Butterfly Photino
Blade description:
The Butterfly Photino is a composite blade featuring a 3+2 construction that incorporates ZL fiber layers. Known for its significant thickness (approximately 7mm), it utilizes Hinoki outer plies, which provide a distinctive soft, crisp feel upon contact. Despite its composite nature, the blade is noted for its flexibility and ability to provide a high degree of dwell time, making it particularly effective for spin-oriented looping games.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Feedback: The blade offers a soft, responsive touch with a springy, “catapult-like” sensation. It is capable of significant vibration, which contributes to its unique feedback, though this can vary depending on the stiffness of the rubbers paired with it.
- Gears and Performance: The Photino is recognized for its “geared” performance, allowing for both touch-based short play and high-speed, high-spin attacks. It performs well in mid-distance rallies, where its dwell time and high arc trajectory excel, though it can feel bouncy or difficult to control for aggressive, full-stroke shots tight to the table.
- Structural Considerations: While the blade is highly regarded for its performance, the ZL fiber construction requires careful handling. The material is susceptible to structural damage, such as cracking, if the blade is subjected to physical impact, even from minor drops.
Compatibility
- Rubber Pairing: The blade is versatile and compatible with a wide range of rubbers. It is frequently paired with Japanese and European tensors to enhance its springy, catapult-like qualities, though it also functions effectively with medium-hard Chinese rubbers.
- Handling: The blade is available in comfortable flared and straight handle options, which are often cited as a ergonomic highlight for players focusing on technical stroke production.
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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.
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