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Handcrafted Blades by Ross Leidy |
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tabten5 
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Joined: 01/30/2012 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 420 |
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 Posted: 03/16/2014 at 8:23pm |
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Happy to throw my hat in the ring. It's nearly the end of the season here, for both local and British League, so I can do some testing without compromising matches. I'm a former England top 5, and would confidently guess I'm over 2200 in US terms. I'll even do a video! 
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T05 2.1 | VISCARIA | T64 1.9
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Ross Leidy
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Joined: 10/13/2011 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 402 |
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Posted: 03/17/2014 at 2:24pm |
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tabten5 - the blade is currently out for another eval, but when it returns we can discuss this further. Thanks!
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ChrisUK
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Joined: 05/17/2013 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 40 |
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Posted: 03/18/2014 at 10:42am |
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I thought I'd provide a brief update after playing a few games with my new blade (pictured on the previous page). It’s always a little nerve-wracking pulling out a new blade in a league match, but I've always found that it's just best to go straight into battle and try not to think too much about things.
For the record, the very first blade Ross made me and this latest blade are of the same construction - Two layers of white ash either side of a kiri core. The first blade Ross made for me towards the end of 2011 and this blade was made a couple of weeks ago. However, using the same woods and the same dimensions, Ross has managed to shave almost 10g off the weight of the blade - The first blade was 93.1g and the latest is 83.8g. Overall (with rubbers on) the old blade is 156g and the new blade is 144g. So fairly light! This drop in weight is noticeable, especially when looping and flicking the wrist. It's just a lot easier with the new blade due to the lighter weight. Next, the drop in weight may have something to do with the difference in feel between the two. When the ball made impact on the old blade, it felt soft and dull. On the new blade you feel more vibration through the handle and can feel the ball on the blade a lot better. It feels more direct and positive, which leads to improved control. Quite simply it feels as if I can place the ball with much more accuracy onto the table. Finally (and I don't know why it is) but the spin I can generate is off the chart! I used to get a lot of spin with my old blade but this one is just crazy. I've played two long pip players with it over the past few days and normally when I loop, they would chop the ball back loaded with backspin. Well when looping with this blade, their chops either fly off the end of the table, or fly up high (some were flying up so high they were hitting the ceiling!). I can only put this increase in spin down to two things which are the lighter weight allowing me to "whip" the blade when making contact with the ball and the newer and lighter kiri core that Ross is now using. I’ll say this now, I have NEVER had this amount of control and spin EVER!! Not from any other blade! So a big thank you to Ross is due for making such a fantastic blade and of all the blades I've had from him, it is by the far the best yet.
Edited by ChrisUK - 03/18/2014 at 11:08am |
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The Twiddler
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jrscatman
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Joined: 10/19/2008 Status: Offline Points: 4585 |
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Posted: 04/09/2014 at 2:24pm |
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You're actually going to play with it? It's a work of art as usual. Can't wait for the review - hope your chosen combination will perform to your expectations. If not it can always be a display piece.
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Butterfly MPS
FH: Donic Acuda S1 BH: Palio CK531A OX |
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stiltt
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Joined: 07/15/2007 Location: Location Status: Offline Points: 1006 |
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Posted: 04/09/2014 at 6:53pm |
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yes I will; I always use wilson tennis grip that adds 4 grams to the handle and covers all of it including the thumb rest. also I am not a collector; more like a user; at least I want to be.
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Tassie52
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Joined: 10/09/2010 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 1318 |
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Posted: 04/09/2014 at 7:17pm |
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fatt, you're going to cover that handle?!?! I'm sorry, but I think that qualifies as a crime against humanity.
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stiltt
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Posted: 04/09/2014 at 7:32pm |
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I just want to play with the blade and I do protect the handle on all of them. Here the 3 fingers grip over the bulge covered with tennis grip will be so efficient for bananattacking short serves.
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asimriz
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Joined: 02/13/2010 Location: Lahore, PK Status: Offline Points: 317 |
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Posted: 04/11/2014 at 2:01pm |
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WOW JUST WOW ! I've heard Ross' name for quite a while now but I've only recently looked at his. Yes I've been living under a rock
 What can I say, this is true talent. Nuff said ! |
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Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed (FL)
FH: Tibhar Evolution MX-P (max) BH: Nittaku Fastarc S-1 (max) Donic Epox Powercarbon (FL) FH: Andro Rasant Turbo (max) BH: Nittaku Fastarc C-1 (max) |
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asimriz
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Joined: 02/13/2010 Location: Lahore, PK Status: Offline Points: 317 |
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Posted: 04/11/2014 at 2:40pm |
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Simply beautiful & exquisite (tear rolls down one eye) |
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Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed (FL)
FH: Tibhar Evolution MX-P (max) BH: Nittaku Fastarc S-1 (max) Donic Epox Powercarbon (FL) FH: Andro Rasant Turbo (max) BH: Nittaku Fastarc C-1 (max) |
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Magic_M
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Joined: 05/31/2012 Location: Germany Status: Offline Points: 2219 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 5:20am |
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I think, it`s time to present my two new Ross Leidy blades.
 I have played with three Ross Leidy blades up to now. All of them were looking wonderful, but they were also a bit too bouncy for my game. So I decided to choose a composition, which shouldl be a bit stiffer and with more control. I contacted Ross and we decided to use amapa (similar to koto) with an ayous core. That`s a funny composition, because up to now I thought, "triple A" (AAA) would be the highest ranking. Now we have a new leader: a "Quintuple-A" blade (Amapa - Amapa - Ayous - Amapa - Amapa).   Of course such a blade needs a fine handle. I told Ross, that it should look a bit classic, but also very special and after some emails we found a very good combination of "turquoise blue maple burl" with a stripe of "quilted maple".  Now I am proud to present the wonderful result: my new Ross Leidy Emerald    Of course it`s a long journey from US to Germany and the Emerald would be very lonely all the time. The solution was clear: another blade should go with Emerald.  One of the best 5-ply-blades ever (in my eyes) is the Nittaku Violin. It is one of the blades, which I will never sell. I like the white ash outer veneer. Besides the Violin I also own a Violoncello (with a bigger head) and a Nexy Lissom (7-ply). When I noticed the Violoncello-clone of "ChrisUK", I decided, to get my own Violin-clone, but with a more normal head (15,8 x 15,2 cm like Tenor or Latika).  The handle should also get the "stripe-look" from the Emerald, but with less contrast. We choosed a combination of "birdseye maple" with a stripe of "mopani".  Another wonderful blade is born: the Ross Leidy Viola    Now I am waiting nervously for the arrival of these beauties. I don`t know, if one of them will become my main playing-blade, but one thing is sure: both will be a highlight in my showcase. Thanks again Ross for a perfect service, great craftsmanship and a very nice contact.
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Tassie52
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Joined: 10/09/2010 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 1318 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 5:29am |
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Yummy! As stunning as the blue maple is, I love both the quilted and the birdseye maple. Spectacular work, and I hope that Emerald gives you the control you're looking for.
Nice work, Magic_M and Ross.
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Toprank
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Joined: 02/05/2011 Location: Ventura CA Status: Offline Points: 481 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 10:32am |
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Both blades are amazing! What is the wood composition of the Viola? Both handles are off the charts.
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CURRENT BLADE- Ross Leidy White Lightning
FH- Haifu Blue Whale II BH- Xiom Vega Europe |
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Magic_M
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Joined: 05/31/2012 Location: Germany Status: Offline Points: 2219 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 11:33am |
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The composition of the Viola is the original composition of Nittaku Violin:
white ash - white ash - kiri - white ash - white ash
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kakapo
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Joined: 02/24/2013 Location: Mordor Status: Offline Points: 3430 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 5:02pm |
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The Emerald is really beautiful !!!
If it plays as well as it is nice, it can be a wonder blade
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ChrisUK
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Joined: 05/17/2013 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 40 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 5:48pm |
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Stunning work from Ross and great blades Magic_M.
I can tell you that my Violin clone is the best blade Ross has ever made me. I have also owned a Nittaku Violin and Violoncello and Ross' blade surpasses them in terms of control, spin and feel. Ross' blades don't just look good, then play really well as well!! |
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The Twiddler
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emihet
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Joined: 09/22/2009 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 2315 |
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Posted: 04/12/2014 at 7:20pm |
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nice blades, what are the weights and thicknesses of the blades?
thanks Edited by emihet - 04/12/2014 at 7:24pm |
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Viscaria, Ma Long 5, Old Clippers, BTY Ovtcharov and Various Custom blades
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Magic_M
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Posted: 04/13/2014 at 2:14am |
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That`s a question for Ross, because I am still waiting for these beauties.
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liulin04
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Joined: 10/20/2003 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 6344 |
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Posted: 04/13/2014 at 2:17am |
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wow, excellent work on the Emerald Ross!!! Superb job on the Viola as well!!!
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stiltt
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Joined: 07/15/2007 Location: Location Status: Offline Points: 1006 |
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Posted: 04/17/2014 at 2:00am |
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I have never played that well since i started. All my self confidence is back. I tought i was done and going down and here i am probably at my best level ever.
Ok...stopping smoking a pack a day (3 weeks 100% free) plus getting rid 100% of the booze 6 months ago helped a lot but can't explain it all. The hard outer ply for the rhyzm max does wonders, especially in opening loops. The hits v. Backspin are back and better than ever. That was my bread n butter...IT'S BACK!!! Finally the cheap lkt rapid speed gives super stable bh shots. Needless to say i got a winner. I feel a bit lucky even though the idea made sense. The vase handle is also a great choice for bh loops and bananas. Highly recommended. Thanks Ross. |
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t64t64t64
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Joined: 06/13/2013 Location: Europe Status: Offline Points: 838 |
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Posted: 04/17/2014 at 4:39am |
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I am always excited when i read Fatt toughts.
I feel happy for you man,hope you will finally found your soulpeace and now you are relief. |
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http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61764&PID=734709
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Ross Leidy
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Joined: 10/13/2011 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 402 |
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Posted: 04/17/2014 at 1:44pm |
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I'm glad to hear that your scheming paid off! Best of luck with the new blade. |
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debraj
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Joined: 06/04/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3369 |
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Posted: 04/17/2014 at 2:30pm |
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i will never be able to ross leidy blades. they are such work of art.. i will freak out worrying about hitting them against table.
So anybody serves mid-short... i can never attack that shot... even though the blades i understand could be excellent in looping and driving. 
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regiz.rugenz
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Joined: 09/25/2013 Location: San Jose, CA. Status: Offline Points: 461 |
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Posted: 04/17/2014 at 3:45pm |
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likewise, I won't be able to pull off the rubber of it if I ever gonna stick one in worries of splintering those veneers.. hence, for a serious player, a blade tailored to him is unique and regards it as his priciest possession.
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Regiz°ᆗ
Rosewood_Carbon/Huricane_King °FH:Vega_Japan/T64FX °BH:OmegaV_Euro/Rasant °°°° |
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jrscatman
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Joined: 10/19/2008 Status: Offline Points: 4585 |
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Posted: 04/18/2014 at 7:14am |
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Ross,
Is making the handle the most complex part of the blade construction? How much time does it take make the handles compared to the total blade? These handles just look amazing!
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Butterfly MPS
FH: Donic Acuda S1 BH: Palio CK531A OX |
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Ross Leidy
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Joined: 10/13/2011 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 402 |
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Posted: 04/18/2014 at 10:43am |
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Most definitely the handle is where I spend the majority of the time - even on simpler ones. I'd estimate it's at least 70% of the time - even more on complex handles. |
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spinitgood
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Joined: 01/01/2014 Location: Switzerland Status: Offline Points: 30 |
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Posted: 04/26/2014 at 2:48pm |
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I am now in the Ross Leidy Experience club. The
initiation is nearly complete and was composed of everything from the
agonizing 4 month wait (from the first e-mail to receiving the blade),
the discussion of every detail, the regular update pictures as the blade
is being made, and, of course, the handsome looking finished blade!
The
goal was to try to recreate a Joola Fetzner Carat, which I used to play
with in the 90s. The only info we had about the blade was its wood
composition (mahogany, mahogany, spruce, mahogany, mahogany) and that it
was rated as OFF-. Spruce cores were not something that Ross had tried
but he was intrigued and agreed to go ahead with it. He could find a
cheap source of spruce and we were on our way. Ross went out of his way to first build an experimental blade
to have a feel for how thick the core should be and tried it out himself
before he even got started on mine. This is definitely what I call
service! I will let him comment on the experimental blade (which also
looks fantastic). For mine, we ended up settling on a 3.5mm thick core
(.3mm thicker than the experimental blade for enhanced speed). I
could not decide on the handle and so I got different designs for the 2
sides. The handle turned out to be the most difficult set of decisions
to make! The blade is in the mail and I should get it Monday or Tuesday. I should be able to try it later this week and will definitely post a review. Here are some pictures:
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Toprank
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Joined: 02/05/2011 Location: Ventura CA Status: Offline Points: 481 |
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Posted: 05/02/2014 at 10:31am |
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My first Ross Leidy Blade is completed. I can't wait to play with it.
Composition is outer ply is port ordford cedar: 1mm medial ply is Alaskan yellow cedar : 0.7mm core ply Kiri: 2.9mm Handle- Hawaiian Koa (gloss) Lightning Bolt- American Holly Blade Name- "White Lightning"    
Edited by Toprank - 05/02/2014 at 11:28am |
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CURRENT BLADE- Ross Leidy White Lightning
FH- Haifu Blue Whale II BH- Xiom Vega Europe |
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Tassie52
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Joined: 10/09/2010 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 1318 |
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Posted: 05/02/2014 at 6:42pm |
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Woohoo! Way to go! Now we're really pushing the master craftsman.
How do you expect the blade to play? Weight? |
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liulin04
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Joined: 10/20/2003 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 6344 |
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Posted: 05/02/2014 at 7:04pm |
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white lightning, insane. This must be Zeus' paddle! You must be pretty brave to steal Zeus' blade.
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Toprank
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Joined: 02/05/2011 Location: Ventura CA Status: Offline Points: 481 |
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Posted: 05/02/2014 at 8:09pm |
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The blade I'm hoping plays about off- but we'll see. It came in at 81.3 grams according to ross. I haven't got it yet. The dimensions are 156 x 149 I believe. I wanted something different hence the lightning bolt. Kind of a thought of mine from the movie the Natural and wonder boy bat. I've been a fan of hinoki carbon blades and wanted the POC and the AYC top and medial plies. There supposed to be hinoki like. I'll be throwing Haifu Blue Whale on the FH and Acuda S2 on the backhand when I get it. |
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CURRENT BLADE- Ross Leidy White Lightning
FH- Haifu Blue Whale II BH- Xiom Vega Europe |
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