Butterfly Viscaria and Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit
Background:
Both blades are part of Butterfly's famous Arylate-Carbon series, which stresses a large sweet spot, vibration control, and crisp feeling while also maintaining blade feeling and control as a result of the combination of carbon and arylate fibers. The Viscaria model was the predecessor to the TBS, and many professionals including Timo Boll used it during the earlier parts of their career before their signature blades were created. Famous players who are currently using the Viscaria include Zhang Jike; Michael Maze is currently using the TBS. The ALC series remain a classic and are still widely used by both amateurs and professionals; they are one of the less expensive BTY line of blades (since it is older), but they retain the premium look, feel, and playability of high quality Butterfly products.
Notes:
Rubbers used in this comparative review are Stiga Calibra LT (Max) on the FH and Joola Express II (Max) on the BH. Exact weights are unknown, although both feel about the same in mass (I'm guessing in the range of 85-90 g).
Construction:
TBS = Koto-ALC-Limba-Kiri-Limba-ALC-Koto --> 5.7 mm thickness
Viscaria = Koto-ALC-Limba-Kiri-Limba-ALC-Koto --> 5.8 mm thickness
The Viscaria FL handle is notably thicker than the TBS FL handle.
Speed: TBS (faster) > Viscaria (slower) (close-table) Viscaria > TBS (off-table)
Hard to tell after only one session with the Viscaria (been playing with the TBS for several months now). More info to come after a few more hits with the new setup; however, my intial impression is that the Viscaria is slightly slower.
Stiffness: Viscaria (flexier) < TBS (stiffer)
My initial impressions are that the Viscaria is just a tad more flexy than the TBS. Calibra LT is a low-throw, long-trajectory rubber; when I first started with the TBS setup, shots were either getting put into the bottom of the net, or they were lifting past the table with a very flat (but spinny) trajectory. However, these issues were easily adapted to with an adjustment in stroke and technique. With the Viscaria setup, I still had that same flat-long trajectory, but I was hitting on the table. I felt that the Viscaria setup was more forgiving in this respect.
Hardness: Viscaria (softer) < TBS (harder)
The Viscaria definitely felt softer, yet it retained the "crispness" that I observed in the TBS. I'm guessing the crisp originates from the structure of the blades (i.e. the Koto outer and the ALC). The Viscaria has one of the best blends of crisp-softness I've seen in a composite blade. But if you like pure crisp feeling, the TBS is the way to go.
Vibration: Viscaria (more vibration) > TBS (less vibration)
Although the vibration is very subtle, I noticed that the Viscaria was less dead and "non-responsive" than the TBS. However, the vibration was minimal (not nearly as responsive as an all-wood blade or soft carbon, for example). In that respect, the Viscaria is a composite with good feeling and touch.
The Viscaria is faster away from the table, while the TBS is faster close to the table.
, Xiom stradivarius more or less is in the same league and a little cheaper but still expensive though. BTW which would you guys prefer TBS or Viscaria?
