says
Buttefly Forever!!!
says
Buttefly Forever!!!
Well-Known Member
Hi all,
This post was posted in relation to Carl's request that I try out a thinner blade. I have this Long V ( Commercial ) sitting in my drawer collecting dust and hence I took it out for some play-time and to write a short review about my play experience. For comparison, my usual equipment is a shown at my profile page.
Here goes:
Conclusion:
I wish to reiterate that with this blade I tend to want to finish my point with a FH topspin because this is where it shines. A properly engaged FH topspin can kill the ball easily. This blade would suit those FH dominant player stylist. Somehow when using it with BH, it just feels stiff and control is just not as good as my usual blade. If one loves to play FH pivot and kill most points with FH, then this the blade for you. I wish to emphasize, this Long V blade is truly a looper's delight.
This part is specific to Carl
This post was posted in relation to Carl's request that I try out a thinner blade. I have this Long V ( Commercial ) sitting in my drawer collecting dust and hence I took it out for some play-time and to write a short review about my play experience. For comparison, my usual equipment is a shown at my profile page.
Here goes:
- This blade ( Long V ) of mine is 90g without rubber and 5.9mm thick.
- I glued on a piece of Andro's black Rasenter R48 as FH and Xiom's red Vega Europe for BH. Total combined weight of this set-up became 191g.
- Stiff, the key word I would use is stiff. This Long V is stiff and very fast.
- It is a truly a looper's delight. It favours FH looping but one must really engage your stroke properly to be rewarded. Lazy / half-hearted stroke and the ball goes into the net.
- BH blocking is more difficult and must be active. Unlike my usual set up ( a thick 10.55mm one-ply-hinoki , blocking cannot be passive or else the ball goes into the net. You need to add a little active control. Take note, for this Long V, I was using Xiom's Vega Europe, OFF- control rubber.
Conclusion:
I wish to reiterate that with this blade I tend to want to finish my point with a FH topspin because this is where it shines. A properly engaged FH topspin can kill the ball easily. This blade would suit those FH dominant player stylist. Somehow when using it with BH, it just feels stiff and control is just not as good as my usual blade. If one loves to play FH pivot and kill most points with FH, then this the blade for you. I wish to emphasize, this Long V blade is truly a looper's delight.
This part is specific to Carl
- I did not feel much difference when I use this 5.9mm blade versus my regular 10.5mm in my usual play in regards to manipulation. To me the two feels the same. FH to BH transition is not easier nor harder in both these two blades.
- Since I don't use / unable to use those advance technique like chiquita / strawberry where wrist movement is very pronounced, a thinner blade as I see it, does not offer me much advantage.
- This Long V is a looping blade versus my hinoki which to me is more of a driving / counter-driving blade which is the style that I am currently following / developing with the assistance of my coach.
- A looping style and counter-driving style are two distinct play-style and each needs a different blade to support them.
- I prefer blocking with my thick 10.5mm blade. Being thick and solid, it offers me a great blocking feeling, much better than the 5.9mm blade.
- Hitting / counter-hitting is easier with my Hinoki versus Long V. Somehow flat-hit with Long V tend to fly into the net.
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