Butterfly Timo Boll ALC vs Butterfly Timo Boll W7: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | Butterfly Timo Boll W7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | medium | Hard, stiff, direct |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL, ST |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | 7-ply all wood (Limba / Ayous / Kiri) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 86 | 94 |
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Both are OFF-rated blades for advanced offensive players, but represent different philosophies. Timo Boll ALC is a composite (5W plus 2 arylate-carbon) delivering class-leading spin on both wings with exceptional balance and a large sweet spot. It feels solid and consistent—perfect for blockers and all-out attackers alike.
Timo Boll W7 is pure 7-ply all-wood with near-carbon OFF speed, huge sweet spot, and satisfying Limba outer feel. It excels at flat drives, smashes, and flicks but offers lower loop-against-backspin spin compared to composites. Its stiffness makes it unsuitable for developing players and can cause hand vibration in long sessions.
ALC suits serious attackers seeking premium spin and balance. W7 is for flat-drive specialists valuing pure wood feel and is now discontinued, making sourcing difficult.
FAQ
Which has better spin generation?
ALC is class-leading on both wings with long dwell at contact. W7’s loop-against-backspin spin is lower than composite alternatives.
Which feels better overall?
ALC offers solid, consistent feel without hollow vibration. W7 delivers satisfying Limba outer feel with crisp, direct feedback—more traditional all-wood.
Are they both expensive?
ALC carries premium price. W7 is now discontinued, making it harder to source at fair prices if available at all.
Which is better for flat hitting?
W7 is excellent for flat drives, smashes, and flicks. ALC is balanced for all attack styles but does not specialize in flat hitting.