Timo boll spirit - surprised how good it is :)

[steve888]

Hi,
Our table tennis coach uses the timo boll spirit, he tried other blades but keeps coming back to this one. I decided to try one. I am impressed by the stability and the level of control the blade has. I am surprised it it is only rated at 8.6 speed and 8.6 control on rev speed and viscaria is rated 9 speed 8.8 control?? I certainly find it similar to the speed of a viscaria and more stable and controllable close to the table..

I tried a few different rubbers on it for the FH - Glayzer, D 09c, Rozena. The best I have found that seems to suit it is D80 - fast controllable and spinny. I am using glayzer 09c on the backhand.

The Timo boll spirit is a bit stiffer than my FZD and also has less feeling but seems to me a touch more forgiving and stable with a lower and shorter throw. They are a bit cheaper than the other outer carbons in the butterfly range. I am surprised how good it is especially if you match it with the right rubber. The blade has been around for many years.

Has anyone else currently using the Timoboll spirit? what are your thoughts.

 

[maxtor]

It's just another version of Viscaria

 

[steve888]

It's just another version of Viscaria

Yes the same timber (koto etc) but it feels a bit different - stiffer and harder feel.

 

[maxtor]

some variations of a batch, consider it as a standard deviation

 

[GhostBackhand]

You have accurately described the advantages of the Timo Boll ALC line. It is very stable and easy to play

 

[Scarfed Garchomp]

TBS was the first Viscaria iteration, designed with a slimmer handle for Timo because the first gen Viscaria straight handle was fairly bulky. As with all Viscaria-likes, structurally they are all virtually identical, with most differences coming from manufacturing tolerances and the differences in neck shape and handle dimensions. I have found on average that TBS usually are a tic slower than other Vis-alikes though

 

[steve888]

Maybe it's the handle structure that creates a bit more stiffness compared to FZD and viscaria. I've read on some forums they don't make the tb spirit anymore, but it still on the butterfly website where I am.

 

[kindof99]

Maybe it's the handle structure that creates a bit more stiffness compared to FZD and viscaria. I've read on some forums they don't make the tb spirit anymore, but it still on the butterfly website where I am.

Myabe your coach uses a black tag TBS? Newer TBS is basically a bit too soft and not that stiff.

 

[jammmail]

I always come back mine too. Just feels right.

 

[steve888]

Just an update.
I found Rozena to slow on the forehand so moved up to the tenergy 19 (2.1). It gave it an extra couple gears (speed) and more spin without without losing control. The TBS seems to match well with tensor. rubbers, the T19 seems well balanced on this blade.
I think this blade is a touch slower than FZD/Viscaria blade but the TBS has a little more control. I compared it to a friend Viscaria with the T19 and the TBS was more stable and easier to control - easier to land balls on the table and better in the short game.

 

[JOWaldnerGoat]

i suggest using lighter rubbers on the boll spirit, as it more head heavy. i found dignics 05 to be the best rubber on it.