Yasaka Sweden Extra

All-wood

35 Reviews

#1 — January 2023

Like a Stiga classic allround but 2x better at everything. Except the ball feeling. Vibrations on Stiga are much more pronounced, but other than that this blade is better at everything. Feeling of the ball is very good, just not as in your face as it is in Stiga AC.

It is stiffer, tad harder, larger sweet spot for sure, faster and more direct than Stiga AC while still having loads of control. Also, it is more linear due to lesser flex and softness, still soft though with good dwell. My new favourite blade for sure.

Handle is very comfortable(flared) it is almost the same as Stiga AC Legend Grip, but kinda better, even thought it is just a tiny bit slimmer, like 1mm. It is cheaper than Stiga AC and Butterfly Grubba as well. No brainer for me. Everyone should try this blade. To me its king of allround blades and Yasaka continues to impress me.

#2 — September 2022

Eu jogava com uma Hurricane 301, mas como queria ter mais controle, comprei esta madeira.

No entanto, ela não me ajudou em nada. Tinha mais controle com a Hurricane. Vi comentários super positivos, mas deve ser a única madeira que algumas pessoas já tiveram.

#3 — September 2022

A classic for medium speed players. It is difficult for him to maintain good control when elevating the game.

#4 — August 2022

Giving up fast carbon/composite blades, I’ve returned to this one. The ST grip is fat and very comfortable. The sweet spot is medium, and the price is decent — unlike some of the new super duper blades that cost $400 bucks and more. Table tennis is a sport all about touch and consistency, and this blade delivers in a big way. With 50 years of tournament experience, I know my stuff. With max MXP rubbers, it’s a demon for flex speed, looping, and fast as hell counters with touch at the table and mid-distance. It lacks a bit of killing power away from table hitting but does great for lobs and strong loops. It’s okay for blocking, especially with hard sponge rubber. Everyone get this blade, and you will become famous, and your girlfriend will think you are going to the Olympics. You can donate all your super-fast carbon blades to people in prison who have a table or donate them to poor kids around the world so they can sell them for food. The quintessential “Every Players” blade that a ton of players will love.

#5 — August 2022

Top spins are weird. Good for short game and short pushes. It is too slow for me. I really do not know why everyone here praises this blade. I think it is good only when you are developing.

#6 — March 2022

This blade is a perfect choice for beginners.

It has good control and enough speed, which contributes to confidence for beginners.

#7 — March 2022

NO WORDS, AMAZING UNIQUE BLADE. I have tested over 50 blades, and this is definitely the most complete blade out there. It’s a do-it-all blade with great spin, great control, great touch, and feel.

And the best of all, it’s very cheap for its quality, better than many more expensive blades. Congratulations, Yasaka!

#8 — December 2021

This flexible blade offers a soft touch, making it ideal for developing your table tennis technique. It excels in strokes like pushing, driving, and looping.

#9 — November 2021

Excellent blade. I have been switching to several blades over the last two years, and this one will be the one I stick with for a long time. After a long layoff of 15 years, there are so many options out there that it is confusing to figure out what fits the best to my playing style. I have tried some composite and some relatively harder all-wood 5-ply and 7-ply blades. I’ve played in the past with the Donic Senso JO V1, but I missed something in the speed department.

The Yasaka Sweden Extra just feels right for me. It offers so much feeling, control, and a bit of speed when I need it. I can imagine that if you are on a real intermediate up to semi-pro level, this blade is too slow far away from the table and for longer countertop spin rallies.

This blade shines really in the close to mid-close looping from the table, and balls do land so much more often on the table. If you like to play with all-wood blades, this one is definitely one you should try. It is top quality and has a top finish. For the price, it’s a bargain.

#10 — November 2021

The blade of Zeus is a professional table tennis blade designed for players seeking both power and control. It features a 5-ply construction with a combination of limba, ayous, and carbon fiber layers. The limba outer plies provide a soft touch and excellent ball control, while the ayous core and carbon fiber layers enhance power and stability. The blade has a relatively large sweet spot, making it forgiving for off-center hits.

The Zeus blade is well-suited for both offensive and defensive playstyles. Its balanced characteristics make it an excellent choice for all-around players who desire a versatile blade that can handle various playing situations. The blade is also lightweight and well-balanced, contributing to its overall maneuverability and comfort during extended playing sessions.

Overall, the Zeus blade is an exceptional choice for players seeking a high-quality blade that offers a combination of power, control, and versatility. Its well-constructed design and balanced characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of playing styles and skill levels.

#11 — October 2021

I tried both Yasaka Extra and Sweden Extra. The central layer of the Extra consists of a combination of two ayous plates. I think the anigre layer is a little thicker, but the total thickness is less at 5.6 mm. It feels a bit harder and more solid, and the vibration is very low.

The middle layer of the Sweden Extra is one piece of ayous and is 5.8 mm thick. The Sweden Extra is more crunchy and offers more feel. Again, the vibration is similarly low, and the flexibility is also quite similar. However, the Sweden Extra is faster than the Extra.

My choice is the Sweden Extra because it offers more feel and speed. Additionally, the straight handle is very comfortable.

UPDATE: I’ve been playing with this blade for about a year now. The balance of power and feel is great. If you’re an intermediate player, you can do anything with this blade: block, spin, and smash. I won two provincial championships in one year with this blade. I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the ball in their palms.

#12 — September 2021

Very nice all-round blade for beginner/amateur players. This is my second blade after Stiga Allround Classic, and I love it very much. I paired it with FH Rakza 7 max and BH Hurricane Neo 3 commercial rubber (not the high-end one). I plan to change the BH rubber to Nittaku PK50 later.

Mine is 87g and suitable for all-round players like me. I always beat Akmal and Hadi easily when using this blade and win every day. Both of them feel that my blade is very dangerous now, even though they are using great rubber on their paddles.

Recommended blade for all-round players or for those who favor a 5-ply blade.

#13 — August 2021

I started playing table tennis again after almost 20 years. Initially, I chose the Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit blade but was unable to control it despite trying many combinations. A few months ago, I purchased the Yasaka Sweden Extra blade with the intention of switching to an all-around blade with fast rubbers for better control. After perfecting my technique, I will switch to a fast carbon blade like the Timo Boll Spirit.

Yesterday, I applied DHS Hurricane 8 to my forehand and 729 Faster to my backhand. I was surprised to have the best control with almost zero errors. I suggest that all beginners and intermediate players use this combination for better control and improvement in their game.

#14 — July 2021

The Most Underrated Blade

Despite its low cost and unassuming appearance, this blade is a hidden gem. I have experimented with numerous blades, some exceeding €150, but none have surpassed this one at a mere €25. Its exceptional feel enhances every aspect of play, from driving and blocking to looping.

Balanced Performance

While not an “all+” blade, it offers a fast combo with remarkable control when paired with T05 and DHS H3 Neo boosted rubbers. It outpaces the Primorac Japan and YEO, but falls slightly short of the Stinga Infinity VPS and Zhang Jike ALC composite blades.

Exceptional Mid and Far Distance Play

Despite its fast short play, its performance excels at mid and far distances. It compensates for weaker strokes or slow rubbers with its inherent speed.

Exceptional Value

Overall, this blade is an exceptional choice for both beginners seeking offensive play and intermediate players. Paired with T05, it transforms into a formidable weapon. Instead of investing hundreds of euros in equipment, opt for this blade and pair it with the top-rated T05 and DHS H3N rubbers.

Summary:

* Speed: 8/10 * Control: 10/10 * Flexibility: Flex blade * Dwell: Nice dwell * Handle: Comfortable FL handle * Value for money: 10/10

#15 — June 2021

Like a Stiga Classic Allround, but it is two times better at everything.

#16 — January 2020

I’m using this blade with Sanwei Target National on FH & Palio Ak47 blue on BH.

On forehand, it was perfectly suitable. With the right technique, it can afford you a powerful kill shot.

On BH, it lacks power, probably due to soft rubber.

I recommend this blade for beginners to develop a right technique, just give it a try.

#17 — November 2019

Using this with Andro Rasanter V42 2.0mm on backhand and Andro Hexer Grip SFX 1.9mm on forehand, this blade performs exceptionally well with soft, fast rubbers. It offers a comfortable grip, provides ample feel, and delivers exceptional control. Its consistent performance and swift speed allow for efficient point-ending capabilities.

The blade excels in close-to-table play as well as when distanced further away. Its affordability makes it a cost-effective option without compromising quality. Overall, this blade is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performing blade.

#18 — August 2019

This is now what I am using right now, and the control for me is amazing. I use Tibhar MX-S on my FH and Tenergy 64FX on my BH. My blade weight is 83g. This is a very good all-around blade for developing your stroke.

#19 — July 2019

Wonderful. Good if you have speedy rubbers! Really good spin on this, and the control is world class.

#20 — July 2019

Great all-around blade… good for controlled games, blocking and chopping felt easy…

#21 — June 2019

I would rate this wood as off-. I used it in version 82gm st, which is very pretty and provides quite a bit of control, as well as very good feeling. The handle is comfortable, and the speed of this wood felt very close to Korbel. However, it is less rigid and offers better feeling and permanence. It is a very nice wood, and the loop and the service are very rotating and aggressive. With hard and fast medium-angle rubbers like rakza 7, mxp, mxs, vega pro, and rasanter r47, you will have a dangerous weapon.

#22 — April 2019

Ten years ago, I started to play table tennis with a clone of Yinhe W6. Later, I found a used Yasaka Extra 3d, and it was the blade that helped me a lot to develop correct technique. Next, I started buying faster and faster blades, but none of them suited me like the good old Yasaka Extra. When I saw the renewed Yasaka Sweden Extra, I bought it immediately and sold all the other stuff. Now, I love the game again.

#23 — April 2019

Slow compared to all my other blades but can be compensated for by pairing it with faster rubbers. Tried both AK47 Red and DHS GoldArc 8 50 MAX on it, and the speed is still good. Feel and control is very good; I couldn’t use the DHS GoldArc 8 50 MAX on my other blades, but could on this one. My CPEN weighed in at 79.6 grams.

#24 — March 2019

Well Built with Good Control and Dwell Time

This blade is well-built and offers good control thanks to its medium sweet spot. It has a weight of 84g±, which is balanced and feels comfortable in the hand. Despite being an ALL~ALL+ blade, it has enough speed for most playing styles.

Comparison to PG-7 Blade

Compared to the PG-7 blade, it offers more control and dwell time. The sweet spot is improved, while the weight remains almost the same. Its speed is slightly lower.

Versatile for Training and Competition

This 5-ply blade is excellent for practicing and refining your technique. I’ve used it with DHS GoldArc 8 47.5 MAX on both sides and achieved amazing results. Currently, I use Andro R37 on my forehand and Andro R42 on my backhand for enhanced dwell time and control during training.

Highly Recommended

I’m extremely impressed with this blade and plan to continue using it for a long time. It’s a versatile choice that combines quality craftsmanship, performance, and value.

#25 — February 2019

After a 15-year hiatus from table tennis, I returned to the sport with my old Butterfly Primorac OFF- fitted with Rozena and DHS H3Neo rubbers (both in max thickness). However, I felt that the control-to-speed ratio wasn’t ideal for me and decided to explore new options for the poly ball and the evolved game.

Seeking a blade that would allow me to focus on technique and footwork, I considered Stiga’s Allround Classic and similar models. However, I stumbled upon a great deal on the Yasaka and immediately purchased it.

The Yasaka blade has exceeded my expectations. The feel in the short game, on serves, and during looping from short and mid distances is exceptional. I would even pay double the price for its performance in these areas.

When paired with Yasaka Rising Dragon (2.0mm sponge) on the forehand and Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (2.0mm sponge) on the backhand, the blade provides an almost perfect setup for me. The only weakness I’ve encountered so far is the lack of power from very long distances. While skylobs are accurate, counterattacking or playing aggressively from afar can be challenging.

Despite this minor drawback, I’m satisfied with the blade for the time being. It allows me to focus on proper technique and finishing shots within appropriate distances. I would even go so far as to say that it’s a great learning tool for beginners.

When I compare the Yasaka to previous blades from Butterfly, Stiga, and Donic, I notice a significant difference in craftsmanship. The Yasaka has an extremely well-sealed finish, and the overall quality is excellent.

Here are some additional measurements:

- Head dimensions: 155mm x 150mm - Weight: 84g (FL handle version) - Thickness: Approximately 5.6mm

#26 — June 2018

The flared handle provides excellent grip and comfort. The blade is well-balanced, making it easy to control.

I initially paired it with Yasaka Mark V for several months, and later switched to Mark V HPS. With Mark V, the short game on the table was exceptional.

The Mark V HPS upgrade offered a significant boost in power and control. This combination provides versatility, allowing for effective looping, counterhitting, blocking, and serving. While pushing and cutting may require some practice, they can also be executed well.

Remarkably, I was able to practice and execute various shots from up to 1.5 meters from the table. This blade and rubber combination is highly recommended for players transitioning from beginner to intermediate levels of play.

#27 — March 2018

Have played Stiga classic, hurricane Long 5, Stiga Celero Wood and tried others, however I must say this is a great blade. I see nothing wrong with it. Can be used for beginners and better players, just change to thicker, harder and faster rubber. Gives some feedback, flexes when looping, good touch, still feels solid enough to block well and smash. Recommended!

#28 — October 2017

The Yasaka Sweden Extra is a terrific All+ 5 Ply wood blade with great feel and control. Close to the table play is terrific, and with the right rubbers and generating your own power, mid-distance play is good too.

#29 — July 2017

Is the best blade considering the quality/price you get? (Amazing control/spin/feeling, but not enough power and a medium sweet spot, which sometimes causes a little bit of vibrations. The blade is perfect for close-to-the-table gameplay, but not for far or mid-distance from the table because the lack of power forces you to hit very hard, causing you to lose control and feeling.)

#30 — January 2017

Very reliable and friendly blade with superb wood quality, great control, enough power, and a great feel at a great price. All-round to all-round offensive players looking for a high-quality blade that does everything right at a low price will be totally satisfied.

The Yasaka Extra blades can deliver a lot of power with the right strokes while staying light and versatile for a controlled close-to-mid distance game with surprisingly quick pace changes and power shots that result in being tricky for opponents (Ma Lin Extra Off is still a 5-ply all wood blade like this one).

You know the kind of All-round, pace-changing, middle distance strategy I talk about if you have watched and paid attention to Ma Lin’s playing style. He used to pair his Penhold Ma Lin Extra Off with DHS Skyline TG3 on the forehand (most likely boosted), and for some time, he used some Mark V rubber for the backhand. Both of these rubbers are among the not-so-fast types, and yet using his long penhold strokes, he could outspeed Europeans using carbon blades and Tenergies.

This tells you enough about how much you can squeeze out of any blade in the Yasaka Extra series, developed alongside the Mark V rubber series, and of course, Ma Lin’s career. Slight adjustments made for clarity.

#31 — January 2016

Found this blade by accident when I was looking for an all-round Stiga classic blade. The Yasaka Extra Sweden is made in Sweden’s famous woodhouse in Taranas. I paired this with 2.0 mm Yasaka Mark V’s on both sides, and it is the most enjoyable combination to improve your strokes and master your techniques.

Compared to a Donic Waldner Carbon Senso with the same rubbers, it has ever so slightly better control and a softer touch due to it being a notch slower (which is great because the Waldner Carbon Senso is one of the best balanced control blades out there). If the Waldner Carbon Senso is rated at OFF-, the YSE is definitely ALL+.

With the classic Mark V rubbers, unless you are a beginner/intermediate you don’t want to get anything slower than this.

#32 — January 2016

Really love this blade. It plays extremely well, comparable to a $200 BTY blade. Looping is effortless, providing excellent control on the table. The blade’s finish is finely crafted. While not exceptionally fast, it offers sufficient speed to effectively end a point. Overall, an exceptional blade.

#33 — Long Time Ago...

Great blade! It provides power when you need it, but on flicks and pushes, it remains controlled and precise. This blade is an excellent way to slow down your game, making you more confident and helping you learn better technique. The price-to-performance ratio is exceptional. The only minor issue is the lens, which is slightly off-center, but this is purely an aesthetic matter.

UPDATE:

After some time, I’ve significantly improved as a player, and I’d like to add some additional insights. This blade features a relatively narrow handle, so if you have medium to large-sized hands, you may want to consider other options. The feel of this blade is excellent, although the entire composition feels both quite hard and relatively flexible.

My only concern is that blocking (using Friendship Battle 2 Commercial 45deg and Rakza 7) can be challenging with this blade. The ball often flies out, but I’m unsure if this is due to my lack of blocking ability or the blade’s characteristics. Overall, this blade is a fantastic example of a beginner wood that supports most playing styles and allows you to determine your preferred style. Advanced players may find it lacking in speed, but this can potentially be compensated for with improved technique or faster rubbers.

#34 — Long Time Ago...

This blade is an excellent choice for beginners, offering great value for its low price. My coach was pleasantly surprised by its quality. It is ideally suited for individuals who are new to the sport and have access to coaching, as it provides a stable platform that will not need to be replaced in the near future.

The blade excels in its control, allowing players to develop proper technique. The most captivating feature of this blade is the sound it produces. When struck with the appropriate force, the wood resonates with a pleasant tone. This auditory feedback is invaluable in understanding the quality of each stroke.

Aside from its technical benefits, the blade also provides an enjoyable sensory experience as the wood reverberates with each hit. However, it is worth noting that the blade has a relatively small sweet spot. While this can be frustrating during matches, it serves as a useful training tool, highlighting the importance of precise ball placement.

#35 — Long Time Ago...

Blade: Butterfly Timo Boll ALC

The Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a 5-ply all-wood blade designed for all-around play. It features a limba outer ply, which is known for its hardness and durability. The limba outer ply provides a crisp and responsive feel, making it ideal for both offensive and defensive shots. The inner plies consist of kiri, ayous, and koto, which provide a good balance of speed and control. The ALC (Arylate-Carbon) layer, sandwiched between the limba and kiri plies, enhances the blade’s stiffness and power.

Overall, the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a well-rounded blade that is suitable for a wide range of players. Its combination of speed, control, and durability makes it a popular choice for both recreational and competitive table tennis players.

Here are the specifications of the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC:

| Feature | Specification | |—|—|—| | Blade Type | 5-ply all-wood | | Outer Ply | Limba | | Inner Plies | Kiri, Ayous, Koto | | ALC Layer | Yes | | Weight | 85 grams | | Thickness | 5.9 mm | | Handle Type | FL, ST |

Pros:

* Excellent balance of speed and control * Crisp and responsive feel * Durable construction * Suitable for a wide range of players

Cons:

* May be too stiff for some players * Somewhat expensive

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