Weight
87g
Thickness
5.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Andrzej Grubba Carbon
Butterfly Andrzej Grubba Carbon is a hybrid blade designed for the all-round and controlled offensive player. Named after the legendary Polish champion, it blends traditional wood feel with carbon fiber to create an enlarged sweet spot and a unique playing character. This construction aims for a balance of control and power, offering enhanced energy efficiency for more powerful shots than comparable all-wood blades while maintaining high predictability. It's a versatile tool suited for players who value a large forgiving area and a reliable, direct feel for a wide range of strokes.
This 5-ply construction features three wood layers (Akazie, Ayous, Akazie) and two woven carbon fiber layers positioned between them. The carbon layers are placed between the outer and center plies, a design intended to provide a larger sweet spot and increased power compared to all-wood blades, while the specific wood types aim to preserve control and a distinct feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed for the Grubba Carbon is moderate, placing it in the ALL+ to OFF- range. It delivers more power than a standard all-wood blade but lacks the explosive pace of many contemporary carbon offerings. Our testing shows the actual speed can vary based on the blade's weight and the rubbers used, making it a versatile platform that players can tune to their preference.
Control is one of this blade's standout features. Its design emphasizes predictability and precision, creating a forgiving experience for various strokes and skill levels. The enlarged sweet spot is a key contributor, helping maintain control and consistent ball placement even on shots that aren't perfectly centered.
Grubba Carbon offers a direct and predictable feel, striking a balance between the stiffness from its carbon layers and the flexibility from the wood plies. Players report a distinct, connected sensation that provides clear feedback without being overly harsh or muted.
When paired with suitable rubbers, the blade can produce a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates effective looping and offensive play, helping to lift the ball over the net with good arc and safety.
The blade provides a moderate dwell time, which is sufficient for generating good spin, especially when paired with modern tensor rubbers. This characteristic supports the blade's overall control profile, allowing players to brush the ball effectively for spin-oriented shots.
Flexibility is rated as medium. Despite the carbon layers, the blade retains a degree of flex that contributes to its control and dwell time. This sets it apart from extremely stiff carbon blades, giving it a more manageable and forgiving nature.
A moderate level of vibration is present, which enhances the tactile feedback and connection with the ball during play. This vibration is generally perceived as positive, adding to the blade's character rather than causing distraction.
The Grubba Carbon is generally perceived as having good build quality, consistent with Butterfly products from its era. While some earlier versions had simpler handle aesthetics, the core construction is solid and reliable. The blade feels well-made and durable in hand.
Technology
Butterfly Andrzej Grubba Carbon employs a 3-wood plus 2-carbon fiber hybrid construction. This design leverages the strengths of both materials: the Akazie and Ayous wood plies provide control and a connected feel, while the woven carbon fiber layers enhance power and significantly expand the sweet spot. A unique design element is the horizontal grain orientation in the center Ayous ply, which was intended to influence the blade's playing characteristics. This innovative build for its time aimed to deliver an 'enlarged sweet spot' and a 'totally new feeling' that blended traditional touch with modern performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Andrzej Grubba
The blade is named after Andrzej Grubba, the renowned Polish champion known for his dynamic, all-round style in the 1980s and 1990s. He was instrumental in testing and endorsing this model, which was developed to suit his versatile game. The blade aimed to provide him with the exceptional control and enlarged sweet spot he favored for both precise defensive maneuvers and opportunistic offensive plays.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Andrzej Grubba (All Wood)
This is the all-wood predecessor to the Grubba Carbon. Players seeking a softer feel, more pronounced dwell time, or a classic all-round performance might prefer this model. The all-wood version offers enhanced touch and a more traditional playing character, which can be advantageous for styles that rely heavily on feel and spin generation.
Butterfly Viscaria
The Viscaria is a faster, more modern offensive blade with a different carbon placement (Arylate-Carbon outer plies). Players looking for a significant upgrade in direct speed and outright attacking power might consider the Viscaria. However, it offers a harder, crisper feel and generally less dwell time compared to the more controlled and forgiving nature of the Grubba Carbon.