Waldner Senso V1, V2 and Yasaka Gatien Extra 3D

 

Gatien Extra 3D is quite an unusual blade.  It is rated quite slow but with the 3D technology, it is quite fast.  I would say at least OFF- but with suitable fast rubbers, it can be OFF.  3D technology is basically 3 holes drilled inside the handle and 3 slots cut short into the blade.  It makes the blade very flexible.  Being flexible and also soft, it is a very good blade for looping close to the table and at mid-distance.  Far from the table, your power must be great to create speedy powerful shot.  I would say that it is really really good for fast spinny attack close to the table.  Being flexible, it is not too good for power smashing, unless you can hit the ball right at the sweet spot.  So if you are mainly loopers, this is your blade.  Control is excellent, your feel and touch shot for short game should improve.  But for guys familiar with stiffer all-wood or very stiff carbon, this blade can be considered a wimp.  However, I heard that Extra 3D is one of the popular blades in China among others such as Offensive Classic, Avalox, etc.

 

Hope it helps.