Butterfly Viscaria

The Butterfly Viscaria is a highly esteemed table tennis blade renowned for its combination of speed, control, and touch. Its unique construction comprises seven plies—five layers of wood and two layers of arylate-carbon—providing players with a blend of power and responsiveness. With a weight of approximately 90 grams, the Viscaria is considered to have a medium weight, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles without being overly cumbersome.

Designed for aggressive offensive players, the Viscaria offers impressive flexibility that enhances ball control while executing powerful strokes. It boasts a high speed rating of 8.7, complemented by a control rating of 7.2, which many users argue may be rated low given the precision they experience during play. The blade’s stiffness and hardness are rated at 5.2 and 5.7, respectively, allowing for a comfortable feel that adapts well to both looping and blocking techniques. Players appreciate the exceptional consistency delivered by the Viscaria, attributed to its well-crafted construction and quality materials.

For those seeking alternatives, blades like the Timo Boll ALC and Zhang Jike ALC are worth considering, as they similarly blend speed and control but with slight variations in feel and response. However, many players find that the Viscaria excels in providing a more precise touch on the ball, particularly for topspin-heavy styles and counter-attacks. While it is an ideal choice for intermediate to advanced players, beginners may struggle to harness the full potential of this legendary blade.

Cheaper Alternatives

The Butterfly Viscaria is one of the most iconic and widely used table tennis blades in the world, known for its balanced feel, excellent speed-control ratio, and the signature ALC (Arylate-Carbon) composition that offers both power and touch. However, it comes at a premium price point. Fortunately, there are several high-quality alternatives that deliver a similar playing experience at a more affordable cost. Blades like the Yinhe Pro 01, Sanwei 75 ALC, Friendship 729 Blue ALC, and DHS TG 506x all feature composite constructions and performance characteristics comparable to the Viscaria, making them great options for players seeking pro-level performance without the high price tag.