Site Products
Louis Levene

Ask The Experts: Louis Levene, No. 408

Posted on

Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question: 

Hello Coach, I havent played in the last 5 years and the setup i used to have was Gergely T5000, FH -DHS Hurricane 8 Mid Hard, BH – Xiom Omega V Pro. I used to play professionally in India from 2001-2013. I really loved the Gergely. Can you suggest an alternative for this blade ( i can handle a slightly faster balde but not the Sardius maybe. Its too fast in my opinion). Also something thats stiff similar to Gergely? Maybe Amultart or Garadiya ZLC? Also A rubber to replace the Onega 5 Pro . something with a good grip and throw? Also is there one that you would recommend instead of the Hurricane 8 on the FH. Something not very fast but can do good power drives and power loops.

Thanks in Advance.

Answer: 

Your Ask the Experts question was answered by Louis Levene. He is a Content Creator on YouTube (channel: Looeelooee) focused on helping viewers improve their table tennis. Coach Levene’s response is as follows:

Hi Shyam,
 
Thanks for reaching out! 
 
The Amultart and Garaydia ZLC would both be great options.
 
If you are looking for something similar in composition but still manageable in regard to speed, I would also recommend checking out the Zhang Jike T5000.
 
For the forehand I would recommend you try out Dignics 09C.It has a very springy sponge but has a tacky surface similar to what you would get on Hurricane, creating an excellent combination of spin and power.
 
For the backhand, I would recommend Dignics 05. It has excellent grip and makes quick backhand to backhand rallies very effortless. Omega V Pro does not have quite as springy of a sponge as Dignics/Tenergy, so if you wanted something a little less springy like the Xiom rubber I would recommend Roundell Hard as a second choice. 
 
Best,
 
Louis
 
Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

Side Stepping Helps Balance

March 23, 2026
Logan Forehand short backspin serve from Backhand to Backhand, robot plays backspin short in Backhand, Logan plays Backhand… Read More

Reverse Serves

March 23, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame Many players have at least one strong… Read More

Strong Start for Americans at WTT Youth Contender Houston

March 22, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Houston is host of the WTT Youth Contender Series event this week and… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Saint Louis Table Tennis Club

March 22, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) Arch Pickleball and Badminton Club has been in operation in Bridgeton, Missouri – a suburb to the… Read More

A Ninth Title for Miwa Harimoto

March 19, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, lower photo WTT) It can be tough to remember how young she is because of… Read More

China Has Biggest Movers in Men’s Rankings

March 19, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) With five players currently in the top 20 and a strangle hold on… Read More

Coaching Opportunity – PongPlanet Table Tennis Club (San Francisco Bay Area, California)

March 18, 2026
(By PongPlanet) PongPlanet Table Tennis Club in the San Francisco Bay Area, California is currently seeking a professional… Read More

🎥 Episode 6: Ask The Expert Live With Logan Rietz | How do you select the right equipment?

March 18, 2026
(by Bowmar Sports) Choosing the right table tennis equipment can feel overwhelming especially when you're just starting out.… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.