Weight
89g
Thickness
5.75mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Timo Boll Spirit
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit is a legendary offensive blade that masterfully balances speed, spin, and control. Endorsed by Timo Boll, this 7-ply hybrid blade features Arylate-Carbon layers for a crisp, medium-hard feel with a generous sweet spot. It excels in generating heavy spin and consistent arcs, making it ideal for European looping styles and mid-distance counter-attacks. Its renowned stability also supports a precise short game, offering a versatile and professional-grade performance for intermediate to advanced players.
This 7-ply construction combines Koto outer plies for a hard hitting surface, Limba for flexibility, and a Kiri core for lightness. The strategically placed Arylate-Carbon layers enhance the sweet spot and stability, contributing to the blade's signature feel and performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Timo Boll Spirit delivers a high level of speed perfect for offensive play, allowing for powerful shots and quick exchanges. Our testing shows it's fast but not excessively so, which helps maintain good control even during aggressive rallies. This makes it suitable for players who want offensive capability without sacrificing touch.
This blade provides a high degree of control, prized by players who value precision. The Arylate-Carbon layers help dampen vibrations and offer a clear feel for the ball, aiding in accurate placement and consistent stroke execution. Many players find it forgiving and reliable in tactical situations.
Timo Boll Spirit offers a crisp, medium-hard feel. The Arylate-Carbon composition provides direct feedback with a slightly softened touch, allowing players to clearly sense ball contact while maintaining a responsive hitting surface.
The throw angle is typically medium-high, which is advantageous for generating aggressive loops with a penetrating arc that can challenge opponents.
It provides excellent dwell time, crucial for generating heavy spin. This allows the ball to sink into the rubber and wood longer, enabling players to impart more rotation on loops and topspins.
The blade offers a medium level of flexibility. It has enough flex to aid spin generation and provide good feel, while the Arylate-Carbon layers lend sufficient stiffness for powerful offensive shots.
Vibration is notably low, a characteristic of the Arylate fibers. This results in a comfortable playing experience with less fatigue, while still delivering crisp feedback.
As a Butterfly product, Timo Boll Spirit is renowned for its superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The precise construction ensures outstanding durability and consistent performance over time, making it a trusted and reliable choice for competitive play.
Technology
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit utilizes Arylate-Carbon (ALC) technology, a composite material strategically integrated within the wood plies. This pairs the strength and speed of carbon fiber with the elasticity and vibration-dampening qualities of Arylate. The ALC layers, placed close to the surface, contribute to a crisp response and an enlarged sweet spot. This allows the blade to deliver powerful offensive shots while maintaining a softer touch and superior control compared to pure carbon blades, showcasing Butterfly's renowned Japanese craftsmanship.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Timo Boll
Timo Boll used this blade for many years during his illustrious career. Its balanced combination of speed, spin, and control perfectly complemented his dynamic European looping style, enabling powerful offensive strokes while maintaining the finesse needed for tactical play.
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov has been noted to have used this blade. His powerful looping and all-around game benefited from the Spirit's ability to generate significant spin and power while offering excellent control for varied attacking strategies.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Timo Boll ALC shares a similar 5+2 Arylate-Carbon construction. Players report it is typically slightly faster and perhaps stiffer than the Spirit, with the Spirit often described as having more dwell time and a softer, more forgiving feel.
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is another popular ALC blade. Our testing shows it is generally perceived as faster and stiffer than Timo Boll Spirit, with a more direct feel. The Spirit is often favored for its slightly softer touch, greater dwell time, and perceived better control, making it a more forgiving option for players prioritizing feel and spin.