OSP Carbon Test / Reviews

Maybe the other members should use these 3 mails we have recomended. They may be helped.

this is the e-mail that I am contacting with them.

Are we not emailing the same person/shop?  What's causing these inconsistencies?

Really strange guys...I have only possitive things sto say about Lazlo and Robert. 

Hoping the two huge orders means two online vendors will soon have stock.  Can't find OSP products in stock anywhere anymore.

Turbulent times, my friend. Hope to see you soon.

It's not that simple. Tennis woodwork artists do not grow on the trees of Hungary.

OSP is here and alive. They are so bussy the last 3 months cause of 2 huge orders. When I say huge, I mean huge! No one was answering me, but after almost a month, they logged in to their e-mail and they answered me that they are so busy due to these 2 big orders, so this was the reason for not answering me. Also, I put an order and they told me if I can wait, and I told them that I can wait for my order till February, there is no problem from me. I am not in hurry, so I can wait till they will be finished from these 2 big orders, and then make my blade. Try to e-mail them again friend, they are here! 

typus wrote: Dears, Blade is still in brand new condition ready for shipment, if owner and high rated members not have complaitns, I will send to mttgfg next week. Best regrds,

I have no objections. It's Greece after all and we are all good neighbors and friends in table tennis.

Hi , i em interested in this blade and i would like to test it if possible.
So if typus is the last one who had it for test, he can send it to me if its ok.
Thank you.

typus wrote: Imago wrote: typus wrote: Dear Imago, please inform me are is blade available after you, we are neighbors.   It's only now that I had the chance to really hit with Expert Carbon. If there is no other candidate before typus - and Peter C agrees - I would be glad to send it, or even bring it to Serbia.   As much I was seduced by Martin Carbon for its power, speed and feel, it's probably Expert Carbon that can take a central place in my heart.   I tried it first with some old T05 and Xiom Vega Pro and it was bad. Then I have put an old H3 Nat on FH and a newer T05 on BH - and it was like Christmas wonder. Controlled power at its best. Dear Imago, many thanks for info, if blade still in your hand we will wait for Peter C replay, and continue conversation by pm... Of course, if you want visit me in Serbia, you are welcome !!! Dear Peter C, can you inform us do you agree with this proposal, or somebody else is before me in line.

Many thanks for all...

Imago wrote: typus wrote: Dear Imago, please inform me are is blade available after you, we are neighbors.   It's only now that I had the chance to really hit with Expert Carbon. If there is no other candidate before typus - and Peter C agrees - I would be glad to send it, or even bring it to Serbia.   As much I was seduced by Martin Carbon for its power, speed and feel, it's probably Expert Carbon that can take a central place in my heart.   I tried it first with some old T05 and Xiom Vega Pro and it was bad. Then I have put an old H3 Nat on FH and a newer T05 on BH - and it was like Christmas wonder. Controlled power at its best.

lakatos

Before testing the Expert Carbon; the answer would have been the Expert.

I still rate the Expert very highly; however; my choice has changed in recent weeks because I've been playing regularly with the Ultimate and I recognise that my clubmates were right, when they pointed out I play better with the Ultimate, with TG2 Neo and TG3 Neo.


 

OSP Expert Carbon

Weight               : 89 grams
Handle               : Flared
Blade Face Size : Same as the Expert; i.e., 160mm x 151mm
Blade thickness : Same as the Expert; around 5.4mm

Blades used as reference points  :

1) a 90 gram Expert with an anatomical handle.
2) a 94 gram Ultimate, with a rounded straight handle.

Rubbers used for testing the Expert Carbon alongside the Expert :

2.15mm TG3 Neo on the forehand and 2mm Genius on the backhand; on both blades.

Construction

The Carbon layers on the Expert Carbon, are placed around the centre ply and the combined thickness of the carbon layers and core; look about the same thickness, as the centre ply of the Expert. The medial and outer plies also look about the same thickness on both blades too; thus producing two blades of around 5.4mm in thickness.

When doing a bounce test on both blades; the Expert Carbon has a slightly higher frequency than the Expert, indicating that it's a faster and stiffer blade, than the Expert.

Throw :

As expected from the bounce test; the Expert is the flexier blade of the two and it has a higher throw when you engage the blade's catapult effect; when playing topspin shots from mid distance.

Likewise; the Expert has a shorter trajectory length when playing counter topspin shots from mid distance because of the power inherent within the carbon layers of the Expert Carbon, kicks in when you play bigger strokes away from the table.

Speed :

The carbon layers give the Expert Carbon a bit more speed and a bit less dwell time too. Of the two blades; the Expert Carbon would be my suggestion for players who like to attack at the top of the bounce, close to the table.

Short Game :

I didn't have any problems keeping the ball low on service returns with either blade; however, the Expert does have the lower first gear and hence is slightly easier to control.

The stiffer nature of the Expert Carbon made it good for playing flicked service returns.

Spin variation within a game :

Due to the better dwell time; the Expert is easier to play spin variations with.

Rubber Choices :

I felt that 2mm Genius worked well on both blades; however, I preferred 2mm Blitz on the Expert.

Expert Carbon v Ultimate

Both blades are 7 ply; however, the Expert Carbon is a 5.4mm blade with 2 Carbon layers; whereas the Ultimate is a 5.9mm wooden 7 ply blade.

Using TG3 Neo as a reference point; I'd say the Ultimate is the slightly faster/stiffer blade of the two.

Whilst the Ultimate is recommended for a close to mid distance game; I don't have any problems playing long distance with it. And I didn't have any problems playing long distance with the Expert Carbon either; however, I preferred 2mm Genius on the forehand when playing with the Expert Carbon from that distance. 

Conclusion :

I would still recommend the Expert for players who like playing away from the table because it works well from that range; whereas, I feel the Expert Carbon is a better choice for playing a close to mid distance game instead.

The Ultimate likewise is a good choice for the close to mid distance game, as well.

Handle choices :

Of the three handles on the OSP blades mentioned above; I prefer the rounded straight handle on the Ultimate and anatomical handle on the Expert; as both fit more naturally in the palm of my hand; than the flared handle on the Expert Carbon.

Don't get me wrong; the OSP flared handle is a comfortable handle and I've no doubt that players who like flared handles; will find it one of the better flared handles on the market.

Edited by Peter C - 08/21/2013 at 7:08pm