Yasaka Sweeper

I purchased my blade used for $12, while a new one costs approximately $35. I use Tibhar Sinus Sound 2mm and Stiga Calibra LT Sound max rubbers with this blade. It offers excellent feel and control, and I experience minimal vibration. The blade provides good speed, and I am satisfied with its performance. Overall, I enjoy using this blade and setup.

SWEEPER is the best blade for passive defensive play.

I purchased this blade as a replacement for a Donic Testra AR Plus, which I used for defensive play. The blade, made in Sweden, has dimensions of 160/160 millimeters, making it significantly larger than previous blades I’ve used, but it is surprisingly lightweight. It comprises five layers (the wood type is unknown), which creates an unusual sound when paired with exceptionally soft or thin rubber. However, the sound does not significantly impact gameplay. The control provided by this blade is exceptional. The build quality is approximately 8.5 out of 10, and the blade’s thickness measures around 5.5 millimeters. The ST handle features a length of 100 millimeters, with a gripping portion measuring approximately 85 millimeters. Compared to other blades in this category, the handle may be 10 to 20 millimeters shorter, but this design facilitates blade twiddling and reduces its overall weight. As previously mentioned, the blade provides fantastic control, although I recommend training in defensive techniques to master its use effectively. With minimal wrist movement, you can precisely alter the ball’s trajectory while maintaining accuracy and forgiveness. However, placing the ball precisely at the table’s edge requires greater precision. I’ve experienced minimal vibration with this blade, which is a significant advantage for me.

The blade excels in close-range play, particularly for forehand and backhand blocking. Its performance at mid-distance (2 meters from the table) is also impressive. However, shots beyond 2 meters may require significant effort from the player to land effectively. Using a medium-soft (or, at most, medium) rubber for the forehand can enhance playability at greater distances without compromising close-range performance. I discourage the use of pimple-pit rubber without sponge (OX type), as I was advised against this by a friend. Additionally, the blade’s inherent softness adequately absorbs incoming ball impact, obviating the need for a larger swing. Given the excellent control offered by the blade, excessive spin is unnecessary. Consequently, I opted for a pimple-out rubber with a 0.5-millimeter sponge.

In summary, this is an exceptional blade that will appeal to defensive players and all-round players who prefer close-range or mid-distance play. It is ideally suited for modern defensive techniques.

My configuration: - Yasaka Sweeper - FH: Tibhar Nimbus 2.0 - BH: TSP Curl P-1 0.5 mm

Review: Yasaka Sweeper Defensive Blade

Quality:

Yasaka is renowned for producing high-quality products, and the Sweeper blade is no exception. It features even wood layers, a beautiful grain, and a well-crafted handle. For a competitive price, this blade delivers exceptional quality that exceeds expectations.

Playing Characteristics:

As anticipated, this blade excels in defense. It provides exceptional control and slow speed, allowing for precise placement of the ball on the table. Close to the table, it efficiently handles pushes and blocks. Despite its speed rating, attacking near the table is possible, even with slow inverted rubbers.

For players who prefer playing away from the table, this blade is an ideal choice. Its slightly oversized dimensions and weight provide the necessary maneuverability for defensive play while also delivering enough power for aggressive shots from a distance. The handle offers a comfortable grip, enabling both chops and topspins without compromising the ability to twiddle.

Conclusion:

The Yasaka Sweeper is an outstanding defensive blade. It combines affordability with impeccable craftsmanship to provide a quality option for defenders. Despite its underappreciated status, this blade’s defensive capabilities make it a formidable choice.