DHS Power G7 Review: Forgiving 7-Ply All-Wood Blade for Powerful All-Round Play
Pros
- Exceptional value for price — one of the best budget OFF blades available
- Forgiving, flexible feel rewards developing looping technique
- Good spin generation and dwell time on topspin and push shots
- Well-balanced for all-round aggressive play
- Versatile rubber compatibility across a wide range of choices
Cons
- Noticeable vibration on contact gives imprecise tactile feedback
- Slower than comparable carbon-composite 7-ply blades
- Smaller sweet spot demands consistent ball contact
- Quality control variability between individual units
- Close-to-table optimized — less effective at mid and far distance
The DHS Power G7 is a 7-ply pure wood blade from Double Happiness Shanghai, built with a limba-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-limba construction. Measuring 158 by 152 mm with a thickness of 6.3 mm and a nominal weight of 89 grams, it sits firmly in the OFF speed category and carries a speed numeric of 88 alongside a control rating of 65. DHS markets the blade on a high-pressure ballonet technology applied to the inner five plies, which the manufacturer claims accelerates ball rebound. Whether or not the marketing language is taken at face value, the blade has earned a reputation as one of the most capable 7-ply all-wood options in its price bracket — and it ranked as the third best-selling blade on Tabletennis11 in 2016, a clear indicator of its broad appeal among competitive and developing players alike.
Performance
Speed and Power: The Power G7 delivers genuine offensive capability for a pure wood blade. Its seven plies generate a moderate snap on high-impact strokes, and the slight whip effect from the flexible construction adds an extra kick on flat hits and drives. That said, reviewers consistently note that the blade is clearly a little slower than comparable 7-ply alternatives, and players stepping down from carbon-composite constructions will notice the difference immediately. The blade is best categorized as OFF-minus in real-world testing rather than a hard OFF rating.
Looping and Topspin: Where the Power G7 genuinely excels is in spin-heavy offensive play. The generous dwell time produced by the flexible 7-ply construction keeps the ball on the rubber longer, which directly benefits loop technique. Both forehand and backhand loops feel stable and connected, and the blade encourages a wrist-forward stroke that rewards players who invest in technique. Short pushes and touch shots are similarly rewarding — the blade keeps pushes tight, low, and spinny, which is a meaningful asset at the competitive level.
Control and Feel: The blade scores 65 on control, and that number feels honest. Drives are pleasant and moderately fast, blocks are directional and reliable, and the overall feel rewards deliberate placement over raw power. The notable downside is vibration. Multiple independent sources flag this as the single biggest complaint about the Power G7 — the hollow, buzzy feedback on contact makes it harder to read what the ball is doing, which can disrupt timing at pace. The sweet spot is also on the smaller side for a 7-ply blade, so consistent contact technique matters more here than on a stiffer, carbon-assisted construction.
Durability and Build Quality: The surface of the Power G7 is relatively soft and benefits from lacquering before use. Several reviewers report ply separation when changing rubbers on an untreated surface, which is avoidable with proper preparation. Quality control variability between individual units is also noted — some players receive blades that feel noticeably lighter or slower than the published specification, so purchasing from a reliable retailer is worth the minor extra effort.
What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On
Across Megaspin, Revspin, and Tabletennis11, reviewers reach a strong consensus on the core profile of the Power G7: it is a forgiving, spin-friendly, well-balanced all-wood blade that delivers genuine OFF-category performance at a price well below competing products. The value proposition is the most universally praised attribute — reviewers across different skill levels and playing styles return to it repeatedly. The vibration problem is equally consistent across sources and appears to be a structural characteristic of the design rather than a quality-control defect. Where reviewers diverge is on suitability. Some experienced players regard the blade as a beginner-to-intermediate tool that lacks the stiffness for serious competitive play. Others, including the Tabletennis11 reviewer, position it as a genuinely capable blade for technically competent players who prioritize feel and spin over raw speed. The mid-distance performance question is also contested: Megaspin reviewers suggest the blade works at mid-distance with a spin-oriented game, while the Tabletennis11 analysis concludes that close-to-table play is the sweet spot.
Who Should Buy It
The DHS Power G7 makes the most sense for intermediate players who have developed basic looping technique and want to move from a 5-ply blade to a 7-ply all-wood construction without the sticker shock of premium brands. It is also a strong pick for coaches equipping junior or developmental players who need a capable offensive blade at a price that does not create financial pressure. Players who prioritize spin generation and dwell time over top-end speed will find the flexible construction genuinely rewarding. Advanced players whose primary game involves powerful drives from mid-distance or who rely on stiff, direct feedback will likely find the blade too slow and too vibration-prone for competitive use at higher levels. Carbon or Arylate-Carbon alternatives in the same price range may serve those players better.
FAQ
What speed category does the DHS Power G7 fall into?
DHS rates the Power G7 as OFF with a numeric speed score of 88. Independent reviewers, including the Tabletennis11 professional analysis, place it closer to OFF-minus in real-world performance — meaning it is genuinely fast for an all-wood blade, but noticeably slower than carbon-composite blades in the same price bracket.
Is the DHS Power G7 suitable for beginners?
It depends on the skill level and goal. The forgiving flex and generous dwell time make the blade accessible to players still developing their looping form, and the price point eliminates financial risk. However, the vibration on contact and smaller sweet spot reward players who already have consistent ball contact, so true beginners may benefit from starting with a standard 5-ply blade first.
How many plies does the DHS Power G7 have and what wood is used?
The Power G7 uses 7 plies, all wood — no carbon or fiber layers. The construction is Limba on the outer surfaces with five Ayous plies in the core. This pure wood composition is what gives the blade its characteristic dwell time, forgiving flex, and natural feedback, and it qualifies the blade for all-wood category rankings.
Does the DHS Power G7 need any special preparation before use?
Yes. Multiple reviewers recommend lacquering the surface before mounting rubbers. The outer limba layer is relatively soft and can peel or splinter at the edges when rubbers are removed, particularly if the blade is used without any protective coating. A thin application of blade sealer or commercial lacquer before first use prevents this issue and extends the life of the blade.
Which rubbers pair best with the DHS Power G7?
The flexible, medium-speed construction pairs well with tensor and mid-tacky rubbers. DHS Hurricane III on the forehand is a popular combination that complements the blade’s natural dwell with additional spin. On the backhand, reviewers report good results with Yasaka Mark V, DHS Hurricane, and mid-range tensor options. The blade is compatible with a wide range of rubber types and does not demand highly specialized pairings.
How does the DHS Power G7 compare to carbon blades at a similar price?
Carbon and fiber-composite blades at a comparable price point will typically offer more top-end speed, a firmer feel, and direct, crisp feedback on contact. The Power G7 trades those attributes for a softer, more forgiving character with better natural dwell and a higher throw angle on loops. Players who want maximum pace and stiffness should look at carbon alternatives. Players who prioritize spin, touch, and a more tactile connection with the ball will prefer the all-wood construction of the Power G7.
Sourced From
This review synthesizes opinions from 3 independent community sources:
- Megaspin (ecommerce)
- TableTennis11 (forum)
- Revspin (forum)