Print Page | Close Window

New Hurricane Long 5

Printed From: Alex Table Tennis - MyTableTennis.NET
Category: Equipment
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: Share your experience and discussions about table tennis equipments.
Moderator: haggisv
Assistant Moderators: position available

URL: http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78103
Printed Date: 04/25/2024 at 12:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: New Hurricane Long 5
Posted By: unstopabl3
Subject: New Hurricane Long 5
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 5:50am
Hi, just received my order of Hurricane Long 5 and have a few questions about it, hope you knowledgeable folks can enlighten me.

Please see the attached pictures I just took, there is no writing on the face of the blade and no silver sticker on top of the silver dragon figure on the reverse side of the handle.

So want to confirm from you guys if this a genuine blade?

Also I found the quality control of this blade not upto mark for a $180 blade, the handle has bad finish especially in the area where the DHS emblem is inserted. The emblem itself is sticking out and not properly seated inside the whole just a tad bit from one side but might pose problem when handling the blade. Also there are dents/chips around that area which look horrible for a new blade.

Are these things normal for DHS blades as this is my first DHS blade and I expected it to be better in quality if it's this expensive.

Thanks in advance!

IMAGES:

https://imageshack.com/i/poWPCEkAj" rel="nofollow">
https://imageshack.com/i/pmJdw6tsj" rel="nofollow">


https://imageshack.com/i/plm5rp7xj" rel="nofollow">




Replies:
Posted By: slevin
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 6:46am
Mine was original & the blade face certainly had writing on it. Yes, that quality you have there is suspect. Serial number font is a bit different. Where did you buy it from?

-------------
Trade feedback:
http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50787" rel="nofollow - http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50787


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 6:48am
Originally posted by slevin slevin wrote:

Mine was original & the blade face certainly had writing on it. Yes, that quality you have there is suspect. Serial number font is a bit different. Where did you buy it from?


I ordered it from tt11 and they said this is how the new versions of HL5 look like.

Do you have the older version or the newer version? Can you post pictures of the blade so we can compare please?

Thanks


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 6:52am
This is serial fist time i see.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 6:55am
Originally posted by MVCSGN MVCSGN wrote:

This is serial fist time i see.


Do you own this blade? Can you post pics of your blade for comparison?

Thanks


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 6:59am
I have Long Nittaku. Not same it.


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:01am
I like Long blade. But i worry a Long fake. So i buy a blade of DHS & Nittaku, it perfect.


Posted By: *_strataras_*
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:18am
Unstopabl3, if you write DHS HL5 in google, you will see many many photos of this blade. I can understand your worry, that how I would think like you if I have taken this blade and hadd different type or serial number and this DHS emblem on the one side of the handle, but......as you said that you bought it from tabletennis11, I cannot image they scammed you, or anyone else. As for the font on the head of the blade, I can take it that DHS doesn't type the black font letters of the model.
As the serial number regards, at the side of the blade, maybe DHS has new numeral system for the production serial. ( they used to print the production date with numbers, and now they have changed it into alphabetical system...)
What can I say... 
Wish you from my heart to be genuine!!!


-------------
OSP Virtuoso SQST
Tenergy 05(black 1,9mm FH)
Tenergy 05(red 1,9mm BH)

http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=74157&title=feedback-strataras" rel="nofollow - Feedback


Posted By: kindof99
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:26am
The new design HL5 does not have print on the face, and the serial number on the handle is exactly like what you showed. 

-------------
/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=65174&title=feedback-for-kindof99" rel="nofollow - My Feedback | /forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=77924" rel="nofollow - Sale


Posted By: kindof99
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:28am
Did you ask TT11 to seal the blade? If you did, they removed the silver tag on the plastic wrap already.

-------------
/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=65174&title=feedback-for-kindof99" rel="nofollow - My Feedback | /forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=77924" rel="nofollow - Sale


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:42am
Originally posted by kindof99 kindof99 wrote:

The new design HL5 does not have print on the face, and the serial number on the handle is exactly like what you showed. 


Do you own this new version blade? Can you post pictures please?


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:44am
Originally posted by kindof99 kindof99 wrote:

Did you ask TT11 to seal the blade? If you did, they removed the silver tag on the plastic wrap already.


Yes I asked them to seal the blade, didn't the silver tag used to come on the handle of the blade? And I didn't know this blade ever came in a plastic wrap, the new ones maybe?


Posted By: piligrim
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:49am
does how it looks like
http://www.prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=LONG5


Posted By: chroot
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 7:52am
TT11 is an authorized DHS dealer in Europe. You can trust them. 

The finish of DHS baldes certainly is not the best. Not even close to Nittaku or BTY products.


-------------
BTY Viscaria 90g
DHS Hurricane 3 NEO, 39/2.1
BTY Tenergy 05 1.9

http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=62263" rel="nofollow - My Feedbacks


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 8:00am
Originally posted by piligrim piligrim wrote:

does how it looks like
http://www.prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=LONG5


Funny how I just saw that a few minutes before your post. Thanks atleast the inconsistencies which I felt are now double checked from prott and it means they are due to the new version of this blade.

So I'm convinced now that this is a genuine blade and will give it a try soon :)

Thanks guys.


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 8:02am
@unstopabl3
This is my blade: Long Carbon
I think you have something for comparison
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6b6E_CTR-s4YkVfb2UyNTJPZlE/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6b6E_CTR-s4bEtFWDJsR203U1U/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6b6E_CTR-s4eGF3UEMzNG1IZHM/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6b6E_CTR-s4WVkzSGVHU0hYaFE/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6b6E_CTR-s4ZTBEYlZ4RG1fMHM/view?usp=sharing


Posted By: Soundoff88
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 8:11am
I think this is the new design/packaging in line with the new DHS FangBo blade whereas the print is on the wrapping. Now the serial number is on the side of the handle. Question is how to check this new serial number.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 8:12am
Originally posted by Soundoff88 Soundoff88 wrote:

I think this is the new design/packaging in line with the new DHS FangBo blade whereas the print is on the wrapping. Now the serial number is on the side of the handle. Question is how to check this new serial number.


Yeah that's what I was thinking too, how to verify this new serial?


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 8:22am
Originally posted by piligrim piligrim wrote:

does how it looks like
http://www.prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=LONG5
My friend buy 2 rubber (H3BlueNational) from prott. But he to return it because it see not similar.




Posted By: MLfan
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 10:09pm
that's not the real blade. it's a copy, but doesn't mean it's bad. 


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/20/2017 at 11:01pm
If it's from table tennis 11, it's a real blade. I take it you just removed rubbers from both sides, that's why you have some parts that appear darker than other parts. According to the Chinese forums and website, the new design which I also bought does not have any writing on it. The head size has been reduced to 156-158 by 150 and this applies to many dhs blades after July 2017 such as HL3 and the fang bo series. One of the reasons was to reduce the weight of the blade and to stabilize the backhand as well as allowing players to switch quickly between forehand and backhand, especially if you have a heavy setup (bigger head size means more rubber and more rubber means more weight). As for the slight distortions of the dhs logo that you've shown, you may have been unlucky and just gotten a bad batch. It happens with any manufacturer, even Butterfly blades. The QC quality for the HL series is usually high, but unfortunately it's not perfect. My handle did not have that defect (thank god). And there's no holographic (silver tag) sticker stuck on the handle anymore which in my opinion was good because my hands would always get sparklely when my sweat eats through it. The sticker was on the handle when the blade was plastic wrapped. So if that gets thrown away, there goes your sticker. I have ordered an andro treiber z from tt11 and gotten a blade where the handle had a slight crack at the bottom. In the near future, you might want to be more specific about your order and include things like head sizes and no notches, etc just to make sure it doesn't happen again. Sorry pal. Hope it doesn't bother you too much.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 3:44am
Originally posted by MLfan MLfan wrote:

that's not the real blade. it's a copy, but doesn't mean it's bad. 


How are you so certain? Can you post some proof to back that claim?

Others have posted tangible proof that these changes are due to the new design and I am fairly certain that TT11 won't cheat me like that, I've always admired their honesty and professionalism.

Thanks


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 3:45am
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

If it's from table tennis 11, it's a real blade. I take it you just removed rubbers from both sides, that's why you have some parts that appear darker than other parts. According to the Chinese forums and website, the new design which I also bought does not have any writing on it. The head size has been reduced to 156-158 by 150 and this applies to many dhs blades after July 2017 such as HL3 and the fang bo series. One of the reasons was to reduce the weight of the blade and to stabilize the backhand as well as allowing players to switch quickly between forehand and backhand, especially if you have a heavy setup (bigger head size means more rubber and more rubber means more weight). As for the slight distortions of the dhs logo that you've shown, you may have been unlucky and just gotten a bad batch. It happens with any manufacturer, even Butterfly blades. The QC quality for the HL series is usually high, but unfortunately it's not perfect. My handle did not have that defect (thank god). And there's no holographic (silver tag) sticker stuck on the handle anymore which in my opinion was good because my hands would always get sparklely when my sweat eats through it. The sticker was on the handle when the blade was plastic wrapped. So if that gets thrown away, there goes your sticker. I have ordered an andro treiber z from tt11 and gotten a blade where the handle had a slight crack at the bottom. In the near future, you might want to be more specific about your order and include things like head sizes and no notches, etc just to make sure it doesn't happen again. Sorry pal. Hope it doesn't bother you too much.


Did you get a blade from the new batch as well? The one we are discussing here? Can you post pictures?


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 3:58am
Yes, I got a blade from the new batch in august 2016. I had tt11 glue on the rubbers so you won't see the blade itself but I have gotten my rubbers changed once both sides from the equipment dealer at my club (cctta) and I can tell you with 100% certainty that there are no words. He even sold the fang bo series and HL5 series there and even said himself that the new design has no words. If you want I can post you pics of my racket when I first got it since I always take pics of my new paddle. But you won't see the blade bare.


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 4:30am
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by MLfan MLfan wrote:

that's not the real blade. it's a copy, but doesn't mean it's bad. 

How are you so certain? Can you post some proof to back that claim?
Others have posted tangible proof that these changes are due to the new design and I am fairly certain that TT11 won't cheat me like that, I've always admired their honesty and professionalism.
Thanks
I'm understand @MLfan, "it's a copy...bad". Yes! it's true.


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 4:31am
http://imageshack.com/a/img923/8064/UubbC7.jpg" rel="nofollow">


No holographic sticker as you can see. Note the head size is smaller too. 156.5 x 150 for me.

For security purposes I scratched out the identification number to prevent it from being used by fake manufacturers.

If you want I can go to my club tomorrow and ask the equipment dealer if I can take pics of the blade (provided that it's in stock).


Posted By: Baal
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 5:40am
If you can't trust an authorized dealer to give you a real blade then...  we have nothing but chaos. I don't we're quite there yet. TT11 are absolutely ethical.

DHS quality control has never beem great regarding fit and finish. And there is the whole "national-provincial-commercial" issue they perpetuate (or at least the mythology has grown around them).   It is true that they are victimized a lot by fakes. 


Posted By: ashishsharmaait
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 7:09am
Here is what I bought from Beijing last week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8WmYwZGNRVzJya0U/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8ekhqcnd6X2lUbk0/view?usp=drivesdk


Posted By: MVCSGN
Date Posted: 01/21/2017 at 7:23am
Originally posted by ashishsharmaait ashishsharmaait wrote:

Here is what I bought from Beijing last week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8WmYwZGNRVzJya0U/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8ekhqcnd6X2lUbk0/view?usp=drivesdk
Do you have picture serial on blade?


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 3:23am
Originally posted by ashishsharmaait ashishsharmaait wrote:

Here is what I bought from Beijing last week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8WmYwZGNRVzJya0U/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8ekhqcnd6X2lUbk0/view?usp=drivesdk


So you bought this as a genuine blade or copy?


Posted By: NextLevel
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 4:05am
I bought the same blade from Paddle Palace sometime around Thanksgiving last year and had precisely the same issues, but the packaging was exquisite. I didn't doubt it was real, I just realized that I wasn't going to play with it once I put it in my hand.   In my head, I was looking for the older version of HL5 and I didn't like the handle of the new version. Traded it for an IF ALC whose handle I preferred and which I already liked from experience. No regrets.

-------------
https://youtu.be/jhO4K_yFhh8?t=115" rel="nofollow - I like putting heavy topspin on the ball...
Cybershape Carbon
FH/BH: H3P 41D.
Lumberjack TT, not for lovers of beautiful strokes. No time to train...


Posted By: t64t64t64
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 5:41am
handle is not the best but apart from this i think the blade is real good


-------------
http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61764&PID=734709򳗵


Posted By: ashishsharmaait
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 7:06am
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by ashishsharmaait ashishsharmaait wrote:

Here is what I bought from Beijing last week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8WmYwZGNRVzJya0U/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8ekhqcnd6X2lUbk0/view?usp=drivesdk


So you bought this as a genuine blade or copy?

All is know is.that the shopkeeper had 4 types of HL5.
Old version, 730rmb, this one for 750 rmb, a harder wood versipn for 1300 rmb, and the so called PRO version rejected by National team for 1800rmb.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 7:15am
Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

I bought the same blade from Paddle Palace sometime around Thanksgiving last year and had precisely the same issues, but the packaging was exquisite. I didn't doubt it was real, I just realized that I wasn't going to play with it once I put it in my hand.   In my head, I was looking for the older version of HL5 and I didn't like the handle of the new version. Traded it for an IF ALC whose handle I preferred and which I already liked from experience. No regrets.


Thanks for your input NL, so there is a handle difference between the older version and newer version? I'm assuming the newer version has a smaller handle?


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 7:16am
Originally posted by ashishsharmaait ashishsharmaait wrote:

Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by ashishsharmaait ashishsharmaait wrote:

Here is what I bought from Beijing last week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8WmYwZGNRVzJya0U/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OvJBMREql8ekhqcnd6X2lUbk0/view?usp=drivesdk


So you bought this as a genuine blade or copy?

All is know is.that the shopkeeper had 4 types of HL5.
Old version, 730rmb, this one for 750 rmb, a harder wood versipn for 1300 rmb, and the so called PRO version rejected by National team for 1800rmb.


Was there any difference in the size of handle of the older version and this new version which you noticed?


Posted By: ashishsharmaait
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 8:25am
The handle seemed the same. I held same weight, 91g for all variants and it seemed the same. The only difference is that of the head size.


Posted By: NextLevel
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 9:12am
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

I bought the same blade from Paddle Palace sometime around Thanksgiving last year and had precisely the same issues, but the packaging was exquisite. I didn't doubt it was real, I just realized that I wasn't going to play with it once I put it in my hand.   In my head, I was looking for the older version of HL5 and I didn't like the handle of the new version. Traded it for an IF ALC whose handle I preferred and which I already liked from experience. No regrets.


Thanks for your input NL, so there is a handle difference between the older version and newer version? I'm assuming the newer version has a smaller handle?

The old version had a slimmer center to its flare shape.  The head looked outsized and large. 


-------------
https://youtu.be/jhO4K_yFhh8?t=115" rel="nofollow - I like putting heavy topspin on the ball...
Cybershape Carbon
FH/BH: H3P 41D.
Lumberjack TT, not for lovers of beautiful strokes. No time to train...


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 12:09pm
Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

I bought the same blade from Paddle Palace sometime around Thanksgiving last year and had precisely the same issues, but the packaging was exquisite. I didn't doubt it was real, I just realized that I wasn't going to play with it once I put it in my hand.   In my head, I was looking for the older version of HL5 and I didn't like the handle of the new version. Traded it for an IF ALC whose handle I preferred and which I already liked from experience. No regrets.


Thanks for your input NL, so there is a handle difference between the older version and newer version? I'm assuming the newer version has a smaller handle?

The old version had a slimmer center to its flare shape.  The head looked outsized and large. 


Yeah I'm told the older version had a larger head size and averaged about 95g.

I'll give this one a try tomorrow Clap


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 2:00pm
Originally posted by ashishsharmaait ashishsharmaait wrote:

The handle seemed the same. I held same weight, 91g for all variants and it seemed the same. The only difference is that of the head size.

The handle size can vary. Some people on the Chinese forums say the new one has a more comfortable handle size and some say it's the same. I think it also depends on the thickness of the blade since the thickness can vary from 5.8 to 6.05 for example.

I think if people are concerned about handle size, they should just get the HL3 which a lot of people report having a good handle. But keep in mind that the head size shrank as well so there's an old and new design technically speaking. I'm pretty sure the catapult effect is the same but the speed is slightly slower.


Posted By: slevin
Date Posted: 01/22/2017 at 7:40pm
All HL5 users: the limba outers seem hard, but PLEASE, seal the blade. Mine splintered with tearmender (which is a weak glue).

-------------
Trade feedback:
http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50787" rel="nofollow - http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50787


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/23/2017 at 1:35am
Originally posted by slevin slevin wrote:

All HL5 users: the limba outers seem hard, but PLEASE, seal the blade. Mine splintered with tearmender (which is a weak glue).


Yes somebody already warned me about this so I got the blade sealed from the seller i.e TT11 LOL


Posted By: peter79
Date Posted: 01/23/2017 at 4:41am
Unstopabl3, your HL5 is a new version, without printing on the blade surface. The new version has smaller head size than the old version.


-------------
Andro Wanokiwami AO Offensive 83 gr
H3 National Orange 40 deg 2.2
Baracuda Max
182 Gr



Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/23/2017 at 5:03am
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Unstopabl3, your HL5 is a new version, without printing on the blade surface. The new version has smaller head size than the old version.


Yes Peter we've concluded that, but can you tell if my blade is authentic or a copy/fake?

Thanks


Posted By: MLfan
Date Posted: 01/23/2017 at 8:00am
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by MLfan MLfan wrote:

that's not the real blade. it's a copy, but doesn't mean it's bad. 


How are you so certain? Can you post some proof to back that claim?

Others have posted tangible proof that these changes are due to the new design and I am fairly certain that TT11 won't cheat me like that, I've always admired their honesty and professionalism.

Thanks

Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight when I commented. The blade's a real HL5 blade, but it's the commercial blade, not custom-made. 


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/23/2017 at 10:58am
Originally posted by MLfan MLfan wrote:

Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by MLfan MLfan wrote:

that's not the real blade. it's a copy, but doesn't mean it's bad. 


How are you so certain? Can you post some proof to back that claim?

Others have posted tangible proof that these changes are due to the new design and I am fairly certain that TT11 won't cheat me like that, I've always admired their honesty and professionalism.

Thanks

Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight when I commented. The blade's a real HL5 blade, but it's the commercial blade, not custom-made. 

Thank you for that clarification and confirmation, yes true it's a commercial version bought from tabletennis11.com for $150.


Posted By: peter79
Date Posted: 01/23/2017 at 9:06pm
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Unstopabl3, your HL5 is a new version, without printing on the blade surface. The new version has smaller head size than the old version.


Yes Peter we've concluded that, but can you tell if my blade is authentic or a copy/fake?

Thanks


It's authentic, it's a pity that there's a chip of wood near the lense Dead
Make sure to ask TT11 to pick the perfect blade for your next purchase.




-------------
Andro Wanokiwami AO Offensive 83 gr
H3 National Orange 40 deg 2.2
Baracuda Max
182 Gr



Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/25/2017 at 7:17am
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Unstopabl3, your HL5 is a new version, without printing on the blade surface. The new version has smaller head size than the old version.


Yes Peter we've concluded that, but can you tell if my blade is authentic or a copy/fake?

Thanks


It's authentic, it's a pity that there's a chip of wood near the lense Dead
Make sure to ask TT11 to pick the perfect blade for your next purchase.




Hi, it's a pitty and I contacted TT11 and they generously offered me a $21 refund due to the chips in the handle, so I'm somewhat less sad now haha.

On the other hand, I played 1 session with the blade and it's quite fast and spiny and has a good high arc over the net.

I'm currently using YEO 7 Power blade which has a hard walnut outer layer but it doesn't feel that stiff at all. What's most important for me is to be able to feel the ball dip into the rubber as my stroke is spin oriented. For this reason I'm not liking the feel of HL5, I don't know if you call this being less dwelly maybe? I think I will need to change my stroke and make it a lot quick and snap the ball instead of feeling the ball, otherwise I won't enjoy this blade.

Anybody else have a similar experience with this blade?


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/25/2017 at 1:22pm
I find dwell time to be a very subjective matter but I think it also depends on the characteristics of the blade you have. It feels quite dwelly on my forehand and I use H3 neo on it. It feels less dwelly when I use tenergy 05. My blade is also on the thin side, being 5.8 compared to the average 5.9. That being said, it has less dwell time compared to my andro treiber z which is all wood. I do have to snap a bit more when I use tenergy 05 and I think this just has to do with the fact that I'm not getting enough penetration into the sponge. I've also read on Chinese forums that there is slightly less force and spin compared to the old HL5. There is less spin because of the reduced flex from the reduced head size but the blade is still considered to be flexy.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/25/2017 at 2:19pm
I don't know why but I felt that HL5 was a bit dull on slower strokes, I felt like I have to drive the ball with a proper stroke to deliver the ball consistently especially against underspin I had to lift the ball more. Banana flicks from BH were a nightmare couldn't land even one, all went into the net, surprising for a high arc blade.

It just might be that I need to get used to this new blade, will try it out for a month or so before giving in more input, but as of now I'm not liking Limba too much.


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/25/2017 at 3:18pm
Yeah the new HL5 is a bit dull on low to medium powered strokes and this was mentioned on the Chinese forums. You need to be able to engage the sponge in order for your ball to go over. This dull effect works amazing for touch shots close to the net but it can become a nightmare if you are doing a light stroke close to the net as well. For me, when I hit with the t05 on my backhand with a little power, it doesn't travel far and hits the net. You got to flick it over which works great. It took a bit of adjustment to get the right angle. I find it's easier to flick with the Rakza 7, especially the Backhand flick. It's one of those moments where you are like yeah it's in and it's spinny. This was also due to the fact that the sponge is hard, so it's easy to engage your sponge. But I didn't like Rakza 7 because the short play was a nightmare. Ball was always like 30-40 cm above the net when I tapped it, so I changed to tenergy 05 for my backhand. Now I might change to Rasant grip or Rakza X just to get a bit more grip on the ball and more easy sponge penetration. 

The arc for the new HL5 is slightly lower than the old one according to the forums, but the new HL5 still has that catapult effect. I've been using it for about 3 months (would have been 5 months but I took 2 months off to study) and I like it. I might want to change to the old HL5 just to get a bit more power and rotation but still deciding. According to my racket dealer, he said he'll be getting old HL5s next week so I have till then to think about it LOL. Reason why I'm still undecided is because the handle for the old HL5 is more oval vs. the new HL5 handle which is more rectangle and similar to the W968s that the Chinese national team uses. So you got that 3-5 mm in extra circumference to grip your handle. Also I'm afraid that it might be too heavy for me if I get the bigger head size since my current setup is like 184 g and if I'm changing to a rasant grip or Rakza X, it will be heavier for sure. By the way, the old HL5 may be a bit better for low to medium powered shots. This wasn't mentioned on the Chinese forums but I feel like it might be implied. Not sure, I'll see if I can find someone at my club who uses the old HL5 and try it out.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/25/2017 at 3:27pm
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

Yeah the new HL5 is a bit dull on low to medium powered strokes and this was mentioned on the Chinese forums. You need to be able to engage the sponge in order for your ball to go over. This dull effect works amazing for touch shots close to the net but it can become a nightmare if you are doing a light stroke close to the net as well. For me, when I hit with the t05 on my backhand with a little power, it doesn't travel far and hits the net. You got to flick it over which works great. It took a bit of adjustment to get the right angle. I find it's easier to flick with the Rakza 7, especially the Backhand flick. It's one of those moments where you are like yeah it's in and it's spinny. This was also due to the fact that the sponge is hard, so it's easy to engage your sponge. But I didn't like Rakza 7 because the short play was a nightmare. Ball was always like 30-40 cm above the net when I tapped it, so I changed to tenergy 05 for my backhand. Now I might change to Rasant grip or Rakza X just to get a bit more grip on the ball and more easy sponge penetration. 

The arc for the new HL5 is slightly lower than the old one according to the forums, but the new HL5 still has that catapult effect. I've been using it for about 3 months (would have been 5 months but I took 2 months off to study) and I like it. I might want to change to the old HL5 just to get a bit more power and rotation but still deciding. According to my racket dealer, he said he'll be getting old HL5s next week so I have till then to think about it LOL. Reason why I'm still undecided is because the handle for the old HL5 is more oval vs. the new HL5 handle which is more rectangle and similar to the W968s that the Chinese national team uses. So you got that 3-5 mm in extra circumference to grip your handle. Also I'm afraid that it might be too heavy for me if I get the bigger head size since my current setup is like 184 g and if I'm changing to a rasant grip or Rakza X, it will be heavier for sure. By the way, the old HL5 may be a bit better for low to medium powered shots. This wasn't mentioned on the Chinese forums but I feel like it might be implied. Not sure, I'll see if I can find someone at my club who uses the old HL5 and try it out.


High catapult!!! That's the word I was looking for lol

Glad that my observations are quite similar to your input. But man I really hate it that there are so many different versions of the same blade out there, kind of kills enjoyment of a new blade when there is always a doubt in your mind that the older version was better or some other version is better Cry Agony for us players and more money making opportunity for the manufacturers!


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/25/2017 at 3:39pm
I know Cry. But there are ups and downs with both blades. The old HL5 is more forehand dominant and the transition to the BH is slower especially if you use a heavy setup. Handle size has been mentioned to be a problem from a few players. The reviews are pretty mixed, some people like the old one better and some people like the new one better. The new one has a more stable backhand and is more balanced, but not as stable as the viscaria. It's all a matter of what you want Smile in your play.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/26/2017 at 1:06pm
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

I know Cry. But there are ups and downs with both blades. The old HL5 is more forehand dominant and the transition to the BH is slower especially if you use a heavy setup. Handle size has been mentioned to be a problem from a few players. The reviews are pretty mixed, some people like the old one better and some people like the new one better. The new one has a more stable backhand and is more balanced, but not as stable as the viscaria. It's all a matter of what you want Smile in your play.


Played with it again today and loving the speed and spin, will take a bit to get used to it but I'm enjoying it. Have you used TB ALC, which one is faster? And which one do you like more as an overall better blade?

I didn't enjoy the BH too much, maybe it's the rubber I'm using and my passive strokes. Can you recommend a BH rubber for this blade, I'm currently using EL-P and it's not playing as good as it does on slower blades like YEO or YEO 7 Power.

Thanks


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/27/2017 at 3:11am
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

I know Cry. But there are ups and downs with both blades. The old HL5 is more forehand dominant and the transition to the BH is slower especially if you use a heavy setup. Handle size has been mentioned to be a problem from a few players. The reviews are pretty mixed, some people like the old one better and some people like the new one better. The new one has a more stable backhand and is more balanced, but not as stable as the viscaria. It's all a matter of what you want Smile in your play.


Played with it again today and loving the speed and spin, will take a bit to get used to it but I'm enjoying it. Have you used TB ALC, which one is faster? And which one do you like more as an overall better blade?

I didn't enjoy the BH too much, maybe it's the rubber I'm using and my passive strokes. Can you recommend a BH rubber for this blade, I'm currently using EL-P and it's not playing as good as it does on slower blades like YEO or YEO 7 Power.

Thanks

I have used a TB ALC from someone for like a few minutes. First impressions is it's a very stable blade but has less power than my Viscaria. Other than that, the rest is just from watching other people play with them. HL5 is definitely faster. When I twiddle my racket around to use t05 on my FH, It's slightly faster than my viscaria with t05 on the FH. Overall, I'm leaning towards HL5 being the better blade for now compared to my Viscaria. But honestly, it's very close. Viscaria like I said is better for BH and I find that the control for the HL5 is much better after playing with it for a few months.

The BH is quite different from any other blade I've used (well, it's kinda similar to the DHS-WL that I've been using). You gotta put a little bit of power into the blade if you want your ball to travel lightly across. Passive strokes are better for touch play due to the dullness of the blade. I've read some people using EL-P with the blade. May I ask which parts aren't playing that good? BH loops? BH flicks? BH pushes? BH touch play? BH drives?

I've used Rakza 7 and Tenergy 05 on my BH.
Rakza 7 - BH flicks are really good. You can feel the ball grip the ball and you definitely can tell where it will go. Pushes and touch shots were a bit long and high with the rubber. BH drives are good. BH loops took a while to adjust, but after adjusting with a more closed angle, it's easy to land the loops. BH flat shots weren't that well controlled. I changed to t05 because I prioritized my touch shots and pushes a lot and they were causing me to lose a lot of my points.

Tenergy 05 - BH flicks are alright, but not as good as Rakza 7. When I don't get sponge penetration, I honestly don't know where I contact the ball, so there's a bit of anticipation involved if I want to get the shot I want. The rubber doesn't grip the plastic ball as well as I would like. When I tried on celluloid balls, it's easy, but people don't play with those anymore so it's a no-no. Touch play and pushes are much easier. Ball can be kept low and hard to attack but if you make a mistake in reading the spin, it will go high and result in an easy victory for your opponent. BH loops I find I have less control when I'm just right at the table. It takes a lot of focus to make the loop land short or just barely on the table, especially since I don't get much sponge penetration and the fact that I'm literally just brushing the ball and couldn't feel the grip. Mid distance it is so much easier to control and do BH loops and get them in. BH drives are very good. But flat shots are horrible when paired with the HL5 compared to my Viscaria. It's taken me a while to get the control down. I'm going to try out Andro Rasant Grip and Rakza X since they are marketed for control and they grip the ball. I've had a lot of experience with Andro Rasant Grip and I have to say I love it more than tenergy. Not sure how well it will play since I'll get the rubbers sometime next week.

On Chinese forums, some BH rubber suggestions for the HL5 are:
H3 Neo Provincial 37 degrees 2.1 (don't think most people can obtain this and be confident they have the real thing)
Tenergy 05 (People say it can be difficult to control if you don't engage the sponge LOL)
Tenergy 05-Fx (Very stable according to a lot of players)
Tenergy 64 (Ma long loves doing punch/flat shots close to the table (technically there's a bit of spin as well) and loops with his BH when he's mid distance. Used in his 2013-2014 games. The loops might be a bit weaker now because of the plastic ball though.)
Andro Rasant Grip
Andro Rasant Powergrip
Xiom Omega IV (don't know which version they recommend, asia, europe, etc)
Xiom Omega V (I see this a lot as well, but I don't know which version to use)
Donic Bluefire M2
Donic Acuda S2 (I've seen this one mentioned in a lot of message boards, so it might be something to worth trying)
Palio AK47 - yellow packaging (cheap and stable - don't know what yellow packaging they are referring to though, might be something you can only get in Asia. Found the link: http://www.dpin100.com/goods-5187.html)
Tibhar Evolution EL-P (one person said it was stable and had a good time brushing the ball with it)
Tibhar Evolution MX-S (recommended by one of the coaches/teachers on the forums who's pretty popular and also said T05-Fx is the best for new HL5)
Rakza X (Based on what a few China National Team members have recently switched to like Fang Bo, Zhou Yu, and Yan An. Fang Bo had really bad BH when I checked his games of when he started using W968 which is like the better version of HL5 and it became better in the Chinese Super League when used Rakza X. Zhou Yu I believe used Tenergy 05 previously and was dominating in mid distance loops, but his close to the table loops and flicks had lower accuracy.)

I also recommend getting some coaching. It took me a while to get my BH stabilized on the HL5. It used to be like 80-90% accuracy with my Viscaria and when I changed to the HL5, it was like 30% accuracy. Now it's around 60-70%. Still a lot to work on. I say don't give up on the EL-P yet and try tweaking your angles a bit.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/27/2017 at 6:03am
Thanks for your long insightful post, I will give the rubber suggestions a try and give it more time to get used to this blade. Will keep in touch with you so that we care share each others experiences and learn from them hopefully :)


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 01/28/2017 at 6:22pm
I forgot to mention that DHS Skyline 3-60 37 degrees hardness is also a popular choice. It gives a lot of control. It's a slow rubber but when paired with the HL5, it's speed is pretty good. It's cheap too and is also one of the rubbers I want to try.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 01/29/2017 at 6:27am
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

I forgot to mention that DHS Skyline 3-60 37 degrees hardness is also a popular choice. It gives a lot of control. It's a slow rubber but when paired with the HL5, it's speed is pretty good. It's cheap too and is also one of the rubbers I want to try.


I think I'm going to stay away from chinese rubbers as they are too stiff and not that useful without booster.

I've ordered tenergy 05 and 80 will give that a try soon. Have you tried EL-S on this blade?


Posted By: vispowerspin
Date Posted: 02/02/2017 at 2:18pm
Tenergy 05 and 80 are good choices. I also recommend MXP/MXS and ELS, however, the weight is a turn off. ELS has very good feel, a lot of spin, and good control.

I personally used H3 39 and 37 deg for FH and BH. 


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 02/02/2017 at 2:22pm
Originally posted by vispowerspin vispowerspin wrote:

Tenergy 05 and 80 are good choices. I also recommend MXP/MXS and ELS, however, the weight is a turn off. ELS has very good feel, a lot of spin, and good control.

I personally used H3 39 and 37 deg for FH and BH. 


I'm awaiting on my second HL5 and the order has a sheet of EL-S as well, so will give that a try on my BH soon. I'm currently using MX-P on FH and EL-P on BH and I am really enjoying this setup.


Posted By: vispowerspin
Date Posted: 02/02/2017 at 2:52pm
Glad you like the HL5, they're very nice and usually don't need a "break in period". I had an old one before but because of the small handle (constant blistering on the hand) I had to let it go.

I also tried the W968 replica's sold by TTNPP. Perhaps I didn't give them much "break in time" but it vibrated so much it disgusted me. Ended up chucking them away.

Right now I'm using 2 "authentic W968", trivial and questionable, but I spent too much to throw them away hahaha. Anyways, initially, it reminded me of the W968 replicas (a lot of vibration). But after the break in period (perhaps due to humidity, moisture absorption, constant gluing... etc. ~ 1-2 weeks) the blade feels better (softer) than the new commercial HL5 (can be subjective, relative and bias of me). Compared to the commercial HL5, the W968 provides higher arc.

My fall back weapon is always the viscaria (I have 2, the control is just unsurpassed in my opinion). This is also subjective, but viscaria plateaus on power. HL5/W968 on the other hand are pure attacking beasts.


Posted By: peter79
Date Posted: 02/02/2017 at 9:17pm
Originally posted by vispowerspin vispowerspin wrote:

Right now I'm using 2 "authentic W968", trivial and questionable, but I spent too much to throw them away hahaha. Anyways, initially, it reminded me of the W968 replicas (a lot of vibration). But after the break in period (perhaps due to humidity, moisture absorption, constant gluing... etc. ~ 1-2 weeks) the blade feels better (softer) than the new commercial HL5 (can be subjective, relative and bias of me). Compared to the commercial HL5, the W968 provides higher arc.


The authentic W968 is always more harder, faster but surprisingly better control than HL5 or the W968 Replicas. What number do you have?


-------------
Andro Wanokiwami AO Offensive 83 gr
H3 National Orange 40 deg 2.2
Baracuda Max
182 Gr



Posted By: vispowerspin
Date Posted: 02/03/2017 at 4:13pm
Number 279 and 127. I think the 127 is better. On the first day yes, it is hard and stiff. But after a while, I personally think it softens a little up due to moisture and glue residue.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 02/03/2017 at 4:27pm
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Originally posted by vispowerspin vispowerspin wrote:

Right now I'm using 2 "authentic W968", trivial and questionable, but I spent too much to throw them away hahaha. Anyways, initially, it reminded me of the W968 replicas (a lot of vibration). But after the break in period (perhaps due to humidity, moisture absorption, constant gluing... etc. ~ 1-2 weeks) the blade feels better (softer) than the new commercial HL5 (can be subjective, relative and bias of me). Compared to the commercial HL5, the W968 provides higher arc.


The authentic W968 is always more harder, faster but surprisingly better control than HL5 or the W968 Replicas. What number do you have?


How much does an authentic w968 cost nowadays? And where about can you purchase one?


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 02/03/2017 at 4:59pm
You can talk to Chen Chen on the table tennis daily forums. He sells authentic w968 and is very reputable on the forums. I trust him way more than places like prott and ttnpp. He usually sells for like ~370 UK dollars (pounds). I personally want one but decided to hold off on it because if I want to get a blade that expensive, I want to know how it feels first because that's the most important in playing.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 02/03/2017 at 5:04pm
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

You can talk to Chen Chen on the table tennis daily forums. He sells authentic w968 and is very reputable on the forums. I trust him way more than places like prott and ttnpp. He usually sells for like ~370 UK dollars (pounds). I personally want one but decided to hold off on it because if I want to get a blade that expensive, I want to know how it feels first because that's the most important in playing.


Yeah you are correct, I don't plan to spend that much for a blade, not anytime soon that is haha

I just got my second HL5 from tt11 weighing about 92 grams.

Do you speak chinese by any chance? Wanted to know what information is mentioned on that RED CARD which comes in the box :P

Maybe @MVCSGN or @MLfan can help translate :P


Posted By: vispowerspin
Date Posted: 02/03/2017 at 7:59pm
As I stated priorly, TTNPP sells the REPLICA not AUTHENTIC. The commercial HL5 plays equally well and at the end of the day it all comes down to basics and skills. Unless you're an EJ, no point in getting an authentic W968.

@peter79 helped me confirmed PROTT W968 are authentic through email and pictures, just the make numbers are high.


Posted By: Baal
Date Posted: 02/03/2017 at 11:21pm
Originally posted by vispowerspin vispowerspin wrote:

As I stated priorly, TTNPP sells the REPLICA not AUTHENTIC. The commercial HL5 plays equally well and at the end of the day it all comes down to basics and skills. Unless you're an EJ, no point in getting an authentic W968.

@peter79 helped me confirmed PROTT W968 are authentic through email and pictures, just the make numbers are high.


Blind tests are good when one of the blades is over $300.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 02/05/2017 at 2:45pm
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

You can talk to Chen Chen on the table tennis daily forums. He sells authentic w968 and is very reputable on the forums. I trust him way more than places like prott and ttnpp. He usually sells for like ~370 UK dollars (pounds). I personally want one but decided to hold off on it because if I want to get a blade that expensive, I want to know how it feels first because that's the most important in playing.


@Stanny have you used Tenergy 05 and 80 on this blade? I just tried tenergy 05 on my FH and 80 on my BH for the first time on my HL5 and boy am I in love with tenergy rubbers lol

Tenergy 05 seemed too bouncy, felt crazy fast on fast strokes (faster than MX-P) and has less control especially when receiving spiny serves, the ball would pop-up too much for my liking and if I felt it doesn't allow you to feel the ball that well, which is my playing style. Whereas, when I tried tenergy 80 on my FH I felt it had amazing control and it felt like I couldn't miss a single shot and it had great spin but it felt a bit slow (slower than 05 definitely but also slower than MX-P).

I will try these rubbers more in the upcoming week to decide which rubber I should keep on my FH.


Posted By: Stanny
Date Posted: 02/05/2017 at 5:32pm
Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

You can talk to Chen Chen on the table tennis daily forums. He sells authentic w968 and is very reputable on the forums. I trust him way more than places like prott and ttnpp. He usually sells for like ~370 UK dollars (pounds). I personally want one but decided to hold off on it because if I want to get a blade that expensive, I want to know how it feels first because that's the most important in playing.


@Stanny have you used Tenergy 05 and 80 on this blade? I just tried tenergy 05 on my FH and 80 on my BH for the first time on my HL5 and boy am I in love with tenergy rubbers lol

Tenergy 05 seemed too bouncy, felt crazy fast on fast strokes (faster than MX-P) and has less control especially when receiving spiny serves, the ball would pop-up too much for my liking and if I felt it doesn't allow you to feel the ball that well, which is my playing style. Whereas, when I tried tenergy 80 on my FH I felt it had amazing control and it felt like I couldn't miss a single shot and it had great spin but it felt a bit slow (slower than 05 definitely but also slower than MX-P).

I will try these rubbers more in the upcoming week to decide which rubber I should keep on my FH.

I had Tenergy 05 on my backhand and it is bouncy when you start engaging the sponge. I twiddle it on my forehand when I'm making powerful smashes because Hurricane is not good for smashing. The forehand loops are devastating and pairs quite well with the HL5. Close to the net shots were a bit hard to control especially when the ball clips the net and gets some extra spin. Ball will always fly out even when I close my angle when I try to hit it flat. It's a bit more accurate when I add spin by using a flick but not as accurate as I would like. Touchplay is really good, especially for serve receives but sometimes like you say, it can be hard to feel the ball. In general I like t05 for the FH because of the loops and touchplay in keeping the ball low but BH is quite a nightmare. Only thing good about the BH is the touch play shots and BH flicks (although flicks can be challenging as well since I don't feel the grip that well on the plastic ball). Opening BH loop is pretty inconsistent compared to lots of rubbers I used. And the feel isn't as prominent as I would like as you have mentioned. I've recently just changed my BH to andro rasant grip which is slightly heavier but this is increased feel. I had the rubber cut 1-2 mm wider than the head size and the weight changed from 183g to 187g. Touchplay is really good, even better than tenergy 05 in my opinion. The grip on the ball is incredible, my opening BH flicks are nice and low and my opening BH loop percentage has went up considerably (I'd say from like 20-30% to like 70-80% which was what it was when I was playing with my other rackets). Only downside is after the first loop I gotta remember to flick or add spin to the ball a bit when it comes back otherwise it hits the top of the net. Still working on this with my coach but my coach says it's a big improvement. Still in the honeymoon phase, so I got to play a bit more to see if I really like it, but so far so good. The control is very good. Only cons I would say is the heavy weight, the spin sensitivity (people have mentioned this, but I don't see it as a problem), and the low arc (pairs well with the HL5 which has the catapult effect, so it evens out).

Tenergy 80, I have it on my viscaria as a BH but I have used it on the FH when I've twiddled the racket. T80 in my opinion has a lot of control, way better than T05. Spin is slightly weaker so if your FH loop is very spin dominant, you might not have much power. I like the T80 more for flat hitting and it has just enough grip to get my BH flicks done but not as much as T05. Pushes and touchplay are good as well.


Posted By: unstopabl3
Date Posted: 02/05/2017 at 5:41pm
Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

Originally posted by unstopabl3 unstopabl3 wrote:

Originally posted by Stanny Stanny wrote:

You can talk to Chen Chen on the table tennis daily forums. He sells authentic w968 and is very reputable on the forums. I trust him way more than places like prott and ttnpp. He usually sells for like ~370 UK dollars (pounds). I personally want one but decided to hold off on it because if I want to get a blade that expensive, I want to know how it feels first because that's the most important in playing.


@Stanny have you used Tenergy 05 and 80 on this blade? I just tried tenergy 05 on my FH and 80 on my BH for the first time on my HL5 and boy am I in love with tenergy rubbers lol

Tenergy 05 seemed too bouncy, felt crazy fast on fast strokes (faster than MX-P) and has less control especially when receiving spiny serves, the ball would pop-up too much for my liking and if I felt it doesn't allow you to feel the ball that well, which is my playing style. Whereas, when I tried tenergy 80 on my FH I felt it had amazing control and it felt like I couldn't miss a single shot and it had great spin but it felt a bit slow (slower than 05 definitely but also slower than MX-P).

I will try these rubbers more in the upcoming week to decide which rubber I should keep on my FH.

I had Tenergy 05 on my backhand and it is bouncy when you start engaging the sponge. I twiddle it on my forehand when I'm making powerful smashes because Hurricane is not good for smashing. The forehand loops are devastating and pairs quite well with the HL5. Close to the net shots were a bit hard to control especially when the ball clips the net and gets some extra spin. Ball will always fly out even when I close my angle when I try to hit it flat. It's a bit more accurate when I add spin by using a flick but not as accurate as I would like. Touchplay is really good, especially for serve receives but sometimes like you say, it can be hard to feel the ball. In general I like t05 for the FH because of the loops and touchplay in keeping the ball low but BH is quite a nightmare. Only thing good about the BH is the touch play shots and BH flicks (although flicks can be challenging as well since I don't feel the grip that well on the plastic ball). Opening BH loop is pretty inconsistent compared to lots of rubbers I used. And the feel isn't as prominent as I would like as you have mentioned. I've recently just changed my BH to andro rasant grip which is slightly heavier but this is increased feel. I had the rubber cut 1-2 mm wider than the head size and the weight changed from 183g to 187g. Touchplay is really good, even better than tenergy 05 in my opinion. The grip on the ball is incredible, my opening BH flicks are nice and low and my opening BH loop percentage has went up considerably (I'd say from like 20-30% to like 70-80% which was what it was when I was playing with my other rackets). Only downside is after the first loop I gotta remember to flick or add spin to the ball a bit when it comes back otherwise it hits the top of the net. Still working on this with my coach but my coach says it's a big improvement. Still in the honeymoon phase, so I got to play a bit more to see if I really like it, but so far so good. The control is very good. Only cons I would say is the heavy weight, the spin sensitivity (people have mentioned this, but I don't see it as a problem), and the low arc (pairs well with the HL5 which has the catapult effect, so it evens out).

Tenergy 80, I have it on my viscaria as a BH but I have used it on the FH when I've twiddled the racket. T80 in my opinion has a lot of control, way better than T05. Spin is slightly weaker so if your FH loop is very spin dominant, you might not have much power. I like the T80 more for flat hitting and it has just enough grip to get my BH flicks done but not as much as T05. Pushes and touchplay are good as well.


Thanks for your detailed reply, it seems both of us have similar review of tenergy 05 and 80 on this blade. I am going to try it for another week and then if I don't see any improvement, I will switch back to MX-P and EL-P/EL-S and use the tenergy on my Viscaria or YEO 7 Power, which are slower than this blade and see if that improves the game play.

Will update in a few days :)



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.net