Butterfly Timo Boll ALC vs Sanwei Fextra 7: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | Sanwei Fextra 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | medium | Medium, woody and well-damped with moderate vibration; controllable offensive feel close to a Stiga Clipper but a touch crisper and not quite as stiff |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | 7-ply all wood (Limba/Ayous) |
| speed | OFF | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6 |
| type | — | OFF- |
| weight_g | 86 | 88 |
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The Timo Boll ALC is a balanced OFF arylate-carbon blade with class-leading spin on both wings, a large sweet spot and a solid, consistent medium feel. The Sanwei Fextra 7 is a spinny 7-ply all-wood blade with Limba outer plies and an Ayous core, offering excellent control and outstanding value, typically around 20 to 30 US dollars.
On style, the ALC is genuinely fast and OFF-rated, superb from mid-distance to away from the table, while the Fextra 7 is a controllable OFF-minus blade with limited far-table power and a sweet spot that can feel smaller. The ALC rewards a developed, active stroke; the Fextra 7 is a forgiving, controllable step-up for developing attackers, though its weight varies a lot between units.
Pick the Timo Boll ALC, rated 9, if you are an attacking shakehand player with a developed stroke who wants balanced high-spin power and a large sweet spot, and do not mind the premium price. Pick the Fextra 7, rated 8.3, if you are a developing or club-level looper who wants an affordable, controllable 7-ply all-wood blade, including as a cheap alternative to the Viscaria or Clipper.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
The Timo Boll ALC is faster, being OFF-rated, while the Fextra 7 is a controllable OFF-minus blade with limited far-table power.
Which is better value?
The Fextra 7 is outstanding value, typically around 20 to 30 US dollars, while the ALC carries a premium price.
What are the constructions?
The ALC is a 5-wood plus 2 arylate-carbon build, while the Fextra 7 is 7-ply all wood with Limba and Ayous.
Does weight vary?
Yes for the Fextra 7, whose weight varies a lot between units, reported anywhere from 84 to 94 grams, while the ALC is listed around 86 grams.