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[729 fx]

The other blade that I tried last week is a 5-ply wood (Walnut-Cypress-Balsa-cypress-walnut) and I used a time tested all-round rubber on it, the Mark V.

My feedback:

Look & Feel:
The woodwork is flawless. It was accurately cut, sanded and glued in symmetry and the balance feel and finishing is superb. The surface is even, unlike some branded blades which do have some unevenness. I must say well done to Ian on the handle as it had a solid feel when I hold it.

Sound:
The blade gives a crisp click when the ball is hit, probably due to the balsa configuration. It is louder when it hits the sweet spot when you hear more of the wood sound with this blade.

Weight:
For a blade this thick (I measure about 8.7mm), it is extremely light in weight.

Play:
1) Serve: Fast serving long is excellent with this blade. It is probably twice as fast as my Galaxy (YinHe) carbon blade with the same motion when serving. Serving short also OK but I need a little practice due to the lightness of this thick blade.
2) Block: Excellent. A++. Counter blocks and punching blocks is very controllable..
3) Loop: I think this blade is made for loopers. It is very forgiving and all my loops went in with little effort from me and my opponent exclaimed that my loops got really hard spin. This blade has good touch and control. Power loops were great and the ball really flies hard and fast.

Summary: I must compliment Ian for doing a great job in putting these 2 blades together. The sweet spot is larger than other wooden blades that I have used before. I do agree with another tester in another forum that the flawlessness of the wood felt like one piece rather than several pieces stuck together and that the blade is really light and fast, suitable for those on the offensive. With this blade you will definitely have more reaction time for close-to-table blocking and very forgiving when looping. The workmanship is absolutely first class for a handmade blade.

I would say that this blade is for someone who looks for Style, Quality, Comfort and Lightness.

For this week, will probably put on a H3 on the Balsa-core blade and see its reaction.