Weight
80g
Thickness
6.1mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa Carbo X5
Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5 is a lightweight offensive blade that masterfully blends touch and power. Its unique construction pairs a soft balsa core with carbon fiber layers, creating a feel that excels in precise blocking and over-the-table play while delivering ample power for attacks. The light weight enhances maneuverability, making it ideal for players who value quick reactions and controlled play but still want solid mid-distance power. This balanced design offers versatile performance, making it a popular choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a well-rounded offensive tool.
The construction features a central balsa core for lightness and a soft feel. Two layers of carbon are positioned on either side of the core to enhance stability and power. These are then surrounded by outer wood plies, completing the 5-ply hybrid structure designed to balance touch and speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Balsa Carbo X5 delivers strong offensive speed, facilitated by its carbon layers and lightweight design. It enables quick topspin and powerful shots, proving particularly effective for close-to-the-table play. While not the absolute fastest blade available, it provides more than enough pace for aggressive play, especially when paired with modern, fast rubbers.
This blade is highly regarded for its excellent control, stemming from its soft feel and balsa core. This allows for precise ball placement, effective blocking, and comfortable handling of short balls. It offers a forgiving playing experience, making it easier for players to return shots confidently even with minor technique errors.
Balsa Carbo X5 provides a consistently soft feel, primarily due to its balsa core. This soft touch enhances dwell time, delivers excellent feedback on ball contact, and makes blocking and delicate shots feel effortless and controlled.
The combination of a soft feel and offensive design promotes a medium-high throw angle. This is conducive to generating heavy spin and driving the ball with power, ideal for modern topspin-oriented play.
The soft feel and balsa core contribute to a notably long dwell time, allowing players to brush the ball effectively and impart significant spin. This characteristic is highly beneficial for looping and creating powerful topspin shots.
The blade presents a unique combination of characteristics. The soft feel suggests some flexibility, while the carbon layers provide underlying stability. This results in a balanced flex that supports its offensive capabilities without feeling overly rigid.
Vibration is generally described as manageable, providing responsive feedback without being overly harsh or stiff. This balanced level of vibration aids in shot execution and gives players a good sense of ball contact.
Butterfly is known for quality manufacturing, and Balsa Carbo X5 generally reflects this standard. The materials are well-integrated, and the blade offers good durability for its class. Players should note that balsa wood constructions can be more susceptible to surface dents compared to harder woods.
Technology
Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5 utilizes a hybrid construction, featuring a central core of lightweight balsa wood sandwiched between two layers of carbon fiber, all encased by outer wood plies. This 'Carbon & Balsa Construction' delivers a unique playing experience by combining the exceptional touch and lightness of balsa with the increased speed, stability, and power from the carbon. The balsa core is chosen specifically for its ability to provide a soft feel and long ball dwell time, enhancing control and spin. The carbon plies are strategically placed to reinforce the blade, supplying the necessary power for offensive play, particularly for blocking and fast topspin shots close to the table.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Michael Maze
Butterfly Michael Maze is often compared to Balsa Carbo X5 by players who have used both. Our testing shows the X5 often provides better control and a stronger short game compared to the Maze, while still delivering ample power. Players looking for a similar feel or transitioning from the Maze might find the X5 a compelling option.
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit
Timo Boll Spirit is another popular Butterfly blade compared to the Balsa Carbo X5. While the Spirit is known for its speed and all-round capabilities, many players find the Balsa Carbo X5 to be more manageable in terms of control, particularly in high-level matches, while still offering sufficient offensive performance.