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“Pen holder” (penhold) is a table tennis grip style, held like a pen rather than shaking hands with the paddle — it’s especially popular with players who favor fast, aggressive forehand play. These are blades built specifically for the penhold grip, from entry-level to tournament-grade.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DHS Hurricane 301 Penhold Blade | $25-$40 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Butterfly Viscaria Penhold | $150-$200 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Stiga Intensity NCT Penhold | $100-$130 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC Penhold | $160-$210 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | YASAKA Ma Lin Extra Special Penhold | $60-$90 | Amazon |
| 6 | Joola Penhold Control Blade | $40-$60 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
DHS Hurricane 301 Penhold Blade
A durable, fast Chinese-penhold blade that’s a go-to entry point into serious penhold play.
- Chinese penhold (CPEN) handle
- 5-ply all-wood construction
- Fast, powerful feel
- Long service life, resists wear
- Great value for a serious training blade
- Less control-oriented than premium Butterfly blades
Butterfly Viscaria Penhold
A premium penhold blade combining Arylate-carbon layers with a Balsa core for light, fast, shock-absorbing play.
- Arylate-carbon composite layers
- Balsa center ply
- Compact head size for quick re-looping
- Excellent speed and feel for looping styles
- Trusted pro-level brand
- Premium price point
Stiga Intensity NCT Penhold
A strong mid-range value pick that delivers exceptional control for developing penhold players.
- NCT (Nano Composite Technology) construction
- All-wood build
- Control-focused feel
- Great control-to-price ratio
- Good for players moving up from beginner blades
- Less powerful than carbon/composite premium blades
Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC Penhold
A pro-caliber blade developed with star player Tomokazu Harimoto, adapted into a penhold version.
- Arylate-carbon (ALC) layers
- Pro-tuned flex profile
- Balanced speed and control
- Elite-level performance
- Well-balanced for all-around penhold attacking styles
- High price for recreational players
YASAKA Ma Lin Extra Special Penhold
Named for penhold legend Ma Lin, one of the most respected offensive penhold blades available.
- All-wood 7-ply construction
- Offensive-oriented flex
- Traditional Chinese penhold handle
- Proven tournament pedigree
- Strong power for offensive penhold play
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Joola Penhold Control Blade
A control-oriented penhold blade from a major table tennis brand, good for looping and topspin-focused play.
- All-wood construction
- Control-tuned flex
- Balanced weight distribution
- Reliable for consistent, controlled shots
- Reputable mainstream brand
- Less specialized than dedicated penhold-only brands
Buying tips
- “Reverse penhold backhand” (RPB) blades have a different handle shape than traditional Chinese penhold (CPEN) — check which style you use before buying.
- Beginners should start with an all-wood blade for more control before moving to carbon/composite speed blades.
- Blade choice should match your rubber — a fast blade with fast rubber can be hard to control for newer players.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.