Weight
85g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
161x150
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Chinese EX
Butterfly Chinese EX is a specialized Chinese penhold blade built for players who prioritize control and spin, particularly those using the reverse penhold backhand technique. Its thin, five-ply all-wood construction delivers a lightweight, agile feel that excels in close-to-the-table exchanges. This blade offers remarkable stability for serves, pushes, and short game tactics while providing enough power for effective drives. Highly compatible with both inverted and pimpled rubbers, it's a versatile choice for intermediate penholders looking to refine their technique and enhance their touch-based game.
The blade uses a symmetrical five-ply all-wood construction. This classic layup—outer wood, inner wood, core wood, inner wood, outer wood—provides a balanced blend of flexibility and stiffness, which is fundamental to achieving its praised dwell time, control, and spin-friendly character.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Chinese EX offers a medium speed level, providing enough pace for controlled offensive play without being a pure power blade. Our testing shows it generates sufficient power for drives and attacks, particularly when combined with faster rubbers, making it well-suited for players who value placement and consistency over outright velocity.
Control is where this blade truly shines. Players report exceptional ease in blocking, cutting, and precise ball placement. Its design prioritizes stability and predictability, making it an excellent choice for close-to-the-table play and players who rely on tactical consistency rather than overpowering shots.
The blade provides a medium feel, offering a good balance of feedback and comfort. Its thin construction transmits clear sensations, making it easy to handle and providing excellent touch for blocking and delicate short-range play.
Designed for spin and control, the Chinese EX likely produces a medium-high throw angle. This helps in generating effective topspin loops while maintaining a high degree of directional control and consistency.
The five-ply all-wood construction promotes a longer dwell time, allowing players to brush the ball effectively. This characteristic is key to its praised spin-generating capabilities and contributes significantly to its overall control.
As a thin, all-wood blade, it possesses a moderate degree of flexibility. This flex contributes positively to its dwell time and helps absorb pace, adding to the overall feeling of control and enhancing its spin potential.
Vibration levels are moderate, providing enough tactile feedback to feel the ball contact without being harsh or overwhelming. This balanced vibration profile complements its control-oriented nature, giving players useful information without distraction.
Butterfly maintains its reputation for solid manufacturing with the Chinese EX. While specific quality metrics are limited, the blade's consistent performance, reliable construction, and positive user feedback on its playability indicate a well-made product that delivers for its intended control-focused purpose.
Technology
Butterfly Chinese EX exemplifies the brand's mastery in traditional wood blade craftsmanship. The technology lies in the precise selection and layering of wood plies within a thin, five-ply architecture. This design intentionally minimizes weight to enhance maneuverability—a critical factor for penhold and RPB techniques. By optimizing the natural properties of wood, the construction achieves a harmonious balance of responsiveness and dwell time. This allows players to generate significant spin while maintaining a high degree of control, proving that effective technology can reside in the meticulous execution of classic, material-focused design principles.