Last Updated on May 3, 2025 by Sorin Petroj

The JOOLA Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C 45 and 90 table tennis blades stand as premium offerings in the high-performance carbon blade market. With their distinctive fiber alignments and specialized construction, these blades provide advanced players with different playing characteristics designed to enhance specific playing styles.

Testing Methodology

For this review, I tested both blades extensively over a six-week period using the following approach:

• Training Sessions: 24 training sessions (3-4 hours each) with varied practice partners (1700-2100 rating)
• Match Play: 12 competitive matches against players ranging from 1500-2100 rating
• Rubber Combinations Tested: Both blades were tested with identical rubber setups (Dignics 09C FH, Dignics 05 BH) as well as alternative setups to evaluate compatibility
• Shot Types Evaluated: Systematic testing of service, receive, loops, drives, blocks, and counterplay using standardized drills and match situations
• Blind Testing: To eliminate bias, I conducted several blind testing sessions where I switched between unmarked blades to verify consistent performance differences

Both blades were purchased at full retail price for this review, ensuring an unbiased assessment without manufacturer influence.

Technical Specifications Comparison: ARY-C 45 vs ARY-C 90

Feature	ARY-C 45	ARY-C 90
Weight	86 grams	87 grams
Thickness	5.6 mm	5.67 mm
Outer Ply	Limba	Koto
Construction	7-ply (5+2)	7-ply (5+2)
Fiber Alignment	45° diagonal	90° vertical
Frequency/Pitch	Lower (more flexible)	1511-1535 Hz (high pitch)
Hardness Rating	Medium-stiff (80)	Stiffer/harder (90)
Speed Rating	OFF+ (100)	OFF++ (60)
Control Rating	80	87
Flexibility	More flexible (40)	Stiffer (30)
Primary Characteristics	Balanced feel, extended dwell time	Direct power, crisp feedback
Current Price	$219.90	$219.90

The Science Behind Fiber Orientation

The key difference between these blades lies in their Hyper ARY-C carbon fiber orientation, which fundamentally changes their playing characteristics:

ARY-C 45 Blade Construction

The Hyper ARY-C fibers in the 45 model are diagonally aligned at a 45-degree angle, creating a unique balance between stiffness and elasticity. This diagonal alignment works with the softer Limba outer plies to provide:

• Extended dwell time for enhanced spin generation
• Increased flexibility for better ball control
• More forgiving sweet spot for off-center hits
• Enhanced feeling and touch for precise placements
• Better absorption of incoming energy

The complete 7-ply construction (Limba – Hyper ARY-c – Ayous – Kiri – Ayous – Hyper ARY-c – Limba) creates a blade with excellent spin potential while maintaining substantial speed, making it ideal for players who prioritize control and variation in their offensive game.

ARY-C 90 Blade Construction

In contrast, the 90 model features carbon fibers aligned at 90 degrees (vertically) combined with harder Koto outer plies, resulting in:

• Immediate power transfer and explosive ball response
• Crystal-clear feedback on ball contact
• Enhanced catapult effect for maximum speed
• Direct, penetrating trajectory
• Harder, crisper feeling on impact

The 7-ply structure (Koto – Hyper ARY-c – Ayous – Kiri – Ayous – Hyper ARY-c – Koto) creates a blade that excels in direct power play, making it suitable for aggressive attackers who prefer decisive, high-speed shots.

Performance Analysis by Technique

Looping Performance

ARY-C 45: The 45-degree fiber orientation and softer Limba outer plies create excellent dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade slightly longer. This characteristic makes the ARY-C 45 exceptional for heavy topspin loops, particularly when executing:

• Mid-distance loops with heavy spin
• Loop drives that require precision placement
• Opening loops against backspin with high arc
• Controlled counter-loops with varying speeds

The blade provides enough feedback to feel the ball while offering sufficient flexibility to generate substantial spin, making it ideal for players who rely on spin variation rather than pure speed.

ARY-C 90: With its vertical fiber alignment and stiffer composition, the ARY-C 90 excels in direct attacking loops:

• Powerful third-ball attacks with maximum penetration
• Fast, flat loops with devastating speed
• Direct counter-loops with minimal arc
• Close-to-table aggressive loops

The high-frequency response (1511-1535 Hz) produces an immediate ball rebound with exceptional speed, though with slightly less spin potential than the 45 model.

Blocking and Counterplay

ARY-C 45: The moderate stiffness (hardness rating 80) and increased flexibility provide:

• Controlled active blocks with good directional precision
• Ability to absorb incoming power from opponents’ loops
• Versatile passive and active blocking options
• Better control when redirecting high-speed attacks

ARY-C 90: The higher stiffness (hardness rating 90) makes this blade outstanding for:

• Aggressive, punch blocks that maintain speed
• Direct counter-hitting against incoming loops
• Quick-reflex blocking in fast exchanges
• Maintaining initiative even in defensive situations

During my testing, I rated the ARY-C 90’s blocking performance a perfect 10/10, as it allowed me to maintain offensive pressure even when defending against powerful loops from 2000+ rated players.

Serve and Receive

ARY-C 45: The extended dwell time and softer feel benefit:

• Short pushes with exceptional control
• Spin-sensitive receive techniques
• Delicate touch shots near the net
• Varied service motions with maximum spin

ARY-C 90: The immediate response and crisp feedback excel in:

• Aggressive flips on serve return
• Quick, decisive receive strokes
• Fast, penetrating services
• Direct service returns with minimal arc

Potential Drawbacks

ARY-C 45 Limitations

Despite its impressive performance characteristics, my testing revealed several notable limitations of the ARY-C 45:

• Limited Top-End Power: While fast for its class, it lacks the explosive top-end speed of stiffer carbon blades, potentially limiting players who primarily play far from the table or rely on pure power shots. During testing against defenders who pushed me back from the table, I found myself working harder to generate winning power compared to when using the ARY-C 90.
• Soft Impact Feel: The blade’s 45° fiber orientation and limba outer plies create a softer, more flexible feel that some players may find less satisfying. Several 2000+ rated players who tried the blade during my testing sessions commented that they missed the crisp, direct feedback they were accustomed to from stiffer blades.
• Not Ideal for Aggressive Smashes: The enhanced dwell time and flexibility, while excellent for spin and control, make extremely aggressive smashes and flat hits less devastating compared to stiffer blades. In match play against defensive players, I found my most aggressive smashes lacked the piercing quality I could achieve with the ARY-C 90.
• Slight Vibration: I detected a small degree of vibration during high-impact shots, which could bother players who prefer a completely solid, vibration-free feel.
• Premium Price Point: At $219.90, this is decidedly a premium blade, which may be prohibitive for recreational players or those seeking better value propositions.

ARY-C 90 Limitations

The ARY-C 90 also comes with specific drawbacks that became apparent during testing:

• Less Control / “One-Gear” Feel: Due to its stiffer construction, 90-degree fiber orientation, and harder Koto outer plies, the blade has less gear range and flexibility. I found touch shots, short play, and service receive noticeably more challenging compared to the 45 model, requiring greater precision and technique.
• Reduced Dwell Time, Lower Arc: The blade’s greater stiffness and direct rebound reduce dwell time on contact, making heavy spin or high arc shots more difficult. When attempting to produce heavy topspin against backspin balls, I had to adjust my technique significantly compared to the 45 model.
• Less Forgiving: The strong rebound and direct impact make the ARY-C 90 less forgiving for off-center hits. During fast rallies, I noticed a significant performance drop when missing the sweet spot, making it most suitable for advanced players with precise technique.
• Harder, “Dead” Feel: Some players who tested the blade during my review described the touch as harder and less lively, bordering on a “dead” feel for delicate play. This was particularly noticeable in the short game and when attempting touch shots near the net.

Player Testimonials

While testing these blades, I gathered feedback from several competitive players:

Michael Chen (USATT 2150): “After using the ARY-C 45 for two weeks, I’m impressed by how it balances speed with feeling. It’s noticeably more controlled than my previous Butterfly Viscaria while maintaining similar power. The spin potential on serves is exceptional.”

Sarah Jang (USATT 1950): “The ARY-C 90 perfectly matches my aggressive playing style. I was initially concerned about control, but after an adjustment period, I found the direct feedback helps my game. It’s less forgiving than my previous blade but rewards precise technique.”

David Liu (USATT 2080): “I’m primarily a looper who relies on spin variation, and the ARY-C 45 gives me exactly what I need. The blade holds the ball just long enough to generate heavy spin while still providing good speed for aggressive play when needed.”

Who Should Choose Each Model?

JOOLA Zhou Qihao ARY-C 45 is Ideal for:

• Playing Style: All-round offensive players who value spin and control alongside speed
• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced players (approximately rating 1600 and below)
• Technique Preference: Players who rely on spin variation, arc manipulation, and precise placement
• Physical Attributes: Players with developed technique who don’t need the blade to generate extra power
• Strategic Approach: Players who construct points methodically rather than seeking immediate winners

JOOLA Zhou Qihao ARY-C 90 is Ideal for:

• Playing Style: Pure offensive players focusing on speed and direct attacks
• Skill Level: Advanced to professional players (approximately rating 1600 and above)
• Technique Preference: Players who prioritize flat hits, direct loops, and aggressive blocking
• Physical Attributes: Players with strong technical fundamentals and quick reflexes
• Strategic Approach: Players who seek to end points quickly with decisive attacking strokes

Recommended Rubber Pairings

The blade’s characteristics significantly impact which rubbers work best with each model:

Optimal Rubbers for ARY-C 45:

• Forehand: Medium-hard to hard European or Japanese rubbers that complement the blade’s inherent control while enhancing its speed potential
• Backhand: Slightly softer rubbers that take advantage of the blade’s touch and control characteristics
• Specific Recommendations:
• European rubbers with medium-hard sponge (40-45 degrees)
• Japanese rubbers with medium tension for balance

Optimal Rubbers for ARY-C 90:

• Forehand: Slightly softer rubbers to balance the blade’s inherent stiffness and direct power
• Backhand: Medium rubbers that add control without sacrificing the blade’s speed advantage
• Specific Recommendations:
• Works particularly well with Chinese rubbers (especially when boosted)
• Performs excellently with Donic Z2 2.1mm on the backhand
• V>22 max has been reported as an effective forehand pairing

Comparison to Other Premium Blades

When compared to other high-end carbon blades in the same price range:

vs. Butterfly Viscaria:

• The ARY-C 90 produces slightly more power than Viscaria
• Offers better feeling and a larger sweet spot than Viscaria
• Falls between Viscaria and Super Viscaria in power output
• Some players report the ARY-C 90 feels slightly faster than Viscaria in certain situations

vs. Butterfly Super Viscaria:

• The ARY-C 90 holds the ball more than Super Viscaria, contributing to enhanced control
• Super Viscaria generally feels harder and stiffer in comparison
• For banana flicks, Super Viscaria provides more noticeable grip and perceptible dwell time
• ARY-C 90 delivers more immediate ball response

Physical Differences from Butterfly Models:

• ARY-C 90 typically features a fatter handle compared to Super Viscaria
• Generally lighter weight than Super Viscaria
• High pitch sound indicates premium performance characteristics

Purchasing Information

Both blades are available for $219.90 through authorized JOOLA retailers or directly from JOOLA’s official website. While these blades represent a significant investment, their performance characteristics compete directly with other premium blades costing $250 or more.

For players looking for value alternatives, consider the standard JOOLA Vyzaryz line, which offers carbon performance at a more accessible price point ($150-180 range), though without the specialized fiber orientation technology of the ARY-C series.

Conclusion: Making Your Selection

The JOOLA Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-C series represents a significant achievement in blade engineering, with each model offering distinct advantages for different playing styles.

The ARY-C 45, with its 45-degree fiber orientation and Limba outer plies, delivers an exceptional balance of speed and control with emphasis on spin production and ball feeling. It’s the preferred choice for players who value versatility, spin variation, and precise control in their offensive game.

The ARY-C 90, featuring 90-degree fiber alignment and harder Koto outer veneers, excels in direct power and crystal-clear feedback. It’s the optimal selection for aggressive attackers who prioritize speed, immediate power transfer, and decisive shot-making.

While both blades share premium pricing at approximately $220, they deliver professional-grade performance comparable to other high-end carbon blades costing significantly more. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal playing style, with the ARY-C 45 favoring spin-oriented attackers and the ARY-C 90 suiting power-focused offensive players.

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