to the hype surrounding it as an upgraded version of the Yasaka Extra Offensive. However, this claim is inaccurate. Despite this, the blade still performs well.

#2 — January 2023

Have tested a fair bit since purchase 6 months ago. The blade has nice feedback. It has a thick middle veneer.

I have noticed in the reviews not many people use Chinese rubbers. I currently use H3 provincial 41* forehand and H3-50 backhand. The feel is hard still; however, it is more stiff than YEO and YEO7.

Power delivery is still good far from the table. But you must close the racket angle when playing near the table. The ball has a low throw and tends to overshoot.

My go-to FH rubbers are the DHS skyline series, but I am yet to use one unboosted for this blade. So I can not comment on a short game because it is not my strength with this FH rubber. Updates will continue in the near future due to my search for the perfect feeling in a blade.

#3 — November 2022

The Goiabao 5 FL blade, when paired with the Rakza Z 2.3mm and Rakza 9 2mm rubbers on either side of the bat, offers a well-balanced combination suitable for intermediate players looking to advance their skills. The Goiabao 5 FL blade provides a solid foundation for both offensive and defensive strokes, while the combination of Rakza Z and Rakza 9 rubbers provides excellent control and power.

For an intermediate player with a budget under £150, this setup offers a great value for money. The Goiabao 5 FL blade retails around £50, while the Rakza Z and Rakza 9 rubbers cost approximately £30 each.

Overall, this combination provides a well-rounded balance of control, power, and durability, making it an excellent choice for intermediate players who want to take their game to the next level.