Site Products
Ask The Experts: Tawny Banh, No. 313

Ask The Experts: Tawny Banh, No. 250

Ask The Experts: Tawny Banh, No. 250
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question: 

Hi 

Can you elaborate on the differences between the butterfly viscaria , Jun mizutani zlc and Timo boll spirit. Both Timo boll spirit and viscaria seem to have the exact same composition of wood and thickness . Is the handle shape the only difference between then or is there more to it? I wanted to buy a viscaria but a local retailer only has stock of a Timo boll spirit in an given weight range . Should I buy the Timo boll spirit out should I look somewhere else for a viscaria?
How do they compare in terms of flex ,dwell time, control etc?

Thank you

Answer:

Your Ask the Experts question was answered by Tawny Banh. She is a coach at the Los Angeles Table Tennis Association in El Monte, CA. Coach Banh’s response is as follows:

image004

Hi Naren,

Below are the statistics for all 3 blades you have inquired. 

I would recommend you getting either of the Timo Boll Spirit or Viscaria.  If your local retailer only carries a Timo Boll Spirit, I’d say go ahead and purchase it!  Timo Boll Spirit and Viscaria are almost identical in features.  The Timo Boll Spirit is for attack and offense.  It has a good balance of speed, control, and flexibility.   

All the Butterfly carbon blades have a very big sweet spot which gives a  crispy sound when you contact the ball. As for the handle, Timo Boll comes in straight, anatomic and flare.  Viscaria comes in straight and flare.  If you are a male with a big hand, I’d recommend getting a straight or anatomic handle.  If you are a female or a male with a smaller or regular hand, then get a flare handle.  Hope this helps.  

Timo Boll Spirit

  • Attack | Reaction: 11.8 | Vibration: 10.3
  • Plies: 5 Wood+2 Arylate Carbon
  • Blade Thickness:5.7
  • Blade Size: 157x150mm

Viscaria

  • Attack | Reaction: 11.8 | Vibration: 10.3
  • Plies: 5 Wood+2 Arylate Carbon
  • Blade Thickness: 5.7
  • Blade Size: 157x150mm

Jun Mizutani ZLC

  • Attack | Reaction: 11.8 | Vibration: 11.2
  • Plies: 5W+2 ZLC
  • Blade Thickness: 5.7
  • Blade Size: 157x150mm

Best wishes!

Coach Banh

Latest News

Arantxa Cossio Aceves – Backhand & Forehand Looping from Underspin

October 11, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips,  Arantxa Cossio Aceves is using multi-ball to polish off her Forehand… Read More

Maintain a Low Position

October 10, 2025
Serve,Short game and attack with Wait function: Jhon serves short backspin, robot plays short backspin drop shot to… Read More

Sally Moyland – WTT Spokane Highlights, pt 2

October 10, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Bowmar Sports Highlights, Sally Moyland is action at the WTT Spokane in Singles, Women’s… Read More

Against Backspin, Take the Ball at the Top of the Bounce

October 9, 2025
Serve,Short game and attack with Wait function: Jhon serves short backspin, robot plays short backspin drop shot to… Read More

 Focus on the Left Stomach Muscle

October 9, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports) Serve, Short game and attack with Wait function: Jhon serves short backspin, robot plays short… Read More

Angel Naranjo – Power Backhand & Forehand Counterlooping

October 9, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Angel Naranjo is executing Forehand and Backhand Power Counterloops https://youtu.be/cBRCXi7VuLU… Read More

 Focus on the Left Stomach Muscle

October 8, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports) Serve, Short game and attack with Wait function: Jhon serves short backspin, robot plays short… Read More

Hong Lin – Reversed Penhold Backhand Flip

October 8, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In the Butterfly Training Tips, Hong Lin is executing the Reversed Penhold Backhand Flip from… 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.