4 out of 5 rating for 896
The Galaxy 896 made by Yinhe (also known as Milky Way) (Confusing, isn't it?) I picked up this blade's product description from Colestt.com and usually, product descriptions are as accurate as a politician's political promises to the public. In this case, Cole hit the nail on the head. There isn't a whole lot you can say about this blade that hasn't been said already. This ALL+ to OFF- (depending on weight of blade and batch) does everything well enough, but has the control with the right mid soft rubbers. It also is very inexpensive. This blade can really spin it up, but it isn't a terrible slouch in the other areas. I recommend this blade to the player who needs a blade to function with, doesn't want to spend a lot of money, and wants to learn to SPIN the ball. When players forst start their TT life, they seem to be very reluctant to spend a lot of money. That is where Cole, eacheng.net, and any one else who resells this fine blade comes in to help out with this blade offering.
I further modify it by taking off the handle, inserting nails or whatever, then fill the empty hollow space in the handle area with wood glue and put it all back together, slap on my favored FH/BH rubber combo, and call it a "Der_Echte Special". Indeed you can create your own weapon of mass destruction for less then the cost of a sheet of modern rubber (if you slap on a USED FH rubber of your choice). I pimp this combo on forums a lot. newer players need a blade that can do many things acceptably well, and spin with control. That is the strength of this blade and new players want 'em cheap in price, but full in function. It doesn't get any better. Don't expect to be blasting balls through walls with this (even with my mod) (Unless you got my BH) but you don't need that if you are well suited for a blade of this speed class. You will make your coach and your wallet happy, then later buy something else you discover and like.