BF: Balsacarbo X5

LeeMc wrote: I think it's a brilliant blade, but I haven't used many blades long term so that probably doesn't count for a lot.� It's very light (I think mine weighs about 75g) and has great control and speed.� I have it paired with Bryce Speed and Bryce Speed FX, both of which are quite light also, and the overall balance of the bat is brilliant, having both great speed and good control.� I definately intend to stick with it.I've had pretty much the exact same experience as benfb, after about three months of use the plys began to split (just out of no where, didn't bang it or anything), and there was soon a gaping crack in the side of the blade; every ball I hit that even came close to that side of the bat didn't land on the other side of the table.� I tried to glue it back together but it split again, even worse, a couple of weeks later.� I asked people on this site if they had ever heard of such a thing and apparently it's because carbon layers are extremely fragile, but unfortunately most non-experts aren't warned about this before buying such blades.� I also contacted the site I got it from but didn't even get a reply, so decided to get another one, except this time I varnished it (as advised), which seals the layers of ply, I put 4 coats all over the blade, including the sides of the handle, and it's been perfect ever since (which is about 8 months now).� I definately recommend this blade, but either get it varnished (most sites offer this service) or varnish it yourself, otherwise I'd bet on it splitting in half.

I had the exact same experience with my x5. I did'nt know about sealing at the time and glued my rubbers on without much thought. Once i pulled them off the top ply split away. Got myself a new one about a month back and used sanding sealer this time. No problems yet but i have banged it once already and it really dents it hehe

mwyatt wrote: I had the exact same experience with my x5. I did'nt know about sealing at the time and glued my rubbers on without much thought. Once i pulled them off the top ply split away. Got myself a new one about a month back and used sanding sealer this time. No problems yet but i have banged it once already and it really dents it hehe

Next time (or you can even do it right away) you can start with taking a small tube of superglue and covering the edge of the blade with it - thick layer or two which then can be sanded down if it does not look too pretty (after it hardens completely, of course). That will really help with edge protection - especially if you pair it with some edge tape.

Hi. My question is that i am using joola mambo MAX on both sides withVOC, and i read that mambo doesnt work with it 100% only half. Is this True? If it is what wolud you recommend to put on?

If I only buy one blade this year it will be one of these. I have the similar TSP 6.5 but I've read a few reviews that suggest the Balsacarbo might be slightly better again so it's worth a test :)

How does it compare to ishlion?

thanks henriqo!

The X5 is made in china, and the quality control is an issue with this blade.  It does not come presealed from the factory.  I find that the speed is a very low OFF- at best.  This blade can not be compared to a TBS or similar in terms of quality or playability.  I do have one and played with it long enough to realize you need a very fast rubber if you play an offensive game.  Could I play with it if I had to.... Yes.  Would I consider buying it again.... Nope.

So having tried other blade like the TSP 6.5 I have decided to stay with BCX5  because of the control that it gives.