Weight
97g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
15.9x15.5
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Cresail
Butterfly Cresail stands as a classic offensive blade, celebrated for its masterful blend of speed and control. This 5-ply all-wood construction delivers a stiff, responsive feel that empowers attacking players with powerful drives and precise placements. Its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and consistent performance makes it a sought-after choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to elevate their offensive game with a reliable and potent instrument.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction uses a special Ayous wood core for stability and dampening, sandwiched between Anigre layers. The outer Planonchello plies contribute to the blade's speed and direct surface feel. Together, they create a stiff, responsive structure designed for fast offensive play with good feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Cresail is consistently rated as a very fast blade, ideal for offensive play. Its stiff construction ensures the ball leaves the racket with high velocity, enabling powerful drives and explosive loops. This speed makes it a potent tool for players who want to dominate rallies and finish points quickly with aggressive shots.
Despite its high speed, Cresail offers an impressive level of control that players appreciate. It provides predictable, accurate ball placement, allowing for precise shots and tactical variety. This balance means you can execute powerful smashes and delicate placements with equal confidence, making it a versatile blade for all-around attacking play.
Cresail delivers a stiff, medium-hard feel that provides direct feedback and efficient power transfer. While firm, it still offers a good sense of connection with the ball, preventing a numb or dead sensation. This feel supports both powerful offensive shots and controlled, tactical play.
Cresail produces a medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for aggressive looping. This trajectory allows players to generate shots with good height and depth, making it effective for attacking from mid-distance and creating offensive opportunities.
The blade's stiffness results in a medium dwell time. The ball doesn't sink too deeply, allowing for a quick release and faster shot execution. This provides enough contact for effective spin generation while prioritizing the rapid ball speed needed for offensive strategies.
This is a very stiff blade with low flexibility. The construction provides a solid, unwavering platform upon impact, which is a key contributor to its speed and direct playing character, ideal for players who prefer a crisp, immediate response.
Cresail transmits a moderate level of vibration, which enhances the player's feel for ball contact and strike quality. This direct feedback is informative and helps in fine-tuning shot execution, contributing to a more connected playing experience.
Cresail is recognized for its excellent build quality, reflecting Butterfly's high manufacturing standards. The materials and precise construction contribute to a solid, durable feel that holds up well over time. Players often praise its consistent performance and how it maintains its playing characteristics even after extensive use.
Technology
Cresail utilizes a refined all-wood construction, focusing on the natural properties of selected timbers rather than composite fibers. The specific layup—featuring a special Ayous core flanked by Anigre and outer Planonchello layers—is engineered to create a unique blend of stiffness, speed, and tactile feedback. Butterfly's precise manufacturing ensures consistency, delivering a direct and powerful playing experience rooted in classic blade design principles.
Pro Players Using This Blade
KaliniKos Kreanga
KaliniKos Kreanga used Cresail to complement his powerful offensive style. The blade's speed and control allowed him to generate devastating attacks while maintaining the precision needed for his aggressive play, helping him pressure opponents effectively.
Adrian Crișan
Adrian Crișan's dynamic, all-round attacking game was well-supported by Cresail. The blade's blend of speed for offense and control for strategic placement matched his style, providing the consistent performance needed for his competitive play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Mazunov OFF+
Butterfly Mazunov OFF+ is a common comparison, as both are fast, stiff offensive blades. However, TTSensei experts note that Cresail generally offers better control and a more sensitive feel compared to the Mazunov, which is often described as even stiffer and more direct.