Butterfly Photino

Blade description:

The Butterfly Photino is a premium table tennis blade renowned for its impressive combination of speed, control, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for offensive players. This blade features a construction of Hinoki and Kiri wood, with a layer of Zylon Fiber (ZLF) incorporated to enhance its performance. The use of Zylon fiber ensures a fantastic balance of stiffness and flexibility, providing a unique touch that resonates well with players seeking power and precision in their strokes. With a thickness of 7.0mm, the Photino strikes an excellent balance between mass and responsiveness.

Weighing in at a medium range, the Photino is well-regarded for its consistency and touch. The blade’s stiffness is rated at 5.5, offering a significant degree of flexibility that caters to a broad spectrum of playing styles. Players report a soft yet solid feel upon impact, suitable for loops, fast drives, and delicate short games alike. The blade excels particularly in mid-distance play, delivering a high arc trajectory for looping shots, while also maintaining decent control for touch play. However, some reviews note that it may not be the best choice for aggressive close-to-table play without employing specific rubbers that complement its capabilities.

For those considering alternatives, options like the Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit (TBS) or the Innerforce series may be worthwhile to explore. However, players often find themselves gravitating back to the Photino due to its unmatched catapult effect and enjoyable playing feel. The Photino shines with both European and Japanese rubbers, such as Tenergy and Xiom, further broadening its appeal across varied attacking styles. In summary, the Butterfly Photino is an exceptional blade for those aiming for a balanced approach in speed and control, ready to elevate their game to the next level.

Recent Reviews

#1 — January 2021

An overlooked blade, I must say. Having used various kinds of blades, I stopped at this Butterfly Photino. This blade really surprised me. I don’t really like the “ordinary” feel of hinoki/cypress, but when it’s combined with Zylon fiber, it gives a different feel. If it were food, I would say it tastes “crisp” but soft at the same time. I used it with T05 Hard for the forehand side and T05 for the backhand. Wonderful for hard hitting and excellent for slow, spinny loops.

#2 — September 2020

Butterfly Timo Boll ALC The Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a professional-level table tennis blade designed for world-class performance. Constructed with seven plies of high-quality wood, this blade combines speed, control, and feel to create an exceptional playing experience.

The Timo Boll ALC features a perfect balance of stiffness and flexibility, allowing for both aggressive power and precision placement. Players can generate tremendous spin and generate a variety of shots from close to the table or from a distance.

At around $100, the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC offers excellent value for money. Its durability and all-around performance make it an excellent choice for serious players seeking a high-level blade.

Pros: * Exceptional speed, control, and feel * Balance of stiffness and flexibility * Generates tremendous spin * Suits various playing styles * Durable construction

Cons: * Expensive compared to beginner-level blades * Requires skill to use effectively

#3 — January 2017

The most distinctive feature of the Photino is the thick hinoki top ply (~1.4mm). This allows the blade to have a soft touch, even with the addition of composite material. As a result, the Photino exhibits a range of gears, including slow, medium-slow, medium, and fast.

Hinoki is renowned for its exceptional softness, making it an ideal wood for looping. The Photino lives up to this reputation, providing excellent looping feel, akin to playing with an all-wood blade. However, the Zylon layer dampens vibrations, resulting in a more muted playing experience.

To complement the Photino’s gears, consider pairing it with Japanese or European rubbers, known for their springiness. This combination enhances the blade’s looping capabilities.