Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC vs Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC | Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | Soft — flexible ALC gives a more wood-like feel than other carbon blades; high dwell time | mild hard, uniform vibration, linear rebound |
| handle | Shakehand (FL, AN, ST options); shorter anatomic handle than Viscaria | FL / ST |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — 7-ply construction with koto outer layers and inner arylate-carbon fiber | 7-ply all wood (limba-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-limba) |
| speed | OFF (Butterfly rates Reaction 118, mid-fast; equivalent to OFF/OFF+ class) | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.7mm | 6.6-6.7mm |
| weight_g | 84-87g typical (Butterfly spec approx 87g) | 83-90g (avg ~87g) |
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition
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The Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC (8.7 rating) is an OFF-speed arylate-carbon blade with soft, flexible feel and large head. Its impressive spin generation and control suit advanced attackers seeking carbon power with dwell and versatility. Discontinued production, premium pricing, and shorter anatomic handle are significant drawbacks.
The Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition (8.2 rating) is a seven-ply all-wood blade offering outstanding price-to-performance value. Its uniform feel, predictable rebound, and excellent blocking control suit intermediate to advanced players wanting more speed and power than five-ply alternatives. Head-heavy balance requires arm conditioning, and loop spin is marginally reduced.
The Lin GA is faster, spins better, and more versatile but harder to source and more expensive. The Samsonov is cheaper, readily available, and proven, but demands physical conditioning and offers less spin and control than the Lin GA. Choose based on budget, sourcing availability, and playing style preferences.
FAQ
Which blade is more affordable?
The Samsonov offers outstanding price-to-performance value as a seven-ply all-wood blade. The Lin GA is premium-priced and harder to source.
Which blade spins better?
The Lin GA spins better due to its arylate-carbon construction and dwell time. The Samsonov spins decently but cannot match carbon performance.
Which blade is better for beginners?
The Samsonov suits intermediate players with solid fundamentals. The Lin GA is for advanced attackers. Neither is ideal for pure beginners.
Why is the Samsonov head-heavy?
The seven-ply construction and thicker blade result in a heavier head, requiring arm and shoulder conditioning to avoid fatigue during extended play.