Butterfly Maze Advance vs Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Maze Advance | Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | soft, controlled, slightly stiff for an all-wood blade | mild hard, uniform vibration, linear rebound |
| handle | FL | FL / ST |
| plies | 5W (all wood) | 7-ply all wood (limba-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-limba) |
| speed | ALL+ | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 6.7 | 6.6-6.7mm |
| weight_g | 85 | 83-90g (avg ~87g) |
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition
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Butterfly Maze Advance and Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition are both all-wood blades but target different player archetypes. The Maze Advance is a lighter (85g), softer 5-ply design with exceptional consistency, low vibration, and clean touch — ideal for coaches to teach beginners moving from pre-made paddles. Its moderate speed and excellent short-play feel suit players building confidence and technique.
Samsonov Force Pro is a heavier (87g average), 7-ply construction with linear rebound and uniform feel across the blade. It generates more speed and power while maintaining excellent blocking control. Lab testing confirms its consistent feel, and it versatile enough for looping, hitting, and blocking in one session. However, its head-heavy balance demands arm conditioning and solid fundamentals — not beginner-suitable.
If you prioritize easy forgiveness, touch, and learning curve, Maze Advance is the better teacher. If you have 1-2 years of play experience and want a woody blade with more speed and power without committing to carbon, Samsonov Force Pro delivers more aggressive capability.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
Samsonov Force Pro. Both are OFF- speed class, but Samsonov is a 7-ply offensive blade designed to generate more pace. Maze Advance prioritizes control over speed.
Which is better for beginners?
Maze Advance. It is lighter, softer, less demanding, and explicitly coach-recommended for developing players. Samsonov requires solid stroke fundamentals and arm strength.
How much heavier is Samsonov?
About 2g on average (87g vs 85g). That difference is small but noticeable over long sessions, especially for players without conditioning.
Do they feel similar at the table?
No. Maze Advance feels soft and forgiving with long dwell. Samsonov feels mild-hard with linear rebound — less forgiving on timing but more efficient energy transfer.
Which pairs better with rubbers?
Both are versatile. Maze Advance works with budget and premium rubbers. Samsonov works well with tensor and sticky rubbers, giving you more control with modern, spinny setups.