July 6, 2019

Ask The Experts: Tawny Banh, No. 250
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question: 

Hi 

Can you elaborate on the differences between the butterfly viscaria , Jun mizutani zlc and Timo boll spirit. Both Timo boll spirit and viscaria seem to have the exact same composition of wood and thickness . Is the handle shape the only difference between then or is there more to it? I wanted to buy a viscaria but a local retailer only has stock of a Timo boll spirit in an given weight range . Should I buy the Timo boll spirit out should I look somewhere else for a viscaria?
How do they compare in terms of flex ,dwell time, control etc?

Thank you

Answer:

Your Ask the Experts question was answered by Tawny Banh. She is a coach at the Los Angeles Table Tennis Association in El Monte, CA. Coach Banh’s response is as follows:

Hi Naren,

Below are the statistics for all 3 blades you have inquired. 

I would recommend you getting either of the Timo Boll Spirit or Viscaria.  If your local retailer only carries a Timo Boll Spirit, I’d say go ahead and purchase it!  Timo Boll Spirit and Viscaria are almost identical in features.  The Timo Boll Spirit is for attack and offense.  It has a good balance of speed, control, and flexibility.   

All the Butterfly carbon blades have a very big sweet spot which gives a  crispy sound when you contact the ball. As for the handle, Timo Boll comes in straight, anatomic and flare.  Viscaria comes in straight and flare.  If you are a male with a big hand, I’d recommend getting a straight or anatomic handle.  If you are a female or a male with a smaller or regular hand, then get a flare handle.  Hope this helps.  

Timo Boll Spirit

• Attack | Reaction: 11.8 | Vibration: 10.3
• Plies: 5 Wood+2 Arylate Carbon
• Blade Thickness:5.7
• Blade Size: 157x150mm

Viscaria

• Attack | Reaction: 11.8 | Vibration: 10.3
• Plies: 5 Wood+2 Arylate Carbon
• Blade Thickness: 5.7
• Blade Size: 157x150mm

Jun Mizutani ZLC

• Attack | Reaction: 11.8 | Vibration: 11.2
• Plies: 5W+2 ZLC
• Blade Thickness: 5.7
• Blade Size: 157x150mm

Best wishes!

Coach Banh