Weight
70g
Thickness
6.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa OFF
Butterfly Balsa OFF is a distinctive offensive blade built for players who prioritize a soft, connected feel and excellent control. Its unique Balsa wood core provides a dampened, comfortable sensation that reduces vibration and offers precise feedback, making it ideal for sensitive, spin-oriented strategies. While not the fastest blade available, it excels in spin generation and provides exceptional security in the short game, suiting close-to-mid-distance play. The lightweight construction enhances maneuverability and reduces fatigue, wrapped in a classic design with a comfortable handle. It's a compelling choice for players seeking a blend of traditional touch and modern offensive control.
The construction features a central Balsa wood core, known for its lightweight and vibration-dampening properties, which is sandwiched between multiple wood plies. This five-layer, all-wood design aims to provide a uniquely soft feel and high level of control while maintaining capable offensive performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Balsa OFF generates good speed for smashes and offensive shots, particularly from close to mid-distance. While some manufacturer ratings suggest higher speeds, our testing and player feedback consistently place it around an 8.0. The soft Balsa core impacts absolute top speed compared to stiffer, carbon-infused blades, making it fast enough for offense without being overwhelming.
This blade is highly praised for its control. Players report precise feedback and excellent suitability for a sensitive offensive strategy. The soft feel of the Balsa core allows for superb touch and playability in all game phases, from delicate short game manipulation to controlled topspin rallies, making it a reliable choice for consistent placement.
The defining characteristic is its soft feel, directly attributed to the Balsa core. This creates a dampened, comfortable sensation that reduces vibration and delivers precise, connected feedback. It allows for excellent ball contact and spin generation, appealing to players who prefer a sensitive, tactile connection with the ball.
The soft feel, good dwell time, and flexibility combine to create a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for looping strokes, allowing the ball to arc effectively over the net with plenty of spin, perfect for spin-oriented attackers.
The soft feel and nature of the Balsa core contribute to a long dwell time. This allows players to brush the ball effectively, imparting significant spin during loops and serves, which enhances the potency of spin-based attacking strategies.
The combination of a Balsa core and outer wood plies results in a flexible blade. This flexibility promotes a longer ball contact time, aiding spin generation and pace absorption. It provides a more forgiving and controllable feel compared to stiff, composite blades.
Balsa OFF offers excellent vibration dampening, a hallmark of Balsa wood constructions. The experience is very low-vibration, contributing to the blade's soft feel and allowing players to focus purely on ball contact without distraction from shock or harsh feedback.
Players generally find the Balsa OFF to be of good quality, offering strong value for its price. The construction, centered on the unique Balsa core, provides a distinctive and appreciated feel. There are no widespread reports of significant quality control issues, indicating consistent manufacturing standards.
Technology
Butterfly Balsa OFF utilizes a core of Balsa wood, a material chosen for its exceptional lightness and superior vibration-dampening qualities. This core is encased in multiple layers of wood, creating a pure all-wood construction. The design focuses on delivering a soft, comfortable feel with precise feedback to enhance control for offensive play. By maximizing dwell time and spin potential, the blade is ideally suited for players employing a spin-oriented, close-to-mid-distance strategy. The inherent lightness of Balsa also ensures excellent maneuverability and helps reduce player fatigue during long matches.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5
Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5 is a closely related blade that incorporates carbon plies alongside the Balsa core. Players report it retains a similar soft feel and good control but delivers increased speed and power due to the carbon layers. It's often considered an option for those wanting more offensive punch while keeping the distinctive Balsa sensation.