Modern Sibling of Persson Powerplay???

[mightymouse]

Especially for @Der_Echte and @JJ Ng,

I have been itching to post this for quite a long time, but I never get the chance to take pictures to support my post.
Basically, when I read description of Andro Gauzy BL7, it reminds me of Donic Persson Powerplay (both have "foils").

According to Andro's description, Gauzy BL7 has thickness of 5.9 mm, although based on my measurement, it is only 5.7 mm. Head size is standard 157x 150mm. However, according to TT11 blog, the thickness is only 5.6 mm and head size is 158 x 151 mm. No description (@ Andro) regarding top ply, and TT11 blog said it was "limba". But according to my observation, it can be koto as well (it is quite hard to determine because the top ply is painted).

Powerplay, on the other hand, has smaller head and thickness of 5.9 mm. The top ply is koto. with 3 ayous in the middle + foils.

I took 3 pictures to compare both blades side by side.

For the last pictures, we can see that using the same rubbers size, Powerplay is a bit smaller compared to Gauzy BL7.

By the way, both blades are made in Sweden. So it could be the same blades after all (at least very similar).

 

[PhoenixTT]

Thanks for this. The PPP is one of my favourite blades. Love it with H3. The BL7 had long been in my shopping list, mainly due to the intriguing review of the Professor at TT11 blog. But if you're right that they're the same, then I can take the BL7 off the list. But you don't mention anything about how similar they play? Any comments on that? I assume you have both, else how can you take side-by-side photos of them?

 

[mightymouse]

Thanks for this. The PPP is one of my favourite blades. Love it with H3. The BL7 had long been in my shopping list, mainly due to the intriguing review of the Professor at TT11 blog. But if you're right that they're the same, then I can take the BL7 off the list. But you don't mention anything about how similar they play? Any comments on that? I assume you have both, else how can you take side-by-side photos of them?

Construction wise, they are similar (according to me). The differences are:
1. BL7 is a bit thinner (~0.2 mm) although its description said that the thickness is 5.9 mm (which is the same as PPP)
2. BL7 has bigger head size. Andro said it is 157 x 150 mm but looking at the picture above, the Professor might be correct saying it's 158 x 151 mm.

These 2 differences cause differences as well in the way they play.

First, PPP is more rigid or stiff, which makes sense, considering smaller head size and slightly thicker blade. It is excellent for blocking and driving, while still good for looping. I will consider PPP as a linear blade, what you give is what you get. Since you love PPP, I believe you know well how it plays.

Now, being thinner and having bigger head size, Gauzy BL7 is more dynamic. While it is still good for blocking and driving (I don't feel BL7 is worse for blocking compared to PPP), this BL7 is a PPP "spin more" version. Being more dynamic, BL7 is a bit faster compared to PPP. My BL7 is 87 grams, while I have two 83 grams PPP (regular and senso type), one 88 grams regular PPP and another 90 grams regular PPP. In this case, I compared BL7 (87 grams) with my 90 grams PPP. I know that it is better to compare it to my 88 grams PPP, but at that time I have the 90 grams ready (I keep my 88 grams as a back up, fully untouched at the moment). Even with PPP being a bit heavier, I feel that BL7 is a bit faster.

For spin oriented play, BL7 is better. If you loop hard, it has 2nd kick (which is a feature of 5-ply blade usually) because there is a hint of flex when you swing hard.

Now the bad news:
In the latest Andro catalog, I don't see any Gauzy blades anymore. Gauzy SL, HL Co, BL7 and BL5 are not displayed anymore. I hope that they don't discontinue BL7 because I think it is a good blade (for amateur like us).

 

[PhoenixTT]

Thanks for the additional comparison. Really sounds like I'd like the BL7 as well, perhaps even more than PPP. It's extremely irrational of me, but part of the reason for wanting one is the blue colour face! Oh no, I hope the BL7 remains in the market.

 

[PhoenixTT]

Now the bad news:
In the latest Andro catalog, I don't see any Gauzy blades anymore. Gauzy SL, HL Co, BL7 and BL5 are not displayed anymore. I hope that they don't discontinue BL7 because I think it is a good blade (for amateur like us).

Just went to TT11. BL7 is out of stock. Just died a little. But also felt a little free-er.

 

[Flat Hit Slap]

After reading this thread and having used the PPP for the past 20 years or so I was keen to see if the BL7 was as good. So i ordered 1 from TT11 last night........

It may have been the last 1.....

 

[PhoenixTT]

After reading this thread and having used the PPP for the past 20 years or so I was keen to see if the BL7 was as good. So i ordered 1 from TT11 last night........

It may have been the last 1.....

Hope it's a good fit for you.

 

[Der_Echte]

Used PPP the last 2 years and bought TT11 out of their inventory multiple times as everyone around me wants and likes my setup in my sig... so I make them my bat at my cost... I am a terrible businessman and only an OK hyoo-man.

 

[PhoenixTT]

This week I got the chance to play with a Gauzy BL7 with Double Fish Volant on both sides for several hours several days. It's a very different feel from the Persson Power Play. My Adriana Diaz backhand punches that work perfectly on the PPP (with unboosted H3) just didn't have the same punch with the BL7. The ball mostly went to the net. The PPP with its koto outer layer also feels harder. I wish I can try the BL7 with H3 so I can compare better.