Weight
90g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Flame Extreme
Joola Flame Extreme is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade designed for players seeking a powerful yet controlled game. Featuring JOOLA's BURNtec technology, its heat-treated outer veneers enhance stiffness and create a warp-free, responsive hitting surface. The combination of Limba, Ayous, and Kiri woods delivers noticeable dwell time and a comfortable feel, enabling aggressive topspin and precise placement. Engineered for extreme speed with medium-high control, it's a versatile choice for players aiming to boost their offensive power without losing consistency, offering a premium experience at an accessible price.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. Outer veneers are Limba, known for good feel and speed. Inner veneers are Ayous, contributing to balance and dwell time. The core is Kiri, a lightweight wood that provides flexibility and helps reduce overall weight. This combination, treated with BURNtec technology on the outer layers, enhances stiffness to create a fast yet controlled playing surface.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Joola Flame Extreme is consistently described as a very fast blade, delivering significant pace for aggressive attacks. While official classifications label it as extreme speed, it operates effectively in the OFF to OFF+ range. This means it provides substantial power for drives and smashes while typically offering more feedback and control than carbon blades in similar speed categories, making it a potent yet manageable offensive tool.
Despite its high speed, Flame Extreme maintains commendable control, attributed to its 5-ply all-wood construction and BURNtec treatment. This balance allows for precise shot placement and effective play in the short game. Players find it reliable for controlled blocking and looping, indicating that the blade's speed doesn't compromise tactical versatility, making it a well-rounded option for offensive strategies.
Flame Extreme delivers a satisfying wood feeling with deep hold and good feedback, allowing players to sense the ball clearly during strokes. It's not overly hard but provides a nice dig-in sensation, enabling good ball sinking and control. This medium-hard feel supports both power and touch, making it responsive for aggressive play while maintaining finesse.
With its suitability for looping with control and lots of spin, the blade typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is ideal for powerful topspin shots, helping lift the ball over the net with good arc and penetration, making it effective for aggressive, spin-heavy play.
The blade offers excellent dwell time, which significantly aids in generating spin. This extended ball contact helps players impart more rotation on serves, loops, and other spin-oriented shots. It's a key feature for those who rely on spin as a primary weapon, enhancing control and effectiveness in rallies.
Flame Extreme exhibits a moderate level of flexibility, enabling a good combination of speed and spin. It's not rigid, which aids dwell time and spin production, but also not overly flexible, maintaining enough power for offensive drives and smashes. This balanced flex is key to its extreme speed while retaining control and versatility.
Vibration levels are moderate, contributing to the blade's good feedback and feel without being distracting or harsh. Players can clearly sense the ball on the racket face, which benefits shot control and placement. It strikes a balance, avoiding excessive stiffness or buzziness for a comfortable playing experience.
Build quality is generally considered good, with nicely sanded edges and comfortable handles. However, players report concerns about durability, with some noting rapid degradation after several months of moderate play. This inconsistency suggests quality may vary, so while the initial finish and feel are positive, long-term resilience could be a consideration for frequent users.
Technology
Joola Flame Extreme incorporates BURNtec technology, where outer wood veneers are heated over 200°C in a special kiln. This process removes moisture, increases stiffness, and creates a warp-free blade with enhanced responsiveness and control. It aims to give the all-wood construction properties often found in composite blades, offering a blend of speed and feel. Additionally, Wing Shaft Integration (WSI) technology fuses the handle to the blade for increased stability and comfort, featuring rounded edges for a secure grip.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Many players find Joola Flame Extreme offers a similar playing profile to the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC in terms of speed, control, and feel. While the Timo Boll ALC is a composite blade with arylate-carbon layers, Flame Extreme provides a comparable experience as a more budget-friendly, all-wood alternative, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-end performance without the premium price.
Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC
Similar to the Timo Boll ALC comparison, Flame Extreme is often suggested as a cost-effective alternative to the Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC. It shares characteristics of good speed and control balance that appeal to aggressive players, offering a comparable playing experience in an all-wood construction, ideal for those looking to save while maintaining offensive capability.