Weight
88g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x148
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Ester
Butterfly Ester is a five-ply all-wood blade crafted for players who value a balanced game. It delivers a softer, more connected feel that enhances control and dwell time, making it ideal for generating heavy spin and precise placement. This blade offers a medium-fast speed suitable for offensive play without sacrificing consistency. Ester provides a classic wood experience, perfect for intermediate to advanced players seeking reliability and a deep connection with the ball in both attack and defense.
Ester is built with a five-ply, all-wood construction. The specific wood types for each layer are not detailed by the manufacturer, but this traditional layup is designed to produce the blade's signature soft feel, increased dwell time, and high level of control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ester operates in the medium-fast speed category. It provides sufficient pace for offensive play, particularly for players who generate power through spin and technique rather than raw blade speed. This balanced speed makes it versatile for all-round strategies, offering enough thrust for attacks while maintaining manageability for controlled shots.
Control is where the Ester truly excels. Its soft composition and high dwell time allow for exceptional ball manipulation, enabling precise placement, controlled blocks, and heavy spin generation. Players consistently report a high level of accuracy and consistency, making this blade a top choice for anyone who prioritizes placement and tactical play over sheer power.
Ester provides a distinctly soft and connected feel upon ball contact. This medium-soft sensation contributes significantly to its high dwell time and control, allowing players to sense the ball deeply for enhanced spin manipulation and precise shot-making.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which naturally facilitates aggressive looping and provides a good attacking trajectory. This characteristic supports offensive play while still offering enough control for consistent defensive shots.
The soft, all-wood construction grants the Ester a notably long dwell time. This extended contact period is a key asset for generating heavy spin and allows for more controlled placement of shots, making it particularly effective for topspin-oriented play.
Ester offers a medium level of flexibility. This balance allows it to absorb power effectively for control while still providing a solid platform for generating speed and spin, contributing to its well-rounded performance profile.
The blade transmits a relatively low to medium level of vibration. This controlled feedback helps maintain a clear connection with the ball without excessive jarring, aiding in the execution of delicate touches and stable control during rapid exchanges.
The Ester is praised for its outstanding build quality and consistent performance. Our testing shows it delivers reliable, predictable feedback shot after shot, with many users noting its durability and stable feel over time. This high level of craftsmanship and consistency reflects Butterfly's renowned manufacturing standards.
Technology
Butterfly Ester's technology is rooted in the mastery of traditional wood craftsmanship. It forgoes modern composites, instead relying on the careful selection and precise lamination of five wood plies. This construction is engineered to optimize a soft touch, maximize dwell time, and deliver exceptional control. The manufacturing process emphasizes consistency, ensuring each blade provides a reliable and deeply connected playing experience that allows players to impart significant spin and achieve pinpoint accuracy, celebrating the classic wood feel.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
The Butterfly Petr Korbel is a popular five-ply all-wood blade that shares the Ester's emphasis on control and a connected wood feel. Many players find the Korbel to be slightly faster and a bit stiffer, offering a similar foundational experience with a touch more offensive capability. It serves as a strong alternative for all-round players seeking a classic wood blade with a slightly more direct response.