Butterfly Timo Boll Allround vs Tibhar Samsonov Alpha: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll Allround | Tibhar Samsonov Alpha | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft, classic all-wood dwell with good tactile feedback | medium-stiff, good dwell time, controllable |
| handle | FL/ST/AN/XXS | FL/ST |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (koto outer) | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer plies, Koto/Ayous middle layers) |
| speed | ALL+ | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 5.5 | 5.9 |
| weight_g | ~85 | 85 |
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Both are 5-ply all-wood blades emphasizing near-table control and technique development. Butterfly Timo Boll Allround is discontinued and harder to source. Tibhar Samsonov Alpha is a lightweight, current-production budget alternative offering exceptional near-table control and forgiving off-center play.
The Allround has slight crispness from koto outer veneer but is no longer available. The Alpha is lightweight, accessible, and excellent for learning stroke technique close to the table. Neither blade supports mid-to-far-table aggression effectively. Both are best for beginners and intermediate players focused on control and technique before stepping to faster platforms. Choose the Allround only if specifically seeking vintage discontinued stock. Choose the Alpha for current-production budget all-wood control.
FAQ
Which blade is still available?
Alpha. Allround is discontinued and requires secondary market sourcing.
Are both good for beginners?
Yes. Both excel for technique development and near-table control.
Which is cheaper?
Alpha as a current production item is more affordable than sourcing discontinued Allround.
When should I upgrade from either?
When advancing to mid-to-far-table aggression. Both have low speed ceilings.