Yinhe W-6

All-wood

27 Reviews

#1 — January 2023

After reviewing some reviews, I decided to give this blade a try. Upon arrival, it weighed in at 87g (C-Pen) and appeared to be of decent quality, especially for the price. The penhold version is quite head-heavy, as it is designed to be. I tested it with NEO Hurricane 3 fh/Rasant Powersponge bh, as well as Neo Skyline 2 fh/Rasanter R45 bh. The blade proved to be an excellent spin machine. While it lacks speed, it excels in close-mid distance looping where the flex of the wood provides ample dwell time and the cushy outer veneer facilitates picking up low balls effectively.

For serves and short balls, the blade performs averagely. Flicking requires additional effort due to the need for self-generated speed. I recommend using soft euro/jap rubbers with this blade, as hard tacky rubbers can make the bat feel sluggish and unresponsive. However, it performs excellently with European rubbers. Control is exceptional, allowing for precise ball placement and excellent safety over the net. Blocking is easy to control though not remarkably direct. Even chopping is relatively effortless due to the blade’s ability to absorb the ball.

The primary weakness of the W-6 lies in its limited capacity for kill shots/drives/smashes, emphasizing its suitability for topspin rather than direct speed. Overall, it is a versatile blade that offers great value for the price point.

#2 — February 2021

Like all Yinhe blades, this one is too stiff, lacks feeling, and seems to be made of cheap wood.

#3 — November 2020

I own both the Yinhe W6 and the blade it’s based on, the Yasaka Sweden Extra. While they are very similar, there are some key differences. The W6 has a slightly more hollow sound and is slightly more flexible. The handle is also smaller and smoother, while the YSE has a rougher handle. I would say that the W6 has better quality control, but I prefer playing with the YSE because it’s stiffer. Both blades are very similar and would be good starting blades for beginners.

#4 — July 2019

Looping, blocking, and chopping are easy to execute with W6. Medium rubbers would be matched with this blade. I tried it with Mark V 2.2mm and TinArc3 2.1mm, and it gave me a great feeling and was stable. It’s worth the money.

#5 — April 2017

Overall, if you prefer to place blocks easily and control loops with spin rather than overpower with speed, this blade is a suitable option for you.

Starting with the construction, it offers a commendable combination of value and quality. The handle is large and comfortable, ensuring a secure grip. While the wings are not sanded, this can be easily remedied.

The blade’s touch provides an enhanced level of control, allowing for precise adjustments. However, this same effect can slightly absorb the force intended for powerful shots. Consequently, the blade demonstrates a wide range of capabilities. While soft hits remain unspectacular, blocks are exceptionally easy to place. Hits are relatively average, while strong hits and loops require more effort.

In terms of speed, this blade falls into the slower category. When compared to the Tibhar Stratus Power Wood, the difference in power is noticeable but not excessive.

The testing setup incorporated Air Illumina 1.9 rubbers on both sides.

#6 — September 2016

This blade is very fast and has a good spin rate. It has a medium-hard feel to it. It has a good balance between speed and control. It is a good choice for players who want a fast blade with good control.

The blade is slightly concave, which helps to reduce fatigue during play. It also has a good grip, which helps to keep the blade firmly in your hand. The blade is made of high-quality wood, which is durable and long-lasting.

Overall, this blade is a good choice for players who are looking for a fast blade with good control. It is also a good value for the price.

#7 — May 2015

5 plies wood, weight 86 g, 5.5 mm thick, reviewed with Friendship Cream Transcend 2.0 mm.

This blade is designed for an allround game, with a speed rating between all+ and off-. It offers excellent control and spin capability, making it ideal for players who prefer loop play and prioritize spin over raw speed. Backhand and forehand loops of various arcs are both enjoyable to execute and witness.

While this blade is highly versatile, it may not be the best choice for players who favor power-smashing. On the other hand, its defensive capabilities are impressive, with exceptional chop, push, block, and lob shots.

Flick shots may not be its forte, possibly due to the blade’s flex and moderate hardness.

Initially, adapting to this blade may require some time, although it usually takes only a few hours. Once adjusted, players will likely appreciate its qualities and suitability for their play style.

Overall, this is a top-notch and affordable blade that is particularly well-suited for players who value technical play.

#8 — December 2014

This is a fantastic table tennis blade that comes at an exceptional price, particularly for the pen grip option.

It offers remarkable control and allows effortless looping; minimal effort is required as your arm swings to execute the shot with precision.

If you’re eager to take table tennis seriously without breaking the bank, this blade is highly recommended. It seamlessly caters to players of all skill levels, from beginners embarking on their table tennis journey to seasoned provincial athletes.

#9 — May 2014

Awesome blade. It goes well with medium to hard rubbers. Soft rubbers and tensors did not suit this blade. I have Yasaka Mark V on both forehand and backhand. This setup is amazing. I hardly lose any games. I even managed to beat top players with this setup.

#10 — January 2014

I’ve used the W6 blade for about six months now. This blade is excellent for looping and flicking backspin balls. Its flex is very well-suited for these purposes. However, it’s important to be aware of the blade’s high throw angle. You need to close the blade angle, especially during counterlooping, to compensate for this.

In comparison to my previous blade, the Andro Super Core Cell All+, I would rate the W6 as OFF-. It is faster and harder but has a similar flex. Slight adjustments may be necessary when transitioning between these blades.

#11 — May 2013

Telaio superbo: ottimo controllo, non velocissimo, ma quando si vuole spingere va eccome. Abbinato ora con gomme Globe 999 2.2 mm sia sul dritto che sul rovescio, è la mia accoppiata vincente.

#12 — April 2013

An incredible blade, but it must be paired with the right rubbers for optimal performance. Initially, I paired it with H3 Neo as recommended, but it didn’t suit my playstyle. The combination resulted in excessive vibrations, poor block control, and inconsistent loops. In my opinion, H3neo complements a Chinese style of play and a stiff carbon blade better.

After switching to tensors, I settled on a Donic Acuda S2, which transformed the blade into a looping powerhouse. It enables a wide range of loops with confidence and exceptional precision. Even smashes possess significant topspin. Despite its flexible nature, the blade provides incredibly accurate blocking. I can effectively block both near the table and mid-distance, giving me a sense of confidence. It pairs exceptionally well with the new generation of tensors.

Update: There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. Firstly, it lacks a soft feel; the surface feels somewhat hard. However, this is offset by its outstanding control and the enhanced topspin it generates on loops. It’s a compromise between speed, flexibility, and a soft touch. Secondly, the handle is rather thin. I added an overgrip, which resolved the issue and made it highly comfortable. It remains my primary blade and will likely continue to be for the foreseeable future.

#13 — March 2012

It has decent control and feel for the ball. The speed is adequate, and the spin is acceptable but certainly not deserving of the name “loop king.” Additionally, the blade produces an unusual gonging noise. The blade weighs 96 grams and has a ST handle.

#14 — September 2011

This blade is ideal for players with exceptional power who employ a serve-and-loop-kill style of play. It demands assertive strokes, rewarding full swings over half-strokes.

Excelling in close-to-the-table play, this blade handles everything well. It’s superb near the net, making blocking heavy topspin effortless. However, adjusting to blocking flat hits requires some practice, as initially, balls may fall into the net frequently.

Highly recommended for close or mid-table looping players, the only potential drawback lies in counter-looping at mid-to-long distances, where power may be slightly diminished due to the blade’s high flexibility.

#15 — July 2011

The blade I’m using is perfect for looping. Executing loops with this blade is effortless, thanks to its incredible control and spin. It also excels in over-the-table shots. I prefer playing relatively close to mid-distance, and this blade suits my style perfectly. For its price, I believe it’s an excellent value.

#16 — April 2011

Very good blade for the price. You can play loop/ loop or chop/loop and it blocks great. Versatile but not simple. Rare find! I play defense and love this blade. On the other hand, I gave it to the best two-winged looper I know in the area, and he ended up buying it from me.

My pick for best rubber fit: Inv - H3 (neo may be even better, going to try it next) LP - pogo or 755 .5 sponge.

If you like to make your own speed/spin, look no further under 60 bucks. (I’ve never spent more than that).

#17 — March 2011

This is one of the nicest looping blades around. It provides incredible feeling and produces a satisfying sound.

However, it may lack some punch. Conversely, it more than compensates for this by providing excellent feedback and responsiveness. It falls somewhere between ALL+ and OFF- in terms of speed.

This blade pairs well with rubbers such as Haifu BWII, H3, and other Chinese rubbers.

It is one of my favorite blades and I have no intention of ever selling or giving it away.

#18 — January 2011

This is indeed a looping blade, as it brought me that “can’t miss” feeling. I actually thought it played well close to the table also, as I pushed and served with no stray balls.

I had trouble counter hitting with this blade. Certain rubbers attached to this blade can cause strong, unwanted vibrations in the handle. Again, I only experienced this with specific rubbers.

Other than that, this blade is a solid well-mannered OFF- blade, capable of making the loops of your dreams a reality.

#19 — August 2010

This blade is suited to a wide range of players with the right rubbers. The rating (OFF-) is accurate. It’s fast with good rubbers and maintains exceptional control. It’s a good choice for both hand loopers or a modern defender with slow and thin rubbers.

#20 — January 2010

I call this blade “the Wall”. Blocks are very easy with him.

#21 — December 2009

This is one of those blades where you say, “It’s only $32, what have I got to lose?” When I got mine, I was amazed at how well it played. It really does play as well, if not better, than a mainstream blade costing twice as much.

This is a nice looping blade with lots of control. Counter-hitting is a dream, as well as blocking.

The only con about this blade is that the edge is somewhat fragile. I hit the edge once and took off a nickel-sized piece of the top ply. So seal this blade with some kind of wood sealant.

#22 — August 2009

At first, I did not think I would like this blade as much as my Avalox 550. However, after playing with it a few times, I quickly changed my mind.

The W-6 is a very good looping and counter looping blade. Even though I used a harder sponge, the control is still very good, with more speed than I expected.

I also found it to have a decent sweet spot and is very solid when blocking.

I agree with Cole that the W-6 has a fantastic tone, especially on solid hits, smashes, and power loops.

I think I have found my new favorite blade!

#23 — September 2008

All my club mates liked it at first try. One of them even wanted to buy it immediately.

Not too fast close to the table, but it produces acceptable speed. Looping is very good in the middle of the table. No complaints for the short game either.

#24 — August 2008

The W6 was my first “real” paddle. I had previously used the Killerspin Launch XT. I ordered this paddle from Cole and was extremely satisfied.

It provided solid contact, but since it was only my second paddle, I cannot provide a precise rating. However, I can confirm that it has been the best paddle I have used to date.

#25 — March 2008

Disclaimer: This is a blade that I import and sell. It is also the blade that I use personally.

As stated by Tommy, this blade is formulated like the Yasaka Extra and looks identical, other than the handle. It is a great looping blade that adds nicely to topspin. It also has a fantastic tone that resonates perfectly with a speed-glued rubber, like a sounding board. This is my “violin.”

It is not fast or stiff enough to play a close-to-the-table, Chinese-style, serve and attack game. This is very much a Euro looping blade. That said, both Ma Lin and Wang Hao used the YE for years in penhold, so go figure. Of course, they used 45-degree sponge dripping in speed glue.

#26 — March 2008

If this is the blade that’s compared to the Yasaka Extra… I had it, tried it, and found it better than the YE. It felt great in my hand, and if I stayed with cpen, I’d stay with the W6.

#27 — Long Time Ago...

Amazing blade! Initial review: I played for 4-5 hours and found that it’s an all-round blade. It can do everything from chopping and blocking to looping and attacking. The flex has a purpose and I combined it with hard rubbers. I played with DHS Hurricane Neo 3 on both sides and loved the setup. The feel was amazing and looping was awesome. My shots were perfect with this setup. This was my first custom setup. I used to play with a Euro V premade bat before this, but this new setup obviously beats that. I am delighted with it.

Update: After using the blade for more than 2 years, I have changed my rubbers as the old ones got dead. I decided to replace them with cheaper ones to see how that would work, and to my surprise they are even better. I used Mercury 2 Soft on both sides and it’s a delight to play with. I didn’t expect much from this setup but I was amazed at how my game improved. I learned that you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a good setup that works for you. If anyone wants to get a customized racket but has a tight budget and an all-round playing style, I will suggest this setup. I’m going to stick with this one for quite some time before I try something new again.

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