Weight
87g
Thickness
5.2mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
168x159
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Defence X
Butterfly Defence X is a specialized table tennis blade crafted for defensive players who prioritize exceptional control and feel. Its larger head size provides a wider sweet spot and increased surface area, ideal for effective chopping and blocking. Constructed from Willow wood, it delivers excellent tactile feedback, stability, and precision, making it perfect for players who rely on consistent placement and spin-oriented defensive strategies. The blade offers a soft touch and controlled response, enabling nuanced play close to the table and reliable mid-distance defensive maneuvers.
Defence X is constructed with five plies, featuring Willow wood on the outer layers. This construction is typical for defensive blades, aiming to provide a soft feel, good dwell time, and control. The specific inner wood plies contribute to the blade's overall flexibility and vibration characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Butterfly Defence X is a slow blade, designed primarily for defensive play rather than outright speed. Its low speed rating aligns with its purpose of providing control for chops, blocks, and pushes, rather than facilitating fast attacks. Players report it excels in controlled, spin-oriented shots where placement is more critical than power.
Control is the paramount characteristic of Defence X, with our testing showing very high ratings. This is achieved through its soft feel, significant dwell time, and manageable speed, allowing for precise placement and consistent execution of defensive strokes. Many players find it offers exceptional stability for chops and blocks.
Defence X is consistently described as having a soft feel. This characteristic is crucial for defensive players, as it allows for a good sense of the ball at impact, enabling precise control over chops and pushes, and providing clear feedback for shot execution.
The combination of flexibility, dwell time, and wood construction suggests a medium-high to high throw angle, which can be advantageous for defensive players looking to lift the ball with spin on their chops or when returning serves.
The blade's construction and soft feel contribute to a longer dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This extended contact time is vital for generating spin on defensive shots like chops and for executing controlled pushes and blocks.
The blade exhibits high flexibility, which aids in absorbing incoming pace and generating spin on defensive shots. This pliability allows for a more elastic response, contributing to the dwell time and the blade's overall controlled nature.
Defence X is noted to vibrate significantly, which some players find beneficial for feel and spin generation, while others may find it distracting or too pronounced. This characteristic is part of its feedback mechanism, contributing to its controlled play.
While specific quality ratings are limited, user feedback suggests a well-constructed blade that effectively serves its defensive purpose. TTSensei experts note the build is generally considered adequate for its intended use, though some players mention it may be overpriced for its specifications.
Technology
Butterfly Defence X is crafted with a focus on traditional defensive play, utilizing a 5-ply all-wood construction. The outer plies are made of Willow, a wood known for its excellent feel and responsiveness, crucial for defensive players who rely on subtle touch and control. The larger head size is a distinct design feature, increasing the sweet spot and providing a more forgiving playing surface for chops and blocks. While specific artificial fiber technologies are not present, the blade's construction prioritizes flexibility and dwell time, aiming to absorb incoming pace and generate spin effectively. This blade represents Butterfly's commitment to classic defensive styles, prioritizing control and ball feedback over raw speed.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita
Victas Koji Matsushita is frequently mentioned as a high-quality defensive blade, often recommended alongside other defensive options. Like Defence X, it is designed for players focusing on control, chops, and stability, offering a similar playing experience for dedicated defenders seeking precision and feel.
Butterfly Defence III
Butterfly Defence III is a sibling blade within Butterfly's defensive line. It is often compared to Defence X, with TTSensei experts noting it may be slightly faster. Both blades are intended for defensive players, emphasizing control and stability, making Defence III a potential alternative if a slightly quicker defensive option is desired.