Tibhar Samsonov Alpha, Petr Korbel

 I have been using a Timo Boll Spark with various rubbers devellop a style. I have been a chopper, two wing looper, blocker, and I have settled on an allround/offensive game. The spark is EXTREMELY soft and a bit too slow. I was thinking the Samsonov alpha would be a good blade, but everyone loves the Korbel. I am planning to use Sriver L 2.1 on both sides.

I like the feel of the Korbel more although the Samsonov is a really great blade.  The Korbel would be great for the speed range you want and enough feedback.

I'm also not sure if you're gonna like the handle because especially the flared one is pretty small, I'm using an anatomic handle right now and I personally like that but I can image that other players would hate it. My grip is  (shakehand of course) not extremely loose but most of my topspin balls get a good amount of spin because I use my wrist a lot with it. I can imagine that a power looper (they have a firm grip) wouldn't like this blade (possibly because of the handle, but also for it's features; Soft, all wood ect.) 

 

I hate this handle

have not used korbel buthave heard reports it is similar to samsonov alpha. what i can tell you about samsonov alpha is that it is still a fairly speedy blade. it is a fast off-/slow off blade i would say.the handle is slightly larger and much more comfortable than any butterfly flared handle i have used, and thats been a few. it is lighter than korbel,has a slightly smaller blade head as well, so you will use slightly less rubber making the overall blade lighter. it is not an ultra light blade though, more like in the middle, weight wise. about 80-85g. it has an exceptional feel to use. medium soft without a doubt. it will be a little firmer than spark but not a great deal. it has a nice solid feel to it as well so you dont get any hollow, or clunky or popping noises when you use it. shots have a feeling of immediacy yet the blade feels highly controllable. it actually puzzles me as to why a blade with decent speed should feel so controllable. maybe its the softnes and large sweet spot. in saying that i am going to change down from 2.2 sponge as its harder to control for me at that sponge thickness, but i only play 6 hrs a week. it hs the best feel , in terms of ball feedback and softness of any blade i have ever tried, bar butterfly andrzej grubba, and thats a slow soft all+. the tibhar is exactly what you need if you want a bit more speed than spark but still softish great feel. it makes my last blade (butterfly bastian steger off-) feel like a piece of junk. don't even think about korbel, buy the alpha. and no, i don't work for tibhar, honest!

the finish on the samsonov alpha is very nice. It is unnecessary to lacquer the surface - no splinters whatsoever.

shij421 wrote: Does the Korbel need to be lacquered? I speedglue. sorry for double posting.

Yes, that's recommended

Does anyone know which is better for off the table looping/driving? I like to loop with heavy spin from far off the table, and have been considering these two blades. Thanks.

Coincidently, the only two blades I do not use now are the Samsonov Alpha blade (flared) and Petr Korbel Blade (Conic) and I also use Sriver L! and EL on both blades!.  I currently use the flared version of the Korbel blade becaus I've come to adapt to the blade.  For the Alpha and Korbel (conic) the speeds are similar, but korbel is just a tad bit faster.  The Alpha's control is WAY much better, because you can just feel how much lift you have on the ball.  It's amazing.  Further more, with the Alpha, you feel the blocks better because the blade is responsive (not over responsive where the vibration gets to you)  Alpha blade also has a bigger sweet spot than my other Korbel blade.  With the Alpha, it is easier to play the short game.  You can really drop the ball short because it has better feel and absorbs the ball more.  Korbel is much better for smashes, but also loops very well!  I feel that the alpha does not have enough power to smash the ball strong (b/c it's soft), but when it comes to spin, it is very good.  The Korbel, on the other hand, blocks very well.  I find that it's a more solid blade than the alpha, but not as durable.  Why?  Because the Alpha blade does not splinter as easily.  I've owned 4 Alpha blade in the past, and 2 unused currently (one signed by Samsonov himself), and they've taken a lot of abuse and haven't had any major cracks on the head.  Overall, both blades are good.  Use the Alpha if you want control with spin and use the korbel if you want more offensive power. 

p.s.  I have an alpha blade (great condition) and a Korbel blade (conical handle-discontinued hard to find) if you're interested. 

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20po ng/IMG_8967.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20po ng/IMG_8965.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20po ng/IMG_8962.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20po ng/IMG_8960.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20po ng/IMG_8958.jpg

 

Daniel

I bought this blade from my buddy as a replacement blade just in case if i break my alpha in a tournament.  The blade is in great condition!  As you will notice, he signed the blade (if you don't mind, since it'll be covered by rubber anyhow).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20pong/IMG_6802.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20pong/IMG_6801.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20pong/IMG_6800.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/forhim_1922/ping%20pong/IMG_6799.jpg

PM me if you're interested.

Daniel

Sorry guys, my buddy who I bought the Alpha blade wants to buy it back b/c he needs a replacement for his alpha.  B/c he personally signed the blade and insisted that I sell it back to him, i'm gonna have to give it to him.  I also sold the Korbel Conical blade today.  Sorry, ping pong shop closed for now...

Daniel