Avalox P500

Coming from Alpha (the old version I guess), P500 will be closer in speed.  SPW is much faster (compared to Alpha), yet not as fast as some rigid carbon blades.

P500 is a classic.

Talking about Samsonov SGS, the new Samsonov Alpha (new version, non-SGS) with blue handle, IS EXACTLY the same as SGS-version, without the sponge.

I mean, both have bigger head and a bit thicker (new version Alpha and Alpha SGS).

By the way, you can't go wrong with either Alpha and P500.

Most all blades can splinter, they need sealing especially when new. Sorry to hear your experience with the P500. Blade selection is a very subjective matter indeed. I have owned over a 100 blades over the decades of all compositions and find the P500 an excellent looping blade with great control for the amount of speed reserves it has. I find it is better with medium to hard sponges. More than enough speed to finish the point. I think it was more than the blade that made you want to stop playing the sport. LOL.

I'd suggest BT555 which is an upgrade on p500, better for plastic ball it think

rocketman222 wrote: I'd suggest BT555 which is an upgrade on p500, better for plastic ball it think

I second this, as I just decided to switch back to BT555. The 2 blades are different however -- the P500 plays quicker, sharper, more linearand your feel more spin while at the table. My 1st BT555 I gave up playing ling ago and sold to my friend. I had not developed my strokes and felt that it was a slow blade. After testing it out again, I had   To go out and buy another one.   This blade is the same as Dicon but woth more solid handle and a 'damper' feelt. It is the same as the new Donic Waldner Limited but not the egg-shape construction (a disadvantagr to sweet-spot in this thickness, i.e. 5.8mm). I feel the BT555 is just flexy and sharp enough to loop well with it, yet firm and with enough dwell to drive balls. Try driving balls with the P500 and you lose control with the high throw. The BT555 can take the ball early or late with good control. The P500 prefers an active player, who's customarily in good position relative to the ball for an early or (at the top of bounce) full loop swing. (Maybe I should put a review in the BT555 thread).

arg0 wrote: I'm getting interested in the 555 after having tried and liked a Donic Waldner Limited. I liked the playing characteristics of the Waldner a lot, not so the oval ST handle and I'm also not particularly fond of the JO shape. I suppose BT555 would be a good alternative. Do you have it in ST or FL? I hope the ST handle is not thin...

Played with the 555 before. It's SUPER flexible. This can be good or bad depending on your taste. When I was at a lower skill level, I had trouble receiving spins because the blade was so reactive.

I found that the Pen handle was too thin for me that's why I switched to a Stiga blade. But I borrowed an ST version of the 777 and had a few hits with it. I'd say the ST version is pretty thick, certainly thicker than the Chinese-made FL handles. You should consider the 777 as well since the wood is considerably flexy anyway.

TT newbie wrote: If you want a backup 5-ply blade there are cheaper options with excellent quality. I would go to Xiom Offensive S ($36) or even cheaper DHS Power G8 ($30).

Thanks, I'm aware there are many good inexpensive 5-ply blades.
In this case I was especially looking for an alternative blade with similar construction to the Donic JO Limited (which I got for €30), that is LSASL*. I was particularly interested in the spruce middle ply.
The Xiom Offensive S is LAAAL
Couldn't find the composition of DHS Power G8, but looks like it has Anigre outer plies.

But you're right, the BT555 is more expensive than other blades with similar construction. I may try Stiga Offensive Classic (LSASL), which is however slightly thinner and thus flexier. I have already tried Nittaku Latika (LSASL) and did not find it great for my style (bit too fast, stiff, and head-heavy).

*:
L=Limba
A=Ayous
S=Spruce

Thanks. Dicon is also from Donic and has the same handle. As to Yinhe's Earth series: afaik they only produce them in FL and CPEN. That has also stopped me from getting their white-ash-outer Earth blade (E-4?).

Re1Mu2R3 wrote: arg0 wrote: I'm getting interested in the 555 after having tried and liked a Donic Waldner Limited. I liked the playing characteristics of the Waldner a lot, not so the oval ST handle and I'm also not particularly fond of the JO shape. I suppose BT555 would be a good alternative. Do you have it in ST or FL? I hope the ST handle is not thin... Played with the 555 before. It's SUPER flexible. This can be good or bad depending on your taste. When I was at a lower skill level, I had trouble receiving spins because the blade was so reactive. I found that the Pen handle was too thin for me that's why I switched to a Stiga blade. But I borrowed an ST version of the 777 and had a few hits with it. I'd say the ST version is pretty thick, certainly thicker than the Chinese-made FL handles. You should consider the 777 as well since the wood is considerably flexy anyway.

I think you are not used to non-linear blade.  BT555 produces strong trampoline effect.  You need to have good delicate technique for short game.

The DHS H-GY is 6.2 mm thick, so I expect it to be rather fast. Another Limba-Spruce OFF blade, in case you're interested is Nexy Spear at 6.5 mm.