Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive

Initially I didn't like this blade because coming from the Stiga Intensity, this was even harder and faster, but the more I used it I found some things that are really nice about it.

The quality of this blade is excellent, no problems with splintering, it also has slight rounded edges.

Even though the blade is hard, it is also very solid and well balanced. It is a bit head heavy, but not as much as dhs blades.

Handle (fl) feels round but relatively thick, so it is pleasant to hold in hand, it is comparable to stiga master handle, stiga handle is a bit thinner but wider.

Regarding power, it's got a bunch of it. It feels like a hard all wood blade and speed is comparable to a normal 7 ply all wood blade. Part of it is that mine weighs 87 grams. It is not a carbon rocket, but for a 5ply all wood it's reasonably fast. I would say around the speed of a clipper.

One big drawback for me is that it's very hard, and even though it goes with any and every rubber, no matter what you put on is gonna suffer from the low dwell time of the blade. It makes blocking and countering absolutely flawless but lifting backspin and slow topspin shots are a bit tough to get right.

Overall a good blade for the player that stays close to the table and counters or blocks. Mid distance power isn't lacking but high level technique is required.

Not for beginners as the blade can punish bad technique, but intermediates with make good use of it.

A truly special point to note about Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offense is its handle for Chinese penhold. The thickness and shape is designed in a way that one can learn the cpen grip and corresponding swinging motion extra effectively. It has been tested on a couple of absolute beginners and the consensus is that it encourages a certain way of movement comparing to a few other popular cpen blades. The width may not suit smaller hands but sanding the sides could solve this problem.

For playing properties, close to the table, you get exactly what you give. The touch and playing results are super coherent. Control is easy and there is some amount of non-disturbing vibrational feedback. The hard veneer provides immediate speed and the relatively softer core provides proper bounce - they work in good balance. The blade is a little hard but very flexible. Everything is comfortably linear.

However, in the era of 40+ plastic balls and carbon blades, speed and power is insufficient. While having acceptable speed, it is nowhere as fast as a basic carbon blade or 7-ply stiff wooden blades. The power is also lacking during continuous smashes and can be returned with relative ease. Moreover, no rubber can make up for the lack of support from mid-distance onwards. The blade suffice in most playing styles from ALL to OFF- with its huge compatibility in rubber pairing but it cannot reach competitive OFF level as advertised. Not the best with pips but possible.

Excellent price and manufacturing quality. Blade is highly durable. Recommended especially for penhold learners, and all beginners to intermediate amateurs who look for good feeling and control.