Butterfly Maze Advance vs Butterfly Timo Boll Allround: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Maze Advance | Butterfly Timo Boll Allround | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | soft, controlled, slightly stiff for an all-wood blade | Medium-soft, classic all-wood dwell with good tactile feedback |
| handle | FL | FL/ST/AN/XXS |
| plies | 5W (all wood) | 5-ply all wood (koto outer) |
| speed | ALL+ | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 6.7 | 5.5 |
| weight_g | 85 | ~85 |
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Both are all-wood beginner-to-intermediate blades designed for control and consistency, but the Maze Advance is heavier at 6.7mm and coach-recommended as a first proper blade, while the Timo Boll is lighter at 5.5mm and purely foundational. The Maze Advance offers exceptional control and near-perfect community ratings, with low vibration and clean touch for short play. The Timo Boll delivers satisfying all-wood dwell and koto crispness for technique development with less fatigue during long sessions.
The Maze Advance is affordable and widely available (around $66), making it an excellent entry to the custom-blade world for players developing from pre-made paddles. The Timo Boll is now discontinued but was designed purely for beginners to focus on technique and control before stepping up to a faster blade. Both are ALL+-class and similar in weight, but the Timo Boll is slightly softer and more forgiving, while the Maze Advance’s thicker 6.7mm construction plays stiffer and less tactile.
Choose the Maze Advance if you want a coach-recommended, widely available control blade at entry level. Choose the Timo Boll if you can source one and prefer the lightest, most forgiving foundation for pure technique development.
FAQ
Which has more consistent control?
The Maze Advance—it has exceptional control and near-perfect consistency in community ratings. The Timo Boll also has good control but is more outdated and less reviewed.
Which feels stiffer?
The Maze Advance—its 6.7mm thickness plays stiffer than classic five-ply blades. Some owners find it too firm. The Timo Boll is 5.5mm and softer.
Which is lighter and easier to handle?
Both are similar in weight (around 85g), but the Timo Boll is designed to reduce fatigue. The Maze Advance is heavier-feeling due to its stiffer construction.
Which is more affordable and available?
The Maze Advance is affordable (around $66) and widely available. The Timo Boll is discontinued and requires sourcing from secondary markets at variable prices.
Which is better for beginners moving from pre-made paddles?
The Maze Advance—it is coach-recommended as a first proper blade and widely available. The Timo Boll was designed for this but is now discontinued.