Blades, table tennis equipment reviews

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review
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YINHE PRO 01

YINHE PRO 01

- Offensive Blade: designed for fast and aggressive play
- 5+2 Ply Structure: wood + carbon layers for speed and stability
- Suitable for Advanced Players: powerful loops with solid control

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Yinhe Pro 01X

Yinhe Pro 01X

- Upgraded Offensive Blade: faster and more powerful than PRO 01
- 5+2 Ply Structure: reinforced wood + carbon for extra stability
- Suitable for Professional/Advanced Players: explosive loops with precise control

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YINHE PRO 02

YINHE PRO 02

- All-round Offensive Blade: blends speed with strong control
- 5+2 Ply Construction: wood + carbon for balanced performance
- Suitable for Intermediate to Advanced Players: stable loops and precise placement

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YINHE Pro 03

YINHE Pro 03

- Loop-Oriented Offensive Blade: optimized for heavy spin and arc play
- 5+2 Ply Structure: wood + carbon layers for speed and stability
- Suitable for Advanced Players: excellent spin generation with solid control

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Yinhe Pro 05

Yinhe Pro 05

- High-Speed Offensive Blade: designed for aggressive and powerful play
- 5+2 Ply Construction: wood + carbon for explosive speed and stability
- Suitable for Professional/Advanced Players: strong loop drive with precise placement

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Yinhe Pro 05X

Yinhe Pro 05X

- Upgraded High-Speed Offensive Blade: faster and more powerful than PRO 05
- 5+2 Ply Structure: reinforced wood + carbon layers for maximum stability
- Suitable for Professional Players: explosive loop drives with excellent precision

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I started playing table tennis in 2002. Back then, the Yinhe Pro series didn’t exist yet, but I remember that about half of my teammates were already using Yinhe blades. At the time, Yinhe was known for being high-quality and affordable — the go-to choice for players like us who didn’t have much money. Their blades were reliable and cost-effective, which made them perfect for training and local competitions. If someone later performed well in city or provincial tournaments and had a chance to join a provincial or professional team, then they might consider upgrading to a more expensive blade.

Many years have passed, and today, I believe many table tennis enthusiasts around the world — especially those who only started playing in recent years — first came to know the Chinese brand Yinhe because of its Pro series.

In fact, the Pro series was designed for intermediate and advanced players, offering high-performance blades that go beyond the entry-level range. These blades focus on a balance of feel, speed, elasticity, and arc control, making them ideal for players who enjoy fast attacks combined with spin or who aim for high-quality loop play.

That said, the Pro series still carries on Yinhe’s tradition of excellent value for money.

In this article, I’ll compare and review four key models in the series — Pro 01, 02, 03, and 05 — to help you find the one that best fits your playing style.

Yinhe Pro Series Comparison Table

Model Structure Type Thickness Outer Ply Feel Speed Spin Control Notable Features
Pro 01 5+2 Inner KLC (Kevlar-Carbon) ~6.0 mm Koto Medium-hard Fast Good Moderate Offensive blade with crisp feel
Pro 01x 5+2 Inner KLC ~6.2 mm Koto Harder than 01 Faster Good Lower than 01 More rigid, higher acceleration
01x Max 5+2 Inner KLC ~6.1 mm Koto Balanced Fast and easy Good+ Moderate Power with comfort and better arc
Pro 02 5+2 Inner ALC ~6.0 mm Limba Softer touch Medium-fast Very spinny High Focuses on spin and arc like HL5
Pro 03 5+2 Inner KLC ~6.0 mm Koto Solid & smooth Medium-fast High Excellent Inner KLC gives control & solid feel
Pro 05 5+2 Inner KLC ~6.0 mm Limba Soft & flexible Medium Very good High Easy to flex, best for looping
05x 5+2 Inner KLC ~6.2 mm Limba Stiff & solid Fast Good+ Moderate Better acceleration, compact feel
05x Max 5+2 Inner KLC ~6.1 mm Limba Balanced Fast & easy Excellent High Longer arc, easier power and spin

Yinhe Pro 01

The Yinhe Pro 01 shares the same structure as the legendary Viscaria blade used by Grand Slam champions — Koto outer ply, outer-layer blue Arylate-Carbon, Ayous transition layers, and a Kiri core. What sets the Pro 01 apart is its budget-friendly price combined with surprisingly solid performance, making it a favorite among players looking for pro-level features without the premium cost.

Although it doesn’t quite match the Viscaria in terms of raw power and deep-court punch, the Pro 01 offers a quicker first-speed response and very stable ball contact. Many users find it more forgiving and even compare its overall feel to the Zhang Jike ALC, with a slightly lighter, more controlled character that suits fast, close-to-table play.

One of the standout characteristics of the Pro 01 is its hard and sharp feeling on impact. When you make contact with the ball, the feedback is immediate and solid. This makes the blade very suitable for players who rely on quick drives and counter-attacks. If you enjoy feeling every shot in your hand and want instant response, this blade delivers.

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

Speed is one of the blade’s strongest points. The outer carbon layers add extra rebound and stiffness, which results in fast ball exit and a flatter trajectory. This allows players to pressure their opponents with early timing and aggressive shots, especially during fast exchanges and quick rallies.

While the Pro 01 excels in speed and directness, it may not be the best choice for players who rely heavily on spin variation, touch play, or high arc loop techniques. The outer carbon structure provides less dwell time compared to inner-fiber or all-wood blades, which means control and spin sensitivity can require a bit more precision.

Yinhe Pro 01 X

As the limited-edition, pro-level version of the Yinhe Pro 01, the Pro-01X brings a more spin-oriented flavor to the familiar Viscaria-style blade design. In terms of structure, it closely mirrors the Viscaria, but with subtle differences: the Pro-01X has a slightly wider shoulder and a thinner Kiri core, while the thickness of the other plies remains nearly identical.

Compared to Viscaria, the Pro-01X offers a slightly softer touch and slower first-speed on ball release. However, it provides a stronger dwell feeling, giving players more control and room to adjust during rallies. When looping, the blade feels more stable and forgiving, making it easier to generate heavy spin with less effort.

Overall, while the Pro-01X still retains the crisp, direct feedback typical of outer ALC blades, it places a greater emphasis on ball control and feel. The result is a more balanced blend of speed and spin, appealing to players who value stability and spin variation without giving up too much power.

Yinhe Pro 01 x MAX

Building on the foundation of the Pro-01X, the Yinhe Pro-01X Max takes things a step further by maximizing power and pressure on both speed and impact. In terms of feel, it shares a similar touch with the 01X — grippy and slightly soft — somewhat reminiscent of the Lin Gaoyuan ALC.

However, once you engage more power, the differences become clear. The 01X Max accelerates faster while still holding the ball well — a combination that feels closer to the Super Viscaria. In terms of thickness, the 01X Max measures approximately 5.94mm, slightly thicker than the 01X at 5.75mm. Compared to Viscaria, both the force layer (power ply) and the fiber layer of the 01X Max are marginally thicker, giving it extra punch on powerful shots.

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

At medium power, the blade feels solid but somewhat restrained — controlled, but not overly aggressive. But once you go full swing, it instantly transforms into a beast, delivering sharp, explosive power. Its balance point is shifted more toward the head, making it easier to concentrate force and deliver lethal finishing shots.

That said, all of this potential relies heavily on the player’s ability to generate their own power. Compared to the 01X, the Max version is more brutal, but also more demanding. If you’re the type of player who enjoys digging in and generating your own explosive shots, the 01X Max will reward you. But if you prefer a lighter, more effortless playing style, the standard 01X may be the better match.

Yinhe Pro 02

The Yinhe Pro 02 is designed as an inner-fiber blade that closely imitates Butterfly’s Taksim, a well-known penhold blade famous for its balance of control and spin. Because of this, the Pro 02 is exclusively available in penhold versions, catering specifically to players using the penhold grip.

It features a 5+2 inner Arylate-Carbon (ALC) structure, with the carbon layers placed beneath the surface plies rather than on top. This inner-carbon configuration provides a softer touch and longer dwell time, making the blade ideal for modern topspin play.

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

The Pro 02 follows a classical inner-fiber composition: Koto outer ply, Ayous mid-layer, and Kiri core, with the ALC layers nested inside. This structure results in a more wood-like feeling, helping players stay connected to the ball and maintain consistency in their strokes. It plays closer to Butterfly’s Innerforce ALC or Taksim in feel, with slightly more crispness.

Where the Pro 01 excels in speed and punch, the Pro 02 shines in spin generation and loop stability. The blade holds the ball slightly longer on the racket, making it easier to adjust spin angles, absorb incoming power, and generate heavy topspin. This makes it especially effective in mid-distance rallies and continuous loop exchanges.

Thanks to the inner-fiber layout, the Pro 02 feels more forgiving than outer-carbon blades. It’s easier to handle on touch shots, passive blocks, and serve returns. However, it still has enough kick when you apply power — with a nice acceleration curve when looping or counter-looping. The blade doesn’t feel overly stiff or bouncy, allowing for more precise placement and rhythm control.

Yinhe Pro 03

The Yinhe Pro 03 is built with a 5+2 inner‑layer KLC (Kevlar‑Carbon) structure, wrapped beneath a hard Koto outer ply. This configuration offers a crisp outer surface combined with inner Kevlar-carbon fibers that deliver power while maintaining ball feel. Unlike outer-carbon blades that release the ball quickly, the inner KLC structure in Pro 03 provides a longer dwell time, allowing players to hold the ball a fraction longer. This gives enhanced spin control and makes it easier to execute consistent loops and strategic placements. The Koto surface ensures that the blade remains crisp and responsive, helping generate confident attacks without feeling too stiff or wild. Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

In terms of speed, the Yinhe Pro 03 offers a medium-fast performance. Its inner-layer Kevlar-Carbon structure provides sufficient power for aggressive shots while avoiding the overwhelming pace that some outer-carbon blades may produce. This makes it easier to maintain rhythm during rallies without compromising offensive potential.

When it comes to spin, the blade demonstrates high spin capabilities, especially when executing brush loops and opening topspins. The slightly longer dwell time from the inner-fiber construction allows players to load the ball with spin more effectively, making it a reliable choice for loop-oriented play.

Control is one of the standout features of the Pro 03. The softer feel generated by the inner KLC layer gives players greater forgiveness on touch shots, passive blocks, and quick counters. This control-oriented character makes the blade suitable even in high-pressure or defensive scenarios.

As for vibration, the Pro 03 handles ball impact with a solid yet comfortable feel. The KLC fiber moderates excessive vibrations, ensuring better feedback and reducing unwanted harshness. This contributes to overall confidence and consistency across all strokes.

Yinhe Pro 05

The Yinhe Pro 05 positions itself as an “all-rounder,” aiming to deliver across all five key areas: speed, power, control, spin, and depth. Its design reflects this versatility, offering a well-balanced performance suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Structurally, the Pro 05 follows the same construction across the series and is highly reminiscent of the Hurricane Long 5 (W968). It features a Limba outer ply, Ayous as both the medial ply and the core, and an inner Kevlar-Carbon (KLC) fiber layer. This composition emphasizes dwell time and arc creation, especially under low to medium power. The blade has a soft, controlled feel, making it very forgiving and confidence-inspiring.

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

Among the Pro 05 lineup, the base Pro 05 is the thinnest and most flexible. This results in easier deformation during play, allowing for smooth transitions between brushing and driving. It performs excellently in looping, especially from mid-distance, where it offers stability and a high arc. Although it lacks the outright speed of the 05x or 05x Max, it’s still more than capable for offensive play, especially for those who prefer to generate power with their own technique.

Overall, the Pro 05 is ideal for players who value spin and control over brute force, and who enjoy taking initiative in rallies. Its ease of use and well-rounded performance make it a solid choice as a main blade—especially for developing or flexible attackers.

Yinhe Pro 05X

The Yinhe Pro 05x builds upon the foundation of the Pro 05 by reinforcing its structure and boosting overall power. It is approximately 0.2mm thicker, reaching around 6.2mm in total thickness, with the key enhancement being a thicker inner ply (force layer). This structural adjustment increases the blade’s stiffness and speed potential, offering a noticeably harder and more powerful feel than the base model.

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

In practice, the 05x delivers a crisper, more direct response, especially during high-speed rallies. When paired with double tacky or hybrid rubbers, the blade maintains excellent solidity—no hollow feeling, just a strong, stable punch. The enhanced stiffness translates to more precise ball trajectory and faster rebound when using the opponent’s pace. It offers a more offensive character than the Pro 05, with clearer directional control and better explosiveness.

In terms of style, it shares similarities with the Ovtcharov ALC, though it’s a touch softer and more forgiving in hand. The 05x retains a degree of dwell, but its 6.2mm thickness means short game techniques, like flicks and delicate touch shots, may require a brief adjustment period.

Yinhe Pro 05X MAX

The Yinhe Pro 05x Max sits between the Pro 05 and Pro 05x in terms of thickness, offering a balanced construction that cleverly merges the best traits of both. Despite the “Max” in its name, it does not require excessive effort to unlock its full potential. Instead, it feels easy to handle, even for players who aren’t generating massive power on every stroke. It excels in fast transitions and explosive acceleration, making loop drives and counter-attacks both sharp and effortless.

Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

Compared to the 05 and 05x, the 05x Max produces longer arcs and a greater sense of pressure, especially when looping from mid-distance. The blade offers more spin and kick on the ball, giving rallies a heavier, more dangerous quality. It feels particularly effective at maintaining spin and depth without sacrificing speed.

While it doesn’t quite reach the extreme flex and deformation of a top-tier W968, the 05x Max delivers its speed and spin more efficiently, with less physical strain. Acceleration and spin generation feel instantaneous, offering a clear edge in fast-paced exchanges.

In many ways, it reflects Yinhe’s growing expertise in crafting inner-fiber blades—especially since its foray into DPRK-style custom constructions. The Pro 05x Max is a refined example of modern inner-ALC design, where power, spin, and control are all accessible without compromise.

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About xinyu

I am a table tennis player from China and started learning to play it when I was 6. Currently, I am a semi-professional athlete, playing in the league for clubs in Europe. After spending nearly 20 years with table tennis, I realize that I can express my love and passion for table tennis in such a way. I will share my understanding of table tennis technique, table tennis equipment review, some players' anecdotes, some classic games, etc. I hope you all love my blogs!

One thought on “Yinhe Pro 01, 02, 03, 05 Series Comparison and Review

  1. Eugene says:

    Great review, thanks! I wonder if you can comment on the difference between Pro 05xMax and Hurricane Long 5H. I see them both as a middle ground between Pro 01 and HL5, both of which I own and enjoy playing, with their respective strengths in flat hits, crispness of response and stability in pushes vs effortless play against backspin and heavy top end spin. Would really appreciate your view if you had a chance to try them both. Thanks!

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