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Butterfly Petr Korbel
Blade description:
The Butterfly Petr Korbel is a renowned table tennis blade that has gained popularity among players of various skill levels for its exceptional blend of speed and control. Made with five layers of high-quality wood, it features four plies of limba and a central ayous ply, creating a perfect balance for offensive play. With a thickness of 6.0mm and a weight of around 89g, this blade sits comfortably in the hand, offering a classic aesthetic that appeals to traditionalists and modern players alike.
This blade is classified as an OFF- blade, positioning itself well for all-round attackers. Its medium stiffness (4.8 on a scale) and moderate hardness (5.3) allow for excellent flexibility and dwell time, making it effective for spinning shots and touch plays. Players appreciate its high throw angle and consistency, which facilitate precise looping and powerful topspin shots. Many reviewers have noted the superb control it offers, particularly during rallies and close-to-table interactions, making it a fine choice for improving techniques in a controlled manner.
In terms of alternatives, players might consider the Butterfly Primorac or the Stiga Infinity VPS for similar styles of play. However, those looking for a versatile blade that excels in both offensive and defensive scenarios will find the Petr Korbel to be an invaluable asset. It is particularly recommended for intermediate players seeking to refine their offensive skills while maintaining excellent control. With its competitive pricing and outstanding performance, the Butterfly Petr Korbel stands as a quintessential option for those serious about their table tennis game.
Recent Reviews
#2 — October 2022
My favorite blade thus far. I’ve played with Jun Mizutani ZLC, Darker Imperial, and Darker Speed 90. The Jun Mizutani ZLC was too fast for me; it’s amazing for loops, especially far from the table, but it’s too hard to control and doesn’t forgive mistakes. I like the feel of Darker’s 1-ply hinoki blades, but they are too brittle; I accidentally broke two of them and they were out of stock. So, I started searching for a replacement with good control suited for looping. The main contender was Viscaria; I played with three different blades that people use in our club, and all three were very different (with the same T05 rubber), only one was good to my taste.
Then, I borrowed a spare Petr Korbel from my friend and quickly realized that it would be a perfect choice for me. I ordered one and don’t regret it. It was hard to find an ST version of it. I should note that even though I usually play with an ST handle, the Korbel flared handle seems to be better balanced in terms of handle/head weight. I play with T05 FH and T19 BH; it’s the best blade I’ve used so far.
#3 — May 2022
Switching from a carbon base blade (Donic Waldner Senso) to the Korbel is the best thing I could have done to improve my game. The blade offers bundles of control and great feedback in your hand, with a great dwell time. However, the speed is definitely there when you need it.
So the blade is incredibly versatile: it’s easy to touch the ball close to the table but also capable of attacking far from the table if paired with the right rubbers. And did I mention it’s one of the cheapest blades from Butterfly?
I think too many players are using blades that are way faster for their level. I think using a softer blade with hard rubbers is the way to go, especially with the plastic ball.