Yinhe Z5 VF

YINHE Z5 VF OFF (Cpen) - Dragon Logo (Excellent Volcanic) CTTAA

Weighing approximately 90g, the blade’s unbalanced weight distribution results in a head-heavy feel. While it offers a pleasant touch, its speed falls short of the typical “OFF” rating. For penhold players, its weight may prove excessive. Additionally, using XIOM Vega Europe rubber on the backhand side yields a softness that is not ideal for this blade. Instead, lightweight tensor rubber with speeds exceeding 8.8 is recommended to optimize its performance.

Tested Rubbers: - Forehand: Yasaka Rigan Spin (insufficient speed) - Backhand: XIOM Vega Europe (excessive softness)

In comparison to the Xiom Feel HX Pro blade, the Z5 offers greater speed and reduced weight. This suggests that the Z5 could be considered a more affordable alternative to the HX Pro.

It is not an OFF blade, I think. I would say OFF- and not the fastest of those either. However, the presence of some flex helps. Vibration is there, but not a lot of it, thank goodness.

It has very good control, a rather soft-ish feeling, and is closer to slower and better-controlled Hinoki-Carbon blades. In my humble opinion, it plays very nicely with fast, medium-hard rubbers.

I would recommend it to almost any OFF or OFF- player, especially if they like to mix up their game.

A fantastic blade! The speed is a true Off. The blade produces superb spin with inverted rubbers and very good braking with long pips out/OX on the backhand. All of these features are combined with outstanding control. It has effortlessly replaced my beloved Darker 7p-2a.7t.

This is my first Chinese tree blade, but it is not a cheap 20-dollar product. It is sold for around 80-100 Euros, and it shows.

It has 5 layers, with each layer of wood being hinoki and 2 layers of basalt. The hinoki is about 1 mm or thicker on top. That’s why the wood is both stiff and soft, and it feels extraordinary. Because of the basalt, it is very flexible compared to carbon.

This blade seems slow when tapped, but in the game it speeds up and is much faster than what was written here. It has really good attack with hard covers, 48-55 degrees. The control is outstanding along with the speed.