Yinhe 981

All-wood 2 reviews

Blade description:

The Yinhe Galaxy 981 table tennis blade is a popular choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a balance of speed, control, and stiffness. With a rating of 8.3 out of 10, the 981 offers a fast and responsive playing experience while maintaining a good level of control.

Composed of 5 plies and measuring 8.3mm in thickness, the 981 features a limba outer ply that provides a crisp and direct feel. The blade's limba construction also contributes to its overall stiffness, rated at 7.5, allowing for powerful strokes and effortless looping.

The Yinhe Galaxy 981's speed rating of 10 makes it suitable for aggressive playstyles that rely on fast attacks and counter-attacks. However, its control rating of 7 ensures that players can maintain precision and consistency, even during rapid exchanges.

The blade's hardness, measured at 9.1, indicates a solid and durable construction that can withstand regular use and intense rallies. This hardness also contributes to the 981's excellent feel and responsiveness, allowing players to execute precise shots with confidence.

In terms of consistency, the Yinhe Galaxy 981 receives a rating of 5 out of 10, suggesting that it may be slightly less consistent than some other blades. This could be attributed to the blade's high speed and stiffness, which may require a certain level of skill and technique to control effectively.

Overall, the Yinhe Galaxy 981 is a well-rounded blade that offers a combination of speed, control, stiffness, and hardness. It is a suitable choice for players seeking an offensive blade that provides both power and precision. However, its slightly lower consistency rating may require some adjustment for players accustomed to more forgiving blades.

Recent Reviews

#1 — July 2020

This blade is exceedingly fast, compromising its controllability. Although the manufacturer lists its weight as 90 grams with a tolerance of 5 grams, my particular blade was remarkably heavy, weighing in at 110 grams. I advise caution when relying on listings that claim a weight of only 90 grams.

Looping techniques are challenging with this blade. Its design favors fast hitters and smashers who prioritize power.

Despite its shortcomings, the blade offers a redeeming quality in its affordability.

#2 — February 2020

Basically, it’s a faster Yinhe 985 with less control. It’s also harder and more stiff, falling somewhere between stiff and very stiff. This makes it perfect for hitters using short to medium pips. However, the dwell time is very low, making it unsuitable for looping. Additionally, pairing it with hard rubbers is not recommended as it will result in excessive control loss and difficulty countering enemy spins. You can refer to my review of the 985 for further insights.

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