September 19, 2019 Ask The Experts: Stefan Feth #273 Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer Question: Hello sir, I am very interested in the hadraw series. I currently play the timo boll forte blade and i like it. Can you please tell me which of the hadraw series comes closest to the timo boll forte in terms of playing characteristics? Also, can you tell me what is the difference or purpose between a 5 ply or 7 ply? And also important for me. Do the hadraw blades have a wider handle than most butterfly blades and are they well balanced? I prefer the weight concentrated towards the handle. I have tried a couple of alc blades but they lack balance for my personal use. My timo boll forte blade is maybe cheaper than all alc blades but the balance of that blade is so much better (wider handle and weight distribution). Thank you very much. Best regards, Roeland Answer: 

This Ask the Experts question was answered by Stefan Feth. He is one of the coaches at the World Champions Table Tennis Academy in Santa Clara, CA. Coach Feth’s response is as follows:

Hi Glenn,

 Thanks for your question and interest in Butterfly equipment. I recommend for you the Hadraw VR blade. In my opinion it is comparable to your current Timo Boll Forte blade.

 The dimensions of the handle for the Hadraw VR blade are 100 x 25 mm and the Timo ALC blade are 100 x 24 mm. The difference in the handle dimensions are also adding weight in the handle.

I tried the Hadraw VR blade before and I really liked the feel of it as it provided me a nice balance.

 The difference between a 5 ply and 7 ply wood is the feel and reaction time of the blade. 7 ply wood blades are typically faster and harder to control because they are more bouncy.

 Check out my video review on the Hadraw VR blade:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDx1qKm9LzM

 Hope you enjoy your new equipment!

 Best,

Stefan Feth US National Team Coach Coach @ WCTTA www.tt-champions.com