This set up is the bee's knees, the tibhar grass is one of the best long pimple rubbers out there in the market in 2023, this long pimple setup can actually allow you to back hand smash an opponent close to the net, a simple flick of the wrist, will generate an extremely fast backhand smash without the worry of it hitting the net, since the speed of the spin is not a factor. The tibhar grass can destabilize an opponent's stroke with spin reversal, make return of top spin shots float in the air, wobble, and even generate back spin with a downwards chop block. With the addition of the blade's fast rebound the ALC component is almost like magic, allowing you to generate a crisp crack sound every time you hit the ball, however it's downfall is that it has too much power, if you don't practice enough, or meet a strong player one day, even if you meet a player that plays in an unconventional way, and you are not used to that kind of style, it will catch you out, every shot you hit will be out.
This combination of blade and rubbers has allowed our club leading player Gavin to win many matches this year, with only 3 loss and 36 wins, Gavin's loving this setup, his forehand smashes gets more and more powerful each time he participates in a match, and his blocks are getting more and more effective and disruptive as he progresses.
In conclusion.
This setup is for an advanced player who has mastered the basic top spin techniques, and basic long pimple techniques, it is not a forgiving setup, a tiny error could send the ball flying, forehand requires a lot of speed and accuracy, blocking require delicate controls of input energy and placement.
The blade, is butterfly's best selling blade in history, so many top players uses viscaria as their weapon of choice. I can not fault this blade in anyway, the weight is 90g, it is on the heavier side, simply the best ALC blade out t here, the outer wood allows you to catch the balls on every loop, the ball will stay on the bat longer, it has a medium throw, excels at behind the table mid to back distance, it is geared for top spin. 10/10 for performance.
Tibhar grass, is the best long pimple rubber I've came across to date, it is also one of the most expensive long pimple rubbers, extremely effective on blocks close to the table, very good at chops from middle distance, and the effect it has on the opponent is astounding, Although it is not recommended to put on a fast Offensive blade such as the viscaria, due to Gavin's playing style where he relies on forehand smashes to win points, the downside is neglected. 10/10 for performance.
The DHS hurricane 3 provincial blue sponge is about $75-$80, it is cheaper than the butterfly tenergy 05, however the performance is almost on par, it has more bang for the bucks, Gavin's forehand skills is at about 1200 rating, if he were to advance to 1400, tenergy 05 would be the right choice, the tengergy 05 would have better performance.
Hurricane 3 has always been known for it's stickiness, it is just a bit more sticky than the tenergy 05, where as the tenergy 05 has more springy sponge, allow you to return a faster show or make a faster more dangerous smash. 9/10 for performance.
