W968 alternative

[Colin Ksh]

 

[SFF_lib]

I’d suggest you try the xiom TMXi (pro). Again it’s the pro model not the regular TMXi. The one with red lenses. Some differences between them are pro has larger Handel, bigger head size, and it is said by xiom that pro grade hardwares are used on pro model which means they will have better quality overall compare to regular tmxi. It’s evident because you can tell by just looking at the surfaces of those two blades. The wood surface on pro is more evenly distributed and tends to have better quality. The next thing is pro has thicker outer veneers and thinner core whereas regular has thinner outer veneers and thicker core. That means pro will be closer to w968. An Jaehyun himself uses w968 previously and now he’s using TMXi. to note is that his racket is special just like any other pros’ from other sponsors. But AJH said in an interview that the pro model is really close to his special racket.To wrap up, pro has better qc, more handpicked by xiom, thicker handel, bigger head size, more pricy, has thinner core and thicker outer veneers and more likely to be closer to w968. Plus the handle design looks cool too xdSorry if my comment has been quite long. I’ve been collecting as much data and info as possible about this blade since the time AJH was using xiom prototype blades. Here in US, at xiom store pro cost $300 but at ttstore.us it cost for around $240. Hope this helps you to an extent

Thank you so much. I tried to find reviews on the pro version with no success. Thanks for clarifying it👍👍

 

[Colin Ksh]

Thank you so much. I tried to find reviews on the pro version with no success. Thanks for clarifying it👍👍

You’re welcome

 

[SFF_lib]

You’re welcome

Is this the pro version? It's far cheaper than the official price.

 

[DarkMatter]

Have you considered getting a custom built replica from someone like sdc blades? His blades have amazing build quality and you can request a custom head size like 161x151.

 

[SFF_lib]

Have you considered getting a custom built replica from someone like sdc blades? His blades have amazing build quality and you can request a custom head size like 161x151.

Yeah I have thought about it. I still like the handle pattern of W968 though, it gives me some mental pleasure. Just knowing that I am holding the same handle as ML and WCQ 😁😁

If I find another used W968, I will probably buy it as the price is going up like no tomorrow.

The only handles I like from other inner ALC are:

1. TMXi pro
2. Victas Gear IN

 

[Colin Ksh]

Is this the pro version? It's far cheaper than the official price.

No, the one you showed is the regular tmxi. Pro has the red lenses. Here’s the comparison

this is the link from xiom Korean website http://m.xiom.store/product/안재현-tmxi-프로/375/category/25/display/1/
I’m not sure if they ship worldwide or not. Here in US, you can buy at official xiom store and ttstore.us as far as I know. I think for it’s price it’s worth trying out ($240-$300)

 

[Magic_M]

Harimoto Innerforce ALC is a very good option

 

[SFF_lib]

No, the one you showed is the regular tmxi. Pro has the red lenses. Here’s the comparison

this is the link from xiom Korean website http://m.xiom.store/product/안재현-tmxi-프로/375/category/25/display/1/
I’m not sure if they ship worldwide or not. Here in US, you can buy at official xiom store and ttstore.us as far as I know. I think for it’s price it’s worth trying out ($240-$300)

The pro version looks cool. Hopefully it has top quality finish

 

[DukeGaGa]

The pro version looks cool. Hopefully it has top quality finish

Yes it does have top quality finish. Also the looks of the pro version only differs in the color of that metal plaque. Playing characteristics wise it has slightly more feel and dwell time.

 

[SFF_lib]

Yes it does have top quality finish. Also the looks of the pro version only differs in the color of that metal plaque. Playing characteristics wise it has slightly more feel and dwell time.

Ok thanks. If I can't find a W968 within my price range, I will get a TMXi pro

 

[wiktor145]

I own two numbered version w968 no1. And to my feel I think XIOM TMXi is a close choice, but you definitely need some getting used to. Yasaka Athletico resembles w968 more than TMXi , so I’d recommend you try that first, and it’s a lot cheaper than w968 and TMXi. Btw I have one like new in box for sale if you are considering one. Another choice is get SDC Blades to make you one, he made me two w968 clones that feel almost the same at about 1/8 the price, good deal.

So in your opinion which blade is the closes to w968? Yasaka Athletico or SDC clone? Are those SDC blades, that you mention the "Valkyrie"? Did you got the 160x150 blade size on SDC? And out of curiosity, did you have the oportunity to play with W968 that was not the "no1" and could you feel the difference between the "no1" and "non no1"?

 

[DukeGaGa]

So in your opinion which blade is the closes to w968? Yasaka Athletico or SDC clone? Are those SDC blades, that you mention the "Valkyrie"? Did you got the 160x150 blade size on SDC? And out of curiosity, did you have the oportunity to play with W968 that was not the "no1" and could you feel the difference between the "no1" and "non no1"?

The SDC clone of course, and yes the "Valkyrie". I would highly recommend anyone who's searching for a specific high price blade replacement check with Sérgio, costs way less and you can design your own handle if you want. For example you'll be paying at least $500 for a new numbered edition W968, but Sérgio can make one that feels the same for 1/3 of that.

 

[Magic_M]

If someone is looking for a genuine W968 National, I can help 😉
W968_2014

 

[SFF_lib]

If someone is looking for a genuine W968 National, I can help 😉
W968_2014

Getting a hand on a genuine W968 is no longer that difficult. The difficulty is getting an affordable price 😂😂😂

 

[Magic_M]

These old blades are not as easy to find as you think ;-)
And why do you think, that the price is not affordable?

 

[SFF_lib]

Name your price 😆

 

[h-vu]

I've been playing my W968 letter for over a year now. The longest period without EJing on blade 😂😂😂

I paid $250 for a second hand one. On the first day I put 3 layers of Nittaku protector on each side. But the splinting issue is still quite obvious. I just feed like my $90 Victas has much better finish than W968.

When this blade dies of splinting, any used one will cost $350+. So I am looking for alternative.

FH H3 blue sponge 41 degree. BH 09C. What I like about W968:

1. Amazing short touch
2. The springy catapult effect when looping hard in far distance

Do you know any blades from reputable brands (Butterfly, Nittaku or Victas) have inner ALC blades with similar properties? Personally I dislike the handles of all Innerforce 😓

ovtcharov alc the closest

 

[DukeGaGa]

ovtcharov alc the closest

Nope, the characteristics is no where close.

 

[ADurao]

Donic Original Senso n1 😉