Butterfly Timo Boll Spark

Product information

Brand
Butterfly
Category
Blades
Reviews
2
Rating
5.00 star(s) 2 ratings
Price
$108

User stats

Speed
7.8
Control
8
Hardness
5.7
Durability
8.9

Reviews summary

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Overall rating
5.00 star(s) 2 ratings

Item details

Medium fast with a soft feel, the Timo Boll Spark is excellent for the all-round attacking player. Well balanced, good shock absorption and spin orientated.
If you are looking for a flexible looping blade with ease of control, then the Timo Boll Spark may be right for you.

Made in Japan
•5 plies + 2 Arylate
•Blade size: 158x150 mm
•Thickness: 5,4 mm
•Handle shape: ca. 100x25 mm

Latest reviews

Pros
  • Looping
  • Handle
  • Feel
Cons
  • Throw-angle
  • flexyish
  • touch play
I decided to use this blade after I put Xiom Vega Pro on both sides. (before I had some really old and horrible Banda Helix rubber) I am overall really impressed with it. Loops have a highish throw angle but the arc is still long and low. Make sure you pair this blade with hard rubbers that have at least a medium throw. (Those helix rubbers produced no arc whatsoever) the speed of the blade is quite good and more than adequate for mid-distance play. You can also chop with this blade if you have a very good stroke but don't do it unless you really have to. (I chop sometimes to get back in the rally) Touch play with this racket is not very easy. Vega pro is spin sensitive and this a flexy blade so you have to touch the ball very well. Opening up against backspin requires quite a vertical technique. Flicks are good if you time it right though I feel that I can't produce as much speed and be consistent as with a slightly stiffer blade. The flared handle is really good for people like me who don't have big hands. Also please remember that this blade is not the best for a beginner as it won't forgive your mistakes very often. (If you plan on using softer, less spinny, and controllable rubbers you won't have fun) Still overall a very good blade.
Speed
8.6
Control
7.5
Hardness
5.9
Durability
9.3
Pros
  • Flexible
  • Durability
  • Control
Cons
  • Lack of power
This is my favourite blade by far.
My playing style is a close-to-table two-wing attacker and this soft controllable Arylate blade gives me tons of confidence to generate spin in combination with placement. Nice large sweetspot.
Quality of the blade is excellent and durability is great, since I possess and use this blade for many many years.

Strength of this blade are looping and flicking close-to-table. Short play is not a problem either. At mid-distance the Arylate kicks in, so in that respect it's a bit unlineair. It's not a high-speed blade but the selection of rubber has it's influence on the overall speed. Personally I play with the Donic Bluefire JP rubbers but I've been told this frame also pairs nicely with Tenergy.

I possess a FL handle, which nicely fits into my hands, which are relatively small.

Unfortunately it has been discontinued a while ago (2010). However you can still find TB Sparks in the FS section for a reasonable price.
Butterfly Bazelart supposed to be exact the same blade as Spark.

If you want a blade like this but with a little more power, UpsidedownCarl on the forum has advised a TB ZLF. It is a lot like the TB Spark but faster and the Zylon is not quite as soft as the Arylate.
http://www.tabletennisdaily.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?8091-Composite-or-all-wood/page2

Both Keyshot and Innerforce AL are also a little bit harder and faster with simmilar feeling comparing to spark.TB AlC/Spirit are even faster.

Conclusion: This blade is for close-to-table loopers who prefer control above speed. Good blade for players who have passed the beginners stage and are ready to develop their looping skills.
Speed
7
Control
8.5
Hardness
5.5
Durability
8.5
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