Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit vs Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit | Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| feel | Medium and offensive with notable flex and long dwell, crisp but forgiving for a carbon blade | hard outer + soft core, linear |
| handle | FL / ST / AN | FL/ST/AN/CS |
| plies | 5 wood plies plus 2 arylate-carbon outer layers (5W and 2 ALC) | 5W (all wood) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| weight_g | 87 | 88 |
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Both blades rate at OFF and target attacking players, but one leans on carbon and the other on all-wood precision. The Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit combines 5 wood plies with 2 arylate-carbon layers for quick release, long dwell and forgiving control. The Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a 5-ply all-wood blade with a hard outer over a soft core, delivering outstanding consistency, pinpoint placement and a superb short game at essentially unbeatable value.
Choose the Spirit if you want carbon spring and a forgiving touch for looping and counter-hitting. Choose the Ma Lin Extra Offensive if you are an offensive or control looper, including a traditional Chinese penhold player, who wants all-wood precision, a great short game and excellent value for a close-to-mid-table game.
The two are remarkably close on paper, both at 5.7mm with the Yasaka at approximately 88g against the Spirit’s 87g. The Yasaka is linear with no carbon catapult, so you supply the power; the Spirit gives more help from the table and edges ahead on rating.
FAQ
Which blade has the better short game?
The Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is built around its short game, with a hard outer over a soft core for easy placement on touches and pushes. The Spirit blocks and controls well but is more of a looping blade.
Is the Ma Lin Extra Offensive suitable for beginners?
Not really. It is linear and demands an aggressive, technically sound stroke, so it suits established attackers. The Spirit is also better matched to intermediate and advanced players.
Which performs better away from the table?
The Spirit’s arylate-carbon build holds up better far from the table. The Ma Lin Extra Offensive loses a touch of effectiveness at distance and can feel effortful there.