Every now and then, I get the itch to try new equipment. It’s the same for many of us. We get settled on our rubbers and blade, and then a thought starts to flicker inside our brain – what if there is something better?
This summer, I got the itch big time. It started with a speculative email from a custom blade maker. He said he could make up a blade specific to a player’s requirements. Hmm… maybe a custom built blade would solve all my problems? I could get a handle to fit my hand. I could choose woods and carbon which suited my playing style. If I could commission the perfect blade, then my game will be instantly better. Forget working on my technique, all I need to do is change my blade!
Once the seed had been sown, I was done for. In the space of a few hours, I had already commissioned my first custom built blade.
But it didn’t stop there. I wanted to know who else was making custom built blades. I scoured the internet, looked at forums and found a number of different blade makers. I did a load of research on different woods and different handle shapes. Over the next few days, I had ordered four more blades. All slightly different woods and handle shapes. All these blades needed rubbers, so I ordered a load of rubbers. I was out of control. My bank balance had taken a big hit. We’re taking four figures here. But it would be worth it, if I found the perfect blade.
Now the fun part. Waiting for the blades to arrive and unboxing. Each blade which was delivered felt like a Christmas present. Well, a Christmas present which I paid for myself and cost lots of money. But the excitement was the same. My kids were bemused…
“Dad’s got another bit of wood in the post”.
Me: “This isn’t just any piece of wood. This could be the perfect piece of wood, which elevates my game to a whole new level.”
“You’re so weird Dad. When is it TV time?”
With each blade, I swiftly glued on new rubbers, set up my Power Pong Robot and started testing. Topspins vs block. Topspins vs backspin. Pushes. Blocks. Serves. Everything feels good when hitting with a robot, but to really test out each blade I had to use it against other players. This is when I found out what I liked and disliked about each blade and handle shape. One was too heavy. One was too slow. One was uncomfortable to hold. One was too uncontrollable. One was great for fast topspin rallies, but not so good for looping backspin.
In short, nothing was perfect.
After two months of experimentation and a lot of money spent, I reverted back to my usual blade – JOOLA Rossi Emotion PBO-c. I spent all that time and money to realise my favourite blade was the one I was already using.
So was this summer spending spree a complete waste of money? Well, I have to look at the positives. I have learned a lot about different woods, carbon layers and handle shapes. I have a much clearer idea about what blade is best suited to my game. I have a far greater appreciation of the impact a blade has to the quality of shots we play. I am more knowledgeable, just quite a bit financially poorer!
Even though the blades I purchased were not right for me, the craftsmanship was excellent. The service for each blade was very professional and delivery was quick. It was a hugely enjoyable and beneficial experience for me. And never say never. I will be keeping all the blades and would like to test them some more. And who knows? Maybe I will commission some more custom blades in the future. I have a better idea about my needs, so it’s possible the perfect blade can still be created for me. Right now, with the season starting, I need to focus on my technique and tactics and not get distracted with my equipment.
For your benefit, here is a list of custom blade makers you could also order from. I used some of these, but not all. Have a look at the websites and maybe you will get the itch, just like me…
- www.dattblades.com
- www.sdcttblades.com
- www.inkunzitabletennis.com
- https://ospblades.com
- https://soulspin.de/en/
- https://vodak-dreva.cz/en/
- https://rossleidy.com
Personalised equipment advice
If you would like personalised equipment advice, I recommend you joining Tom’s TT Academy. In my academy, you can ask me anything about rubbers and blades and I will respond with my recommendations. You may also get recommendations from other academy members too.
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