Butterfly Timo Boll Allround vs Donic Waldner Allplay: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll Allround | Donic Waldner Allplay | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft, classic all-wood dwell with good tactile feedback | Soft and forgiving with good dwell time, slight stiffness at sweet spot |
| handle | FL/ST/AN/XXS | FL (flared), classic dark-brown wood |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (koto outer) | 5-ply all wood (Limba-Ayous-Ayous-Ayous-Limba) |
| speed | ALL+ | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 5.5 | 5.4-5.6 mm |
| weight_g | ~85 | approx 85-87 g |
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Both the Butterfly Timo Boll Allround and Donic Waldner Allplay prioritize control and consistency over raw speed, making them natural fits for beginners and intermediate players building proper technique. The Timo Boll edges ahead at 8.3 rating with crisper feedback from its koto outer veneer, while the Waldner Allplay at 8.2 offers a more forgiving, high-dwell feel from its soft limba ply — a meaningful difference for players who need the most cushioning.
Where they diverge is in feel and available options. The Timo Boll delivers classic all-wood dwell with slightly better tactile feedback to support stroke development, though its fragile koto edges require careful rubber swaps. The Waldner Allplay excels with a softer, more mistake-tolerant setup and works equally well with pimples, tacky rubbers, and inverted surfaces. Both are lightweight around 85g, making them excellent for long practice sessions.
Choose the Timo Boll if you value crisp feedback and precise placement; pick the Waldner Allplay if you prioritize forgiving dwell, excellent value, and maximum rubber versatility.
FAQ
Which is better for learning proper technique?
The Butterfly Timo Boll Allround offers more precise tactile feedback and a medium-soft dwell that supports stroke development, though the Waldner Allplay’s high-dwell design also works well — it simply feels more forgiving if you prefer confidence over feedback.
Which blade is more durable?
The Donic Waldner Allplay is more resilient overall; the Timo Boll’s koto outer edges are fragile with frequent rubber changes, making it less practical for players who swap rubbers regularly.
Which offers better value?
The Donic Waldner Allplay is known for excellent value for money and greater availability as a current model, while the Timo Boll is now discontinued and requires sourcing from the secondary market.