We need to see the proof. Without photos, it hasn't happened. Those are the rules. :)
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I don't want anyone to doubt Basmundo so here it is. First I have to thank Carl for recommending me to Basmundo, I think it was a satisfactory transaction for both.
This was one of the blades I had the most fun building lately. Mostly because Basmundo was very clinical during the whole process, which is a good thing, this is what "custom" means. So after a few back and forth emails we set on a composition similar to the W968, based on Basmundo's playing style. But he also had a clear idea of what he wanted for the final weight, balance and frequency of the blade so it was an extra challenge to achieve that objective. The handle was inspired in the Harimoto blade and was projected to help with lowering the centre of gravity.
Composition : Black Limba / Ayous / Aramid-Carbon / Ayous / Aramid-Carbon / Ayous / Black Limba
Weight: 88.5g
Thickness: 5.95mm
Freq. : 1360 Hz
Balance: 2.2cm (Very Low)
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There you go Carl. I'll bet you want one now! :)
I echo Hipnotic's sentiments in thanking you for your advice and pointing me in the direction of a custom build by him. As he said, it was a very enjoyable process from my point of view and also valuable in that it made me analyse my game more intensely to be able to give Hipnotic what he needed to design the final composition.
I think you can get the impression of the high quality of the build from the photos. Hipnotic is clearly highly skilled as it is awesome! When TT lockdown is finished I will let you know how it plays.
There you go!
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Trying it with Hexer Powergrip on both sides to see if the asymmetric build has an impact.
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The other one with a really spectacular handle!
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I think this site has several members like Nate4 and BobPuls also who make custom blades. It is a real and valuable resource where you can get someone to make a blade exactly to the specifications you would like.
It is worth tapping into that resource when someone has a specific need. But even just having a great blade made specifically for you, that is totally unique and won't look like anyone else's blade, that is worth it, especially when the build quality is so high.
Excellent work as always!
Once things calm down and the exchange rate for BRL x EUR gets more reasonable (now is about 30~35% higher than January, crazy thing :(), I will probably buy another blade from you!
I liked your description on Instagram: "Custom order Table Tennis Blades at affordable prices - Handmade in Portugal". Please keep this philosophy hehe!
Had the opportunity to play with the blade yesterday evening outside. Used some really old Hexer Powergrip on both sides.
Overall, the blade did not play like a typical carbon/carbon-kevlar blade. It might be due to the thickness, the blade was not stiff at all. It felt like a typical Off- blade and I was comfortable directly from the beginning.
Now to the asymmetric built: The difference was really small. The side with the "outer" fiber and the walnut had a tad more power, lower throw and a higher pitch. The other "inner" side felt a little slower with higher throw.
Overall I would say that a blade with same thickness without the fiber would be wa slower and would have a higher throw with less catapult.
It seems indeed that at least the Innegra plays more "wood-like" and might be a nice addition if you don't want to go the hard and fast route with ALC like Viscaria.
I think I'll call this one "Longclaw" :)
Composition: 1 ply Tola
Weight: 101.2g
Thickness: 7.0mm
Headsize: 155x150mm
Freq.: 1550 Hz
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