Butterfly Timo Boll ALC vs Tibhar Samsonov Alpha: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | Tibhar Samsonov Alpha | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | medium | medium-stiff, good dwell time, controllable |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer plies, Koto/Ayous middle layers) |
| speed | OFF | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| weight_g | 86 | 85 |
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Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a premium arylate-carbon blade delivering class-leading spin, speed, and a large sweet spot. Tibhar Samsonov Alpha is a lightweight all-wood blade emphasizing exceptional near-table control and forgiving technique development.
The ALC is genuinely fast, offensive, and proven at elite levels. The Alpha excels in control close to the table and is forgiving on off-center hits, making it ideal for learning. However, its speed drops noticeably beyond mid-distance and dwell time is only slightly above average. More advanced offensive players will outgrow it quickly. Choose the ALC for all-court offensive attack and longevity. Choose the Alpha for beginner-to-intermediate technique learning and close-to-table blocking.
FAQ
Which blade is much faster?
ALC at OFF versus Alpha at ALL. The speed gap is significant beyond mid-distance.
Is Alpha good for beginners?
Excellent. Its all-wood construction, lightweight feel, and exceptional near-table control support technique development.
Will I outgrow the Alpha?
Likely, if you advance to aggressive mid-to-far-table play. Its speed ceiling is limited.
Which is better for blocking?
Alpha is outstanding near the table. ALC is better away from the table.