Butterfly Primorac

≈ 87 grams ≈ 1313 Hz

Blade description:

The Butterfly Primorac is a classic 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade that has gained a reputation for its exceptional balance of control and speed, making it a favorite among players of all levels. Constructed with four plies of limba wood surrounding a core layer of ayous, this blade not only delivers a lovely feel but also excels in producing high levels of spin and precision. With a thickness of 5.7mm and an average weight of around 90 grams, it strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight and providing enough heft for solid stroke production.

The flexibility of the Primorac is notably advantageous, offering ample dwell time for advanced strokes while still maintaining a level of stiffness that allows for a direct feedback response. This makes it particularly appealing for beginner and intermediate players looking to refine their techniques. Despite reviewers noting that it may feel slow for advanced players using fast rubbers, many agree that the control it provides during play is unmatched, helping players cultivate essential skills before transitioning to faster models.

For those considering alternatives, the Primorac Carbon is often mentioned as a next step, although it may cater to players seeking increased speed and responsiveness. Other contenders in the same category, such as the Korbel or various blades from companies like Nittaku and Stiga, offer different characteristics that players might explore as their skill levels advance. Overall, the Butterfly Primorac remains a top choice for its reliable performance, making it an outstanding investment for any player eager to enhance their game.

Recent Reviews

#1 — January 2023

A bit faster and harder than Palio s4, here 729 bloom power starts to work at least well at backhand. I would say it’s a minimum speed blade for those rubbers, for more trained people. It has good control. For people who want to defend, slower rubber will work better, and for offense, faster rubbers will be more effective. This blade is great for semi-professionals in attack, but for pros, it’s too slow. It’s a good choice for training strokes.

#2 — October 2021

I’m reviewing a Primorac Made in Japan, a fairly recent production (2018), of 83gr weight. I’m a fh/bh attacker/looper at a low intermediate level. Using FFT wave, the frequency response is 1968Hz, while Korbel is 1264Hz, and Viscaria is 1335Hz (I also have those blades).

My Primo is nearly stiff, fast enough, very controlled blade with plenty of speed to finish the point. I use it with Omega 7 Europe 2.0mm on both sides, and this combo is fantastic, giving you both control and power. It’s not a slow blade at all. The handle is perfect for my big hands, bigger than the Korbel. Korbel is a great blade, but the thin handle annoys me.

The short game is very good with this blade, and looping is a joy. From mid-distance, you’ll be fine with the right rubbers. I would say that the Korbel has a bit more feel, less vibration, and a tiny bit more speed. Anyway, the Primorac is a great blade that can suit a wide range of players!

#3 — September 2021

I have two versions of the blade: the Japan version, which weighs 89 grams, and the Europe version, which weighs 85 grams. Both versions are excellently constructed. The Japan version is slightly faster than the Europe version.

The Primorac Allwood is an excellent blade for developing proper technique. It offers excellent control and feel, which makes it easy to adjust your strokes as needed.