Butterfly Kenta Matsudaira ALC
Blade description
The Kenta Matsudaira ALC is a composite blade featuring a 5+2 construction, utilizing Arylate Carbon (ALC) layers. It is distinguished by its high-quality craftsmanship, often noted for a unique, refined build that prioritizes feedback and touch over raw power. Compared to other popular ALC blades in the Butterfly lineup, this model is characterized by increased flex, which facilitates high levels of rotation and spin-oriented play.
Performance Characteristics
- Speed and Control: While capable of producing sufficient speed for attacking, the blade is generally considered slower than models like the Viscaria or Timo Boll ALC. It is optimized for players who prefer to operate near the table, offering a high degree of stability and exceptional control during rallies.
- Feel and Stiffness: The blade provides a hard, crisp feel upon contact. Despite this firmness, the added flex allows for significant dwell time, enabling the user to generate heavy spin easily.
- Handle Design: A defining feature of this blade is its handle, which is notably thinner and flatter than standard Butterfly offerings (such as the Timo Boll Spirit). This design encourages a unique grip and increased freedom of wrist movement, which is particularly advantageous for performing technical maneuvers like backhand flicks and spinny loops.
Suitability
This blade is well-suited for players who rely on touch, precise placement, and heavy spin loops rather than pure speed. Its combination of stability and refined feedback makes it an effective tool for both intermediate players looking to refine their technique and advanced players who prioritize control in a short-game setting. It pairs effectively with a variety of offensive rubbers, particularly medium-to-high tension European and Japanese tensors.
Also Known As
- Chinese: 松平健太ALC (slang: 松健ALC)
- Japanese: 松平健太 ALC (slang: 松健ALC)
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Recent Reviews
#1 — May 2024
Probably the best blade which I’ve ever played. The ball feeling is amazing. It’s a unique piece of art (seems that somebody has written recently: “it ought to take its place in museum of art”) yep, that is true. I have played with each ALC butterfly, pls understand me correctly they all are great, but only Kenta pushes me to play more and more, it’s like to drive your favorite car, that share you with positive emotions and smile, and you are waiting on every free minutes to rush on it to somewhere.
Kenta is slower than Viscaria and Timo. It is slower and a little bit harder than Freitas. It provides you with so much control and stability, at the same time you may strengthen or spin where needed, easy. Due to the handle you will have some special grip, but be sure that is not good or bad this is unique, that provide you with amazing back. This blade is about “unique” if still not — try it. If you find some — buy it.
The best rubber on it is Tenergy 05, both sides. You may test another, but 05 is the best.
#2 — May 2024
Probably the best blade which I’ve ever played. The ball feeling is amazing. It’s a unique piece of art (seems that somebody has written recently: “It ought to take its place in a museum of art”); yep, that is true. I have played with each ALC Butterfly; please understand me correctly, they all are great, but only Kenta pushes me to play more and more. It’s like driving your favorite car that shares you with positive emotions and a smile, and you are waiting for every free minute to rush on it somewhere.
Kenta is slower than Viscaria and Timo. It is slower and a little bit harder than Freitas. It provides you with so much control and stability; at the same time, you may strengthen or spin where needed, easily. Due to the handle, you will have some special grip, but be sure that is neither good nor bad—this is unique, that provides you with amazing feedback. This blade is about “unique”; if still not, try it. If you find one, buy it.
The best rubber on it is Tenergy 05, both sides. You may test another, but 05 is the best.
#3 — April 2023
Bought from a Japanese retailer, this blade is very expensive but offers exceptional quality. I’ve owned numerous Butterfly blades, including the Super ZLC Mizutani, but the Kenta surpasses them all. It features carefully selected handmade materials that set it apart.
Despite its hard feel, the Kenta excels in generating spin, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponents. Equipping it with Rakza 7 Soft on the backhand and Fastarc G1 on the forehand will leave your opponents struggling to block your spin-laden shots. The blade’s flex contributes to the immense rotational power it produces.
It is well-suited for plastic balls and is ideal for players who prefer playing close to the table. While the price, international fees, and shipping costs may seem exorbitant, the quality of this blade justifies the investment.
The Kenta is a true masterpiece, worthy of display alongside iconic blades like the Viscaria, 9-ply Clipper, Jonyer Hinoki, and Primorac. Its exclusivity to the Japanese market has kept it relatively unknown outside Japan, but those who have experienced it understand its exceptional value.
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