Ulmo Rosewood Carbon

Blade type : 5 ply + 2 soft carbon

Construction  : Rosewood - Spruce - Soft Carbon - Samba -  Soft Carbon - Spruce - Rosewood



Thickness : around 5.5mm

Weight : 95 grams

My initial impression of the Rosewood Carbon was; it's heavier than I usually use, but a nice looking blade and thanks to Uli buying in new machinery earlier this year; built to a higher standard, than my older Ulmo blades.

The previous blades I'm referring to are the original version of the Ebenholz Off-, the Abachi Seven and Abachi Spin. All three of these blades are still built to a decent standard and more importantly, they all play well.

As such, I was expecting this blade to play well too.



The Rosewood Carbon feels stiffer than its stablemate; the new 5.5mm thick Ebenholz Off- and it's the faster blade of the two, as you would expect.

With the soft carbon layers being around the Samba core, the Rosewood Carbon shares the same design philosophy as the Donic Waldner Senso Carbon blades and it has a woodier feel than carbon blades, whose carbon layers are under the outer ply.

During testing, I've used various rubbers : 2.2mm 39% H2, 2.15mm 39% H2 Neo, 2mm Blitz, 2mm 47.5% Macro Era and 2mm 35% Moon. Of the rubbers I've used in testing; H2 and Moon are the two I prefer on this blade.

Serves :

Good spin as you would expect with H2 and H2 Neo. Also good spin with 35% Moon as well.

Service return :

No problems with H2 or Moon; but a bit tricker with Blitz, as it's a bit bouncier than the other two. The Ebenholz Off-, with its better control is more suited to Blitz, in this area of the game.

Dwell time and Control:

Dwell time is good for an offensive blade; but it certainly isn't as good as the Ebenholz Off-; which is understandable, as that's an offensive minus with better dwell time and more control.

Looping :

This blade is better for mid-to long distance looping, due to the longer length throw; whereas the Ebenholz Off- with it's better dwell time, is better for over the table and close to the table looping.

Despite H2 Neo being a faster and spinnier rubber than H2; I found myself looping more consistently  with H2 on the Rosewood Carbon and I also found it much easier to add sidespin to loops too.

As I've also played with H2 Neo and H2 on the new Ebenholz Off- as well and got exactly the same results; I've come to the conclusion that I actually prefer playing with H2, as it's spin/ speed ratio and tackier topsheet; seem to suit my game better.

Although I haven't used H3 Neo or TG3 Neo on the Rosewood Carbon, I suspect they will be a better choice on the blade, than H2 Neo.

2mm 35% Moon makes this rubber a good choice for controlled looping on the Rosewood Carbon and it's easier to loop closer to the table with this rubber too.

Smashing :

The Ebenholz Off- is good, but the Rosewood Carbon is even better. The power of the Rosewood Carbon when smashing with H2 is very impressive.

Blocking :

It's stiff enough to be a good blocking blade.

Chopping :

Being an offensive blade, it's not a shot I would normally think of playing with this type of blade; but it can be done; if you're away from the table. Because the Ebenholz Off- is slower and easier to control; it is a better choice for this shot.

Minor issue :
 
I got some minor splintering when changing rubbers, on one of the new Ebenholz's. To prevent any more splintering, I've put two thin coats of Joola blade varnish on the blade and that's solved the problem.  As a precautionary measure; I've also put two thin coats of Joola blade varnish on the Rosewood Carbon and the other Ebenholz Off-, as well.


Summary

Prior to buying the first Ebenholz, I already had two Ulmo blades the Abachi Seven and Abachi Spin. Whilst neither blade is as well finished as the Rosewood Carbon or newer Ebenholz; one thing they don't lack is good performance and the Abachi Spin with 2mm 47.5% Macro Era; is one of the best bats I've play with.

The original 6.2mm Ebenholz I like too and it was good enough to impress two clubmates, for them to order one for themselves. However, I've found the newer 5.5mm Ebenholz performs just as well with H2; whilst it plays better with 2mm Blitz, than the original version.

And finally coming to the Rosewood Carbon, this is a well made blade, that performs well like Uli's other blades. I'm pleased to see the better build quality and I like its performance; but would i choose the Rosewood Carbon over the Ebenholz Off-?

The answer is I still prefer the new Ebenholz overall because I find it a more versatile for my game; however, I would still be happy to play with the Rosewood Carbon, with a suitable rubber choice.

For example; with a hard Chinese rubber like 2.2mm 39% H2; I like it's performance on the Rosewood Carbon.

I prefer H2 Neo on the Rosewood Carbon, as I was disappointed with the performance of H2 Neo on the Ebenholz; which was surprising considering i really like H2 on that blade. My two clubmates who bought the Ebenholz off-, also felt the same way about H2 Neo on the Ebenholz, as well.

In the case of 2mm Blitz; however, I would pick the Ebenholz off-, as that's a better combination for me.

Overall I think the Rosewood Carbon is a good offensive blade; however like any offensive carbon blade, it is a bit fussier when it comes to pairing it up with suitable rubbers.

I missed this review the first time. Peter you sure ej a lot!