Weight
86g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 (BT555)
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 (BT555) is a discontinued 5-ply all-wood offensive blade, crafted as a refined successor to the classic Avalox P500. It delivers a superb blend of speed, control, and a classic, natural feel. The blade is engineered for aggressive topspin play, offering a slightly springy response with a noticeable trampoline effect that enhances dwell time for greater spin potential. Its traditional European construction features Limba outer plies, Tanne middle layers, and an Ayous core, all finished with a luxurious rounded edge and a protective coating to preserve the wood surface during rubber changes.
A traditional symmetrical 5-ply European offensive wood construction. The Limba outer plies offer a good balance of speed and feel, the Tanne middle plies contribute to the blade's flexibility and dwell time, and the Ayous core provides a solid foundation. This combination is designed to enhance the trampoline effect and spin generation.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 is rated as an offensive blade with a speed around 8.5. It is considered faster than its predecessor, the P500, offering increased power and acceleration suitable for aggressive topspin play. The blade's construction is tuned for a springy feel, enhancing its speed potential when striking the ball with good impact.
Control is really good on this one, even for an offensive blade. The feel and dwell time let you manage the ball well, and the longer contact helps with precise shots and reliable defensive play when needed.
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 offers a medium-soft feel, characterized by great touch and a soft, responsive play. This softer feel is beneficial for generating dwell time and spin, providing a comfortable connection with the ball.
The combination of its offensive nature, emphasis on topspin, and good dwell time suggests a medium-high throw angle, suitable for creating effective looping shots with a good arc.
The blade offers good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for increased spin and control. This is a key characteristic that enhances its offensive capabilities, particularly for topspin shots.
The blade possesses a medium level of flexibility, contributing to its dwell time and spin-generating capabilities. This flex allows for a more pronounced trampoline effect when hitting, aiding in both spin and power transfer.
Vibration level is moderate. While not completely dampened, it provides enough clear feedback to feel connected to the ball without being overly harsh or distracting. It does not have a hollow feel.
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 is praised for its high build quality, featuring a luxurious finish with smoothly rounded head edges and a pre-coating to protect wood fibers during rubber removal. The tactile feedback and sensational ball feeling it provides contribute to a premium, consistent playing experience.
Technology
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 is a 5-ply all-wood blade built using traditional Swedish manufacturing methods, characterized by slow adhesive infusion in a strictly controlled environment. A notable practical feature is the sealing of the blade's surface to prevent wood fiber loss when removing rubbers. The blade's edge is finished with a luxurious rounded treatment. The Blue Thunder series was designed with a focus on bridging European and Asian playing styles.
Similar Blades
Avalox P500
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 is a direct successor and upgrade to the Avalox P500. It retains a similar construction and classic feel but is tuned to be slightly springier and offer higher power, making it a natural alternative or upgrade path for players who enjoyed the P500.
Yasaka Extra / Stiga Clipper / Stiga Offensive / Korbel
Avalox Blue Thunder 555 is often compared to classic 5-ply all-wood blades such as the Yasaka Extra, Stiga Offensive, and Stiga Clipper. Players report it shares a similar feel and performance profile with the Korbel, offering a softer, more flexible touch than some stiffer classics in this category.