What blade would you recommend for someone stepping down from carbon?

[MatterOfTime]

Well, after practicing for the last year with my current coach, we've decided that the best option for me was slowing down the blade while maintaining my rubbers (k3 and c55).

After some discussion, we agreed that both 5 and 7-ply blades would be better than my current Hayata H2, but I fear the speed of an 7-ply blade would still be too fast for me.

That said, I've test blades like the clipper but every time I got my hands on one, one of the sides was long pips, so I couldn't really try it out; besides that, I've also tried blades like the Acoustic and the Korbel and, between those, I prefer the later since the handle of the acoustic is too thin for me.

If the Korbel was a bit cheaper, it would be a no brainer, but here in Brazil it's kinda expensive with the price floating around the $120 mark. Because of that, I would like to hear what blades would you suggest me to try it out.

 

[TensorBackhand]

Well, after practicing for the last year with my current coach, we've decided that the best option for me was slowing down the blade while maintaining my rubbers (k3 and c55).

After some discussion, we agreed that both 5 and 7-ply blades would be better than my current Hayata H2, but I fear the speed of an 7-ply blade would still be too fast for me.

That said, I've test blades like the clipper but every time I got my hands on one, one of the sides was long pips, so I couldn't really try it out; besides that, I've also tried blades like the Acoustic and the Korbel and, between those, I prefer the later since the handle of the acoustic is too thin for me.

If the Korbel was a bit cheaper, it would be a no brainer, but here in Brazil it's kinda expensive with the price floating around the $120 mark. Because of that, I would like to hear what blades would you suggest me to try it out.

Yasaka Ma Lin Offensive

 

[MatterOfTime]

Yasaka Ma Lin Offensive

I actually had one when I started playing! But sadly it felt too hard.

 

[TensorBackhand]

I actually had one when I started playing! But sadly it felt too hard.

Stiga Offensive Classic. Now we're getting into really slow territory.

Yinhe and Sanwei have a bunch of wood blade options

 

[MatterOfTime]

Stiga Offensive Classic. Now we're getting into really slow territory.

Yinhe and Sanwei have a bunch of wood blade options

I'll take a look later, what yinhe and sanwei blades do you also recommend?

Is the Stiga Offensive Classic faster than the korbel? It at least seems to have less flex

 

[piligrim]

Infinity

 

[John_]

Fextra 5 should be fine, koto-spruce-ayous. Should have a crispy feeling with great dwell and control. They're cheap too, 15~20 euros.

 

[MatterOfTime]

Infinity

Can you compare with the korbel?

 

[piligrim]

Can you compare with the korbel?

Sorry cant compare. I had Korbel many years and short time. Handle was too thin and I sold it.

 

[Scarfed Garchomp]

Can you compare with the korbel?

Infinity is quite stiff and hard for a 5 ply, Korbel is thinner feeling and more flexible

 

[MatterOfTime]

Infinity is quite stiff and hard for a 5 ply, Korbel is thinner feeling and more flexible

I remember liking the flex feeling and the loud noise while using chinese rubbers like the h3n with the korbel. Do you think I'll have a similar experience with the infinity?

 

[Brs]

Stevrinou DBMS says

Neottec Voodoo Classic | Tabletennis11.com (TT11)

www.tabletennis11.com

https://www.tabletennis11.com/other_eng/xiom-offensive-s

are near-clones of Korbel. limba-limba-ayous-limba-limba 5.9 - 6.1 mm 87 - 89 gm
Prices are quite lower though...

Checked the frequency spreadsheet for good measure. Korbel is mostly 1250 - 1300, with some weird 1100 outliers. Voodoo classic marginally slower like 1250-1270. Xiom Offensive S quite a bit faster like 1350+, a few cracked 1400.

So the Neottec is your closest equivalent blade, and costs about $32. Be happy, as Igor likes to say.

 

[greenbeanmachine]

Outer hardwood blades have the same kind of "pop" as carbon blades, but with more feeling and control. Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a good one.

Neottec Voodoo Classic is pretty similar to Korbel, but a bit slower.

 

[PenHoldSandro]

Those ping pong rackets from random stores are pretty slow too! And even better, they're like 2 dollars!

 

[longle]

My friend who plays National League in France he recommends the Victas Fire Fall VC (which is his blade). his style is similar to Gauzy, lobbing, fishing from middle table

 

[Scarfed Garchomp]

I remember liking the flex feeling and the loud noise while using chinese rubbers like the h3n with the korbel. Do you think I'll have a similar experience with the infinity?

Infinity just didn't have that same flex feeling as Korbel, but I do think it is good with Hurricane

 

[Ultravisitor]

Sanwei V5 pro

 

[Tyce]

Tibhar Stratus powerwood
... But honestly, any offensive 5ply will work if you like a bit of flex. Just get one that is available for a decent price

 

[Fedex78]

Buy a Korbel, when I stepped down from Viscaria to Korbel it was - and is - a great choice, making my game better and safer. Korbel is such a special blade.

 

[John_]

Was in a similar boat, clipper wood worked great. Korbel and Infinity would be really good too.