Weight
86g
Thickness
9mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
163x135
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Cypress-R
Butterfly Cypress-R is a premium single-ply Kiso Hinoki blade crafted for Japanese penhold players who value a classic feel with modern performance. Its exceptional control and soft touch create a unique playing experience focused on precision and finesse. The natural Kiso Hinoki wood delivers a distinct sound and feel, enabling intricate shot-making and confident play across all strokes. While emphasizing control, it provides sufficient speed for offensive maneuvers, making it a versatile choice for players seeking a deep, connected feel with the ball.
This blade is constructed from a single piece of Kiso Hinoki wood, which is characteristic of traditional Japanese penhold blades and provides a unique feel and sound.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Cypress-R offers a good level of speed suitable for offensive play, though it's not its primary strength. It provides a fast ball return with a soft hitting sensation, allowing for effective attacks when paired with modern rubbers.
Control is a standout feature. Players consistently praise its exceptional control for all shots, including blocking and attacking loops or hits. The rounded-square head shape also contributes to this enhanced control.
Cypress-R offers a soft hitting feeling, a hallmark of Kiso Hinoki. Some players note it feels a bit firmer than expected for a Hinoki blade, providing a good balance between softness and responsiveness.
The combination of Kiso Hinoki wood and the blade's construction tends to produce a medium to high throw angle, beneficial for generating powerful looping shots with a good arc.
The single-ply Hinoki construction typically provides good dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball on the blade and impart spin effectively, which is crucial for control-oriented play.
The blade is described as firm, indicating a medium level of flexibility. This firmness helps generate power during strokes while still allowing for control and feel.
Single-ply Hinoki blades generally offer medium vibration, providing good feedback without being overly jarring. Cypress-R's feel is described as firm but retains the characteristic softness of Hinoki.
Butterfly is renowned for high-quality Kiso Hinoki blades, and Cypress-R upholds this reputation. The craftsmanship is excellent, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing blade that maintains its performance over time.
Technology
Butterfly Cypress-R utilizes Butterfly's expertise in crafting single-ply Kiso Hinoki blades. Kiso Hinoki is a highly prized Japanese wood known for its lightweight properties, excellent elasticity, and distinct sound. The manufacturing process involves carefully selecting and slicing the Hinoki wood to achieve optimal performance characteristics. This focus on natural materials and traditional craftsmanship results in a blade that offers a unique playing feel, emphasizing touch and control, which is a hallmark of Butterfly's high-end Japanese penhold offerings.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kim Taek Soo
Kim Taek Soo, a legendary South Korean penholder, was known for his use of Hinoki blades, including models similar to the Butterfly Cypress series. His game was characterized by powerful forehand attacks and exceptional touch, which a blade like Cypress-R would effectively support. The control and feel offered by Kiso Hinoki blades allowed him to execute precise shots and generate significant spin, reflecting his offensive yet controlled style of play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Cypress G-MAX S
Cypress G-MAX S is another premium single-ply Kiso Hinoki blade from Butterfly. It is considered a higher-grade and faster option compared to Cypress-R, recommended for more advanced offensive players. Both blades share the characteristic Kiso Hinoki feel, but G-MAX S offers increased speed and power while maintaining good control.
Darker Speed 90
Darker Speed 90 is a highly respected single-ply Kiso Hinoki blade often considered a benchmark in the penhold community. It is known for its excellent balance of speed, control, and feel, similar to Cypress-R, but often praised for superior wood quality and a slightly different feel due to variations in wood selection and thickness.