Stiga Infinity VPS V vs Tibhar Samsonov Alpha: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Infinity VPS V | Tibhar Samsonov Alpha | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | stiff thin outer (Diamond Touch), medium-hard | medium-stiff, good dwell time, controllable |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST |
| plies | 5W (all wood) | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer plies, Koto/Ayous middle layers) |
| speed | OFF | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| weight_g | 88 | 85 |
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The Infinity VPS V is a stiffer, more powerful 5-ply all-wood blade that rewards aggressive brush looping with consistent feel and very good control—a choice for dynamic spin-first players who want gears for heavy looping near mid-table.
The Samsonov Alpha is lighter, more forgiving, and has exceptional close-to-table control that makes it ideal for beginners and intermediate players building solid technique and blocks, though it loses pace at distance.
Choose the Infinity if you loop heavily and want a controllable offensive blade; choose the Alpha if you are learning allround attacking or prioritize forgiveness over raw power. The 0.8-point rating difference reflects the Infinity’s greater offset to advanced techniques.
FAQ
Which blade is better for beginners?
The Samsonov Alpha is significantly better for beginners due to its forgiving geometry, lighter weight, and excellent control at close distance.
Can I use the Infinity VPS V on my first custom racket?
It is possible but not ideal for beginners. You need solid technique and swing speed to benefit from its powerful feel and reward system for heavy brush looping.
Which blade spins more?
Both are all-wood blades, so spin comes from rubber choice, not the blade itself. The Infinity’s flex helps reward looping technique more directly.
How much heavier is the Infinity VPS V?
The Infinity weighs 88g and the Alpha weighs 85g, a 3-gram difference that is negligible for most players.