Galaxy T-4 First Impressions (Compared to T-8)

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   I got a couple T-4s in a trade with Fatt, so maybe I should call this "Premier Impression de T-4" or something like that. I have had a few hits and can describe it enough to call it a first impression. Someone asked me to compare it to the T-8, which I also use. He has Bryce on one side, so I refer to it a few times. This isn't going to be an all inclusive review, just how the T-4 compared to the T-8, so Galaxy enthusists can stop drooling. There should be enough meat and potatoes in this to keep you from starving though. Before I get into the review, it would be helpful or you all to know that I am below advanced level offensive player who likes to open and finish the point quickly. I strive to open with a slower loop and look to loopdrive/loopkill from there. I tested both T-4 ST handled blades with 40 deg Quattro/JO Coppa Gold and 999 on 35 deg (both sides). The T-4 felt light, like mid 80s in grams. I am accustomed to heavier blades. Most people consider a mid 80s blade with Quatro (among the heaviest rubbers on the planet) way too heavy. I really liked the soft sponged 999 outfit right away. I will have to try the other one out with some of my favorite rubbers before I dismiss the jury. I am aslo accoustomed to FL handles, but the thickness of this ST handle wasn't so bad, I could deal with it OK enough.  

Short disclaimer - This is how I felt about it. It won't necessarily be how YOU feel about it. JKC really likes this blade and does real well with it. Well, that guy could do real well hitting Seemiller grip with a cassette tape plastic cover of Rory Gallagher, so take what I write for what it is worth. 

1) T-8 to T-4 Ping ... T-4 is crazy annoyingly pingy with harder rubbers (even 40 deg Quattro!) and OK with soft sponged rubbers. T-8 is like a Clunk/Ping more muffled. Maybe I get used to it with more time. I never heard a blade so pingy, except maybe a BTY Sardius.

2) T-8 and T-4 Speed ... Both are easily lower to middle OFF + and bouncy/crisp. I wouldn't necessarily say T-8 is faster. They are pretty close. I rate the TBS as middle OFF.

3) T-8 to T-4 vibration ... There isn't a whole lot on either one - both are pretty stiff/bouncy blades. T-4 has some, but it isn't much more than the T-8.

4) Flicks ... both blades worked OK for this if you timed it right.

5) Loops ... Looping close to the table with a tacky, soft sponged rubber is noticeably easier with the T-4 - much higher percentage and WAY better feel. Loopdriving with harder rubbers is VERY fast with both the T-8 and T-4 and both blades are can't miss outstanding at it.

6) Blocking... You put Bryce on even a rec center blade and you have a blocking machine. Both blades block fine with rubbers that excell at blocking (Bryce/42 dg Quattro, maybe even LKT Power and Speed) You could throw a dart at either blade and be fine with Bryce on it.

7) Flex... There isn't much on either blade. They are both stiff blades with a hard feel. Get a Galaxy 986 if you want a flexy looping blade from Galaxy.

8) Chop... don't ask me that question. I don't do that unless I am using an LP combo bat for fun.

9) Pushes ... neither blade is better at it. They are both bouncy. You do better having hard sponged or rubbers with thicker topsheets for the touch shots on either blade.

10) Driving ... Both blades excell in driving the ball. Maybe T-8 counterdrives the ball a bit better, but if you have Bryce, you could counterhit a rocket onto the table using a premade blade, so what does it matter?

11) Tenergy Loops... I don't have the $$$ for Tenergy, but I can spin the crap out of the ball with a lot of Japanese/Chinese/Euro rubbers, as long as there is at least 2.0 mm of sponge. A lot of my loops against players up to USATT 1900 get returned longer than the opponent intended - like past the endline. I do that with ANY blade I use, so big deal T-8 or T-4. (Too bad the rest of my Allround game doesn't get me to USATT 1900.) With the harder sponged rubbers, you become more of a loopdriver or powerlooper using either the T-8 or T-4. 

12) Forgiving ... Are you kidding me? Is forgiving a trait of any OFF + blade? No, with blades this fast, you had better hit it right the first time.

I will probably feel different about the T-4 given more time, especially after a few times with the harder rubbers I like, so I will have to add more comments about it later.