Same thickness 3+2 vs 5+2

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   What general differences are to be expected of 3+2 vs. 5+2 constructions, all other things being as equal as possible like overall thickness (not much value comparing a 7mm 3+2 against a 6mm 5+2...), ply types, weight?
I tried a thick 3+2 for the first time (Gambler Vector Hinoki, 6.9mm ZLC) and the first impression was eye opening. Very powerful, easy power that you don't have to work for, which was kind of fun, and I think I learned that I like Hinoki top which gave me good touch. But engage the core too much and look out because it can be explosive. I looked and it seems like thick 6.8mm-7.1mm is the classic 3+2 construction, usually Hinoki outer, almost every brand has one like this, way too many such blades to list. I adjusted pretty quickly and was playing well with it but I have a feeling something slightly more modest in thickness would still have plenty of power.

Lower in thickness there are still some 3+2 options (Donic Waldner Legend Carbon 6.3mm C, Xiom Ignito 6.4mm C, TSP Hino-Carbon Power 6.5mm C, Joola Rosskopf Force), and of course infinite 5+2 options.

I am speculating that even at lower, similar thicknesses, 3+2 is still probably a little more extreme in "modes" given the relatively bigger core, with 5+2 being more predictable overall but not as explosive. I also don't know what I am talking about. Anyone with decent experience with both?

Edited by Eric Fountain - 11/18/2020 at 3:20pm

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Eric Fountain Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Super Member Joined: 12/07/2013 Location: Portland, OR Status: Offline Points: 135	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eric Fountain Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Same thickness 3+2 vs 5+2 Posted: 11/16/2020 at 6:38am
	What general differences are to be expected of 3+2 vs. 5+2 constructions, all other things being as equal as possible like overall thickness (not much value comparing a 7mm 3+2 against a 6mm 5+2...), ply types, weight? I tried a thick 3+2 for the first time (Gambler Vector Hinoki, 6.9mm ZLC) and the first impression was eye opening. Very powerful, easy power that you don't have to work for, which was kind of fun, and I think I learned that I like Hinoki top which gave me good touch. But engage the core too much and look out because it can be explosive. I looked and it seems like thick 6.8mm-7.1mm is the classic 3+2 construction, usually Hinoki outer, almost every brand has one like this, way too many such blades to list. I adjusted pretty quickly and was playing well with it but I have a feeling something slightly more modest in thickness would still have plenty of power. Lower in thickness there are still some 3+2 options (Donic Waldner Legend Carbon 6.3mm C, Xiom Ignito 6.4mm C, TSP Hino-Carbon Power 6.5mm C, Joola Rosskopf Force), and of course infinite 5+2 options. I am speculating that even at lower, similar thicknesses, 3+2 is still probably a little more extreme in "modes" given the relatively bigger core, with 5+2 being more predictable overall but not as explosive. I also don't know what I am talking about. Anyone with decent experience with both? Edited by Eric Fountain - 11/18/2020 at 3:20pm

Sponsored Links

Makelele Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Super Member Joined: 11/28/2009 Status: Offline Points: 416	Post Options Post Reply Quote Makelele Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11/18/2020 at 12:47pm
	Interesting topic. Looking forward to some replies.

obesechopper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Member Joined: 04/20/2011 Status: Offline Points: 839	Post Options Post Reply Quote obesechopper Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11/18/2020 at 3:02pm
	I have some custom blades, right around the 6.4mm mark. One is 3+2 and the other is 5+2. The 5+2 is slightly thicker overall (due to cutting discrepancies) and weighs 10 grams more than the 3+2. The 5+2 is stiffer and more crisp, along with being faster.

stiltt Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Assistant Admin Joined: 07/15/2007 Location: Location Status: Online Points: 1005	Post Options Post Reply Quote stiltt Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11/18/2020 at 3:35pm
	I have great memories from the Tibhar H-3-9 that was a beast. I can't imagine how fast and fun it would be with an additional 2 composite plies. With as many factors remaining the same (weight, thickness are the main ones), I would expect a bit more flex and catapult from the 3+2, especially if the cores are the same and the 4 plies in the 5+2 are all twice thinner than the outer plies of the 3+2. The 5+2 would be stiffer just because more cross grain gluing is involved.
	sales - feedback

ashishsharmaait Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Member Joined: 02/27/2013 Location: India Status: Offline Points: 914	Post Options Post Reply Quote ashishsharmaait Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11/19/2020 at 1:29am
	3+2 has a little more flex compared to the 5+2. That is mostly because of the glue and the cross layering. In my experience, a 5+2 is easier to play and is more linear. A 5+2 ALC construction in the 5.7-6.1mm range would probably be a good balance between flex and stiffness. With ZLC a but thinner would be better.