Weight
90g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Timo Boll Spark
Butterfly Timo Boll Spark is a highly regarded table tennis blade known for its exceptional control and spin-friendly characteristics. Designed for all-round attacking players, it offers a medium-fast pace with a distinctly soft feel, making it a favorite for those who prioritize precision and spin generation in their game. The blade's construction, featuring Arylate fibers, contributes to good shock absorption and a comfortable playing experience. Its well-balanced nature and large sweet spot provide confidence for close-to-table play, including effective looping and flicking. While not a speed-demon, the Timo Boll Spark allows players to maximize the potential of their chosen rubbers, making it a versatile choice for developing players ready to refine their looping skills.
The 5-ply wood construction is enhanced by two layers of Arylate fibers placed between the wood plies. This hybrid design aims to provide a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to traditional carbon fiber blades, while retaining enough power for an attacking game.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Timo Boll Spark offers a medium-fast speed, making it suitable for all-round attacking play. While not the fastest blade available, it provides sufficient pace for aggressive shots and is responsive enough for effective mid-distance rallies. Our testing shows the speed can be significantly influenced by the rubbers used.
Control is a standout feature of the Timo Boll Spark. Its softer feel and Arylate layers contribute to excellent ball feedback and a large sweet spot, allowing for precise placement and consistent execution of strokes, especially for looping and short game maneuvers.
Timo Boll Spark is characterized by its soft feel, largely due to the Arylate fiber layers and its overall construction. This provides excellent dwell time and ball feedback, allowing players to feel the ball deeply on the paddle, which is beneficial for spin generation and control.
Loops with the Timo Boll Spark tend to have a higher throw angle, which, when combined with good spin, can create an effective arc that is difficult for opponents to handle. This is beneficial for offensive players looking to attack with varying trajectories.
The blade offers a long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the wood and fibers. This characteristic is crucial for players who rely on heavy spin, as it provides more time to impart rotation on the ball during strokes like loops and serves.
Timo Boll Spark is considered a flexible blade. This flexibility contributes to its long dwell time and soft feel, enhancing spin potential and control, particularly during looping strokes where the blade can bend and whip the ball.
The vibration level is moderate to low, contributing to the blade's controlled feel and comfort. The Arylate layers help to absorb excess vibrations, providing a pleasant hitting sensation without sacrificing too much feedback.
Players report the build quality and durability of the Butterfly Timo Boll Spark as excellent. The blade is well-constructed, with materials that hold up well over time, even with extensive use.
Technology
Butterfly Timo Boll Spark features an advanced construction that combines traditional wood plies with innovative Arylate fibers. This hybrid approach is central to the blade's performance, offering a unique blend of speed, control, and spin. The Arylate material, known for its softness and elasticity, is strategically placed within the blade's construction to enhance dwell time and absorb vibrations. This allows for a deeper ball grip during powerful strokes, facilitating exceptional spin generation. The meticulous manufacturing process at Butterfly's TEC facility ensures high quality and consistency, characteristic of Japanese-made table tennis equipment.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Timo Boll
Timo Boll is a legendary German table tennis player, a multiple European champion and Olympic medalist. While he is most famously associated with blades like the Timo Boll ALC and Timo Boll ZLC, he has had signature blades developed throughout his career. The Timo Boll Spark, introduced in 2001, was one such blade designed in collaboration with him, reflecting his preference for blades that offer a good balance of control and spin for his dynamic, all-round attacking style. Although he has since moved to other blades, the Spark represented an era of his game where precise looping and consistent attacking were paramount.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Bazelart
Many players find the Butterfly Bazelart to be an exact equivalent to the Timo Boll Spark. This implies it shares similar construction, feel, and performance characteristics, making it a direct alternative for players seeking the same playing experience.
Butterfly Keyshot
Our testing shows the Keyshot is a little bit harder and faster with a similar feeling compared to the Spark. This suggests it offers a slightly different playing experience while retaining some core characteristics, making it a potential alternative for those who find the Spark a bit too soft or slow.