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.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — May 2024
Probably the best blade I’ve ever played with.
The ball feeling is amazing. It’s a unique piece of art (it seems someone recently wrote: “It ought to take its place in a museum of art”) and that’s true. I have played with every ALC blade from Butterfly, and please understand me correctly, they are all great, but Kenta pushes me to play more and more. It’s like driving your favorite car, which shares positive emotions and brings a smile, and you wait for every free minute to rush somewhere in it.
Kenta is slower than Viscaria and Timo Boll ALC. It’s slower and a little harder than Freitas ALC. It provides you with so much control and stability, and at the same time, you can strengthen or spin the ball easily where needed. Due to the handle, you will have a unique grip, but be sure that it’s neither good nor bad, it’s simply unique and provides you with amazing feedback. This blade is about “unique.” If you haven’t already, try it. If you find one available, buy it.
The best rubber for it is Tenergy 05, on both sides. You may test others, but 05 is the best.
#2 — 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.
#3 — April 2023
Perfect control provides excellent accuracy and consistency in shots, allowing for precise placement and spin control.
Good rotation enables effortless generation of spin, enhancing the effectiveness of offensive strokes and making it difficult for opponents to return the ball.
Super quality reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and materials used in the blade’s construction, ensuring durability and longevity.
Narrow handle offers a snug and comfortable grip, suitable for players with smaller hands or who prefer a more controlled feel.
Best product from Butterfly highlights the blade’s superiority within the renowned Butterfly brand, renowned for producing high-quality table tennis equipment.
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