I gained a lot of feeling for the ball by playing with a long pips blade for a while. You can get one for maybe $50:
* Sanwei Fextra 5 Classic: ~$15 (nice 5-ply blade Koto top over Spruce & Ayous), 1291Hz, 79.0g, 5.85mm
* Backhand (red) Dawei 388D-1, 1.0mm or 0.8mm sponge (works better for me compared to OX because I was used to short pips): ~$15
* Forehand DHS H3 Neo: ~$20
My last shipment from AliExpress/BEO Store came to my door in Texas in 10 days !! (Note: I assemble myself, not sure whether BEO Store assembles for you)
I also really like the Yinhe 980XX: $65.00 from AliExpress/Playa Ping Pong, 231005 (5-ply Willow top). Used by Kim Song I. 1150Hz, 84.0g, 5.4mm. This is a larger head defender's blade, softer and slower than the above.