Weight
85g
Thickness
6.45mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Timo Boll Forte
Butterfly Timo Boll Forte is a five-ply all-wood offensive blade that delivers a balanced blend of speed, control, and spin for attacking players. It features Butterfly's Solid Balance Core System, which enhances precision and stability while providing a responsive feel and ample dwell time for spin generation. This blade is an excellent choice for players developing their offensive game, particularly those who rely on looping strokes, as it offers significant spin potential without sacrificing control. While not the fastest option available, it provides sufficient pace for offensive play and stands out for its affordability, making it a popular and high-value pick for intermediate players.
This is a standard five-ply all-wood construction designed for a balanced feel, good dwell time, and sufficient offensive speed. While the specific wood types are not detailed for this model, Butterfly typically uses combinations like limba, koto, or ayous for outer and inner plies with a softer core wood like ayous or kiri. The Solid Balance Core System suggests a specific internal layering aimed at enhancing stability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Timo Boll Forte is classified as an OFF-grade blade, offering a good level of speed suitable for offensive play. It sits on the slower side of the OFF spectrum, providing enough pace for attacking strokes and controlled loops. Players report it delivers sufficient power for most offensive situations, though those attacking from far behind the table might need to generate more of their own power.
Control is a standout feature of the Timo Boll Forte. Its all-wood construction and generous dwell time provide excellent feedback and precision, particularly on loops and in short-game exchanges. Many players find it offers high control for an offensive blade, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize accuracy and spin in their game.
Timo Boll Forte delivers a softer, more forgiving feel compared to many composite blades. This touch, combined with its dwell time, allows for excellent spin generation and provides clear feedback on ball contact. It's ideal for looping players but may feel less direct for those who prefer a very hard impact sensation.
Given its offensive nature and spin-friendly characteristics, the Timo Boll Forte produces a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is beneficial for looping and topspin shots, helping the ball clear the net with a good arc.
The blade is frequently praised for its excellent dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the racket longer. This characteristic is a major asset for applying heavy spin on serves, loops, and other touch shots, making it a favorite among players with a looper-style game.
The blade exhibits a moderate level of flexibility, typical for a five-ply all-wood offensive design. This flexibility contributes to its dwell time and spin-generating capability, providing an elastic response during powerful loops. It offers enough structure for effective offense without the stiffness of composite blades.
A moderate amount of vibration is present, which contributes to the blade's feel and feedback. This sensation helps players sense ball contact and trajectory, aiding in control and spin generation without being uncomfortable or disruptive to play.
This blade generally offers good quality for its price point, providing a solid offensive platform. However, some users have noted that the wood surface can be prone to chipping or wear, especially during rubber changes. This potential durability trade-off is something to consider against its overall performance and affordability.
Technology
Butterfly Timo Boll Forte utilizes the proprietary 'Solid Balance Core System.' This technology is designed to enhance performance by creating a unique internal structure that promotes extreme precision and stability. It combines a proportionally soft core with harder outer layers, aiming to strike a balance between power for direct topspin shots and sensitivity for superior feel and control. This system differentiates the Forte from standard five-ply all-wood blades.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Timo Boll
While Timo Boll is the namesake for this blade, the Timo Boll Forte is generally considered an intermediate or developing player's model rather than his primary professional setup. Boll is famously associated with composite blades like the Timo Boll ALC and ZLC. The all-wood Forte offers a different feel and performance profile, suited for players earlier in their development who benefit from its enhanced control and spin-friendliness.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is a frequently cited comparable blade. Both are five-ply all-wood constructions with similar offensive capabilities and balanced performance. They share a comparable speed and control spectrum, with the Korbel also being a popular choice for developing offensive players due to its good dwell time and spin potential.
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon is a composite blade that shares some performance characteristics with the all-wood Timo Boll Forte. Our analysis places the Forte's speed between the Petr Korbel and the Waldner Senso Carbon. The Waldner Senso Carbon is known for its control and feel, which are also strengths of the Forte, though the Forte provides a more traditional wood-based sensation.