Flared(FL) or Straight(ST)?

[Marvinn8686]

I've always played FL, but for the past six months I've been playing ST, and it's hard for me to say which one I prefer... I'd say the ST fits more naturally in the hand, and it's a bit easier to maneuver the blade when changing the FH-BH grip slightly. I also think the block feels more natural. But when playing FH topspin, I'm often afraid it might slip out of my hand, specialy when it's wet. I think the optimal grip for me would be just a slightly tapered handle, but not as narrow as a typical FL, probably it's so called connical (CO) but it's rare these days. I even thought about polishing the handle a bit, but I'm a bit afraid to do it because I'm not sure if I'll actually like CO or if I just think I will...but maybe a good idea is to buy some cheap ST blade and try it out before.

By this CO I guess you mean AN (anatomical) handle? it is normally more bulky than FL in the upper part, I have Andro Treiber with that handle and it is great. In the past for most EU manufacturers like Andro, Donic it was possible to get AN version and sadly never for Asian ones (except maybe Butterly). Most Chinese and Japanese FL handles (except some BTY) are too thin for me...

 

[Peppa Pig]

By this CO I guess you mean AN (anatomical) handle? it is normally more bulky than FL in the upper part, I have Andro Treiber with that handle and it is great. In the past for most EU manufacturers like Andro, Donic it was possible to get AN version and sadly never for Asian ones (except maybe Butterly). Most Chinese and Japanese FL handles (except some BTY) are too thin for me...

No, CO is a conical handle that widens continuously from the top to the bottom. You can find more information here:

https://tabletennis11.com/eu/blog/which-blade-handle

 

[Marvinn8686]

No, CO is a conical handle that widens continuously from the top to the bottom. You can find more information here:

https://tabletennis11.com/eu/blog/which-blade-handle

Thanks, I saw once second-hand blade like that, but thought it is actually ST and maybe only looked strange because of camera angle. Now I think it may be just conical continuously getting wider.

 

[Reaper]

I have both Neottec Magic control with CO and a Voodoo with ST. Normally i prefer ST blades but this one feels too thin, so I feel safer with the CO blade.

I've been eyeing a blade on ALiexpress called Sword RD7 offering round and square ST handles, anyone tried it?

 

[Doppelschlag]

I've always played FL, but for the past six months I've been playing ST, and it's hard for me to say which one I prefer... I'd say the ST fits more naturally in the hand, and it's a bit easier to maneuver the blade when changing the FH-BH grip slightly. I also think the block feels more natural. But when playing FH topspin, I'm often afraid it might slip out of my hand, specialy when it's wet. I think the optimal grip for me would be just a slightly tapered handle, but not as narrow as a typical FL, probably it's so called connical (CO) but it's rare these days. I even thought about polishing the handle a bit, but I'm a bit afraid to do it because I'm not sure if I'll actually like CO or if I just think I will...but maybe a good idea is to buy some cheap ST blade and try it out before.

This is exactly what I’m also considering, just the ever so slightes FL or CO shape, sanded down from a ST handle. Haven’t dared yet.