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

A Forehand Stance While Blocking

June 1, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame Many players go into a backhand stance… Read More

Does Watching High-Level Players Help Amateur Players Improve? By Coach Bob Chen

June 1, 2026
(By Coach Bob Chen) Many amateur players enjoy watching high-level matches. They watch world-class rallies. They study professional… Read More

US Nationals Preview: Two Weeks Until the June 16 Entry Deadline

June 1, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, graphic USATT) Action is set to start on July 3rd in San Jose for this… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Table Tennis & More

May 31, 2026
(By Steve Hopkins) Table Tennis & More (TT&M) was founded by Len Winkler in 1996. Over the years,… Read More

Triple Crown for Saarbrucken – TTBL Champion

May 31, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo TTBL via BeLa Sportfoto) FC Saarbrucken TT won the Final Four, securing the German… Read More

What should be your goal when the ball comes high?

May 28, 2026
Robot plays very high balls to very long Backhand. ( 20-25 balls per minute) FETHOMANIA 27: Drill 2… Read More

Angel Naranjo – Serve Return & Forehand Loop

May 28, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Angel Naranjo is executing a over the table push, followed… Read More

Anav Gupta – Backhand Flip & Backhand Loop Combo

May 26, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is executing a drill where he will Backhand… 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.