Butterfly Korbel vs Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Korbel | Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | medium, soft and flexible all-wood with long dwell | mild hard, uniform vibration, linear rebound |
| handle | FL/ST | FL / ST |
| plies | 5W (all wood) — limba-limba-ayous-limba-limba | 7-ply all wood (limba-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-limba) |
| speed | OFF- | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 6 | 6.6-6.7mm |
| weight_g | 88 | 83-90g (avg ~87g) |
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition
Check price on AmazonRead the full Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition review →
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Butterfly Korbel (8.6 rating) is a five-ply all-wood blade designed for feel, control, and versatility. Its soft, flexible construction suits beginners and improvers building fundamentals, with excellent long dwell and high throw angle. The medium OFF-minus speed is forgiving and pairs well with diverse rubber types.
The Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition (8.2 rating) is a seven-ply all-wood blade offering outstanding price-to-performance value. Its uniform feel, linear predictable rebound, and excellent blocking control suit intermediate to advanced players who want more speed and power than five-ply alternatives. However, its slightly head-heavy balance requires arm conditioning, and spin generation on loops is marginally reduced.
The Korbel is superior for technique development and beginners. The Samsonov suits intermediate attackers with solid fundamentals seeking a woody, forgiving all-wood blade faster than softer alternatives. The Samsonov demands physical conditioning and consistent technique; the Korbel is more forgiving.
FAQ
Why is the Samsonov head-heavy?
The seven-ply construction and thicker 6.6-6.7mm blade result in a heavier head, requiring arm and shoulder conditioning for extended use without fatigue.
Which blade is better for beginners?
The Korbel is far better. The Samsonov’s head-heavy balance and higher speed are unsuitable for developing players without solid stroke fundamentals.
Do both blades work with tensor rubbers?
Yes, the Samsonov explicitly pairs well with tensor and sticky rubbers. The Korbel also works with both but excels especially with European and Japanese rubbers.
Which blade is cheaper?
The Korbel is cheaper than comparable Butterfly blades. The Samsonov offers excellent value for a seven-ply all-wood blade, though exact pricing varies by vendor.