Butterfly Garaydia ALC vs Tibhar Samsonov Alpha: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Garaydia ALC | Tibhar Samsonov Alpha | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| control | — | — |
| feel | Crisp, hard and stiff with a direct, low-vibration touch and a notably low throw arc | medium-stiff, good dwell time, controllable |
| handle | FL | FL/ST |
| plies | 5-ply total: 3 wood + 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers, with an outer carbon construction under a Japanese hinoki surface ply | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer plies, Koto/Ayous middle layers) |
| speed | OFF | ALL |
| spin | — | — |
| thickness_mm | 6.9 | 5.9 |
| type | OFF | — |
| weight_g | 83 | 85 |
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Butterfly Garaydia ALC and Tibhar Samsonov Alpha serve vastly different skill levels. Garaydia features outer arylate-carbon with soft hinoki surface ply, creating very low throw arc specialized for blocking, flicking, and counter-topspins. Crisp, stiff, almost vibration-free feel delivers outstanding close-table stability and control at 83 grams. Pairs well with medium-hard tensors. However, low arc demands precise technique for speed, extreme damping limits feedback, and discontinuation creates sourcing challenges.
Samsonov Alpha targets learners and intermediate attackers through 5-ply all-wood construction. Exceptional control near the table—one of the highest in its class—with forgiving sweet spot supporting developing technique. Loops and blocks well despite all-round speed rating, and lightweight construction enables extended play. However, speed drops noticeably at mid-to-far distance, dwell time is only slightly above average, and advanced offensive players will outgrow it relatively quickly.
FAQ
Which suits beginners?
Samsonov Alpha is ideal for beginners with exceptional near-table control and forgiving play. Garaydia demands advanced blocking technique.
How do speed ratings differ?
Garaydia is OFF-class. Samsonov Alpha is ALL (all-round), making Samsonov significantly slower.
Which will I keep using?
Garaydia suits long-term advanced blocking play. Samsonov Alpha is a learning blade that advanced players outgrow relatively quickly.
What about weight and maneuverability?
Garaydia is 83g with manageable weight. Samsonov Alpha is lightweight and easy to maneuver for extended play.
Which is more available?
Samsonov Alpha is current production. Garaydia ALC is discontinued with difficult sourcing.