20 year old Timo boll forte off alternative?

[jackitpotato]

Hi all, I'm back to playing after a very long time away, here is my current setup.
I've had this blade for 20 years, it's a Timo boll forte off, with 'solid balance core'
I've recently put xiom Vega europe 2.0 on both sides and the blade and rubbers feel controllable and have enough power when needed for me.

Can anyone recommend a blade with similar speed + control as this?

Reason being is that the wood on the wings is starting to break, and I've decided I want a flared handle now.

I've recently tried a made in Japan primorac off- with the same rubbers and it felt dead.

Thanks 👊🏼

 

[jammmail]

The problem will be as its so old it will feel everything new will feel crisper and totally different and wont feel the same - its impossible to get anything that will feel the same with all the sweat and play its had to get the feeling it currently has.
There are blades a similar speed etc - but will feel different, personally I think all newer blades feel crisper than the older versions of them. Your best bet is trying as many clubmates rackets to give you a feel and go from there. What ever way you do go (and the Primorac is a great choice btw - i have one thats probably 35yrs old ) I would use the same rubbers and just give it time to adjust to the new racket.

 

[Cloudturtle]

I think it's still in production, with different design, forte 3 maybe?

 

[jackitpotato]

The problem will be as its so old it will feel everything new will feel crisper and totally different and wont feel the same - its impossible to get anything that will feel the same with all the sweat and play its had to get the feeling it currently has.
There are blades a similar speed etc - but will feel different, personally I think all newer blades feel crisper than the older versions of them. Your best bet is trying as many clubmates rackets to give you a feel and go from there. What ever way you do go (and the Primorac is a great choice btw - i have one thats probably 35yrs old ) I would use the same rubbers and just give it time to adjust to the new racket.

I've been trying other people's blades, only problem with this is some have slower / allround rated blades but then have much faster rubbers on them, so i have no idea if I'm feeling the speed from the blade or the rubbers ya know.

 

[FlamedRunner]

I think it's still in production, with different design, forte 3 maybe?

The forte III is supposed to be the successor of the original Timo Boll Forte, but it doesn't quite feel the same.
It is fairly slower and the handle thinner (like with all new Butterfly blades) which really throws off the feeling.
Also the 'Solid Balance Core' system is not present anymore.

 

[enoxzr]

I used to play this with this blade up until I stopped when I was 19. Bryce FC both sides, max FH bit thinner BH.

When I got back at 29, I initially used my old blade, until I broke it by standing on it while falling over my back.

Initially I transferred to a Petr Korbel with Rozena's, but hated that setup (very head heavy). I could have picked the Boll Forte III back then, kinda wished I did.

Afterwards I have had best experiences with the Butterfly BalsaCarbo X7 when I still played with inverted rubbers on both sides. Love that blade, felt to my like the old Boll blade, but lighter overall.

Since then I have moved to playing LP OX on my BH, and adopted a Sauer & Tröger Banana since then. Honestly, this blade feels the Boll blade, but harder.