Weight
89g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Firehand
Butterfly Firehand is a classic 5-ply all-wood offensive blade that masterfully balances control and power. Its Limba outer plies and Ayous inner core deliver a responsive feel with excellent feedback, making it a trusted choice for players developing a consistent attacking game. The blade provides a comfortable, low-vibration experience ideal for focused practice and match play.
The 5-ply structure sandwiches a core of Ayous wood between outer layers of Limba. This classic combination is known for creating a blade with good feel and control, where the Limba adds a touch of speed and responsiveness compared to softer woods.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Firehand delivers significant speed, firmly placing it in the offensive category. This velocity is particularly effective for direct, flat-hitting attacks and quick blocks. Our analysis shows it provides a potent yet controllable pace, often feeling more manageable than some other high-speed blades, making its power accessible for developing attackers.
For an offensive blade, Firehand offers impressive control. This allows players to maintain consistency in their strokes and feel a strong connection to the ball, which is invaluable for refining technique. It provides the confidence to execute attacking shots without sacrificing placement, a key reason it's often recommended for players advancing their game.
The feel is distinctly medium-hard, providing crisp, direct feedback on contact. This firmness contributes to excellent control during blocks and drives, though players focusing on generating heavy spin with soft, brushing loops might find it less forgiving.
Its medium-high throw angle complements an attacking style, helping aggressive shots clear the net comfortably and land effectively on the table. This trait supports both driving and looping attacks.
Dwell time is on the lower side of medium, consistent with its hard and fast character. This makes it excellent for direct, punchy attacks but means players who rely on dwelling the ball for spin creation may need to adapt their technique or use grippier rubbers.
The blade leans toward stiffness rather than flexibility. This contributes to its direct, linear response and power for fast counters, but it offers less of the catapult or springy effect that can aid in generating heavy topspin from a distance.
A standout feature is its low vibration level. Despite its speed and hardness, Firehand transmits shock minimally, resulting in a comfortable and controlled sensation even on powerful shots, which helps reduce fatigue during long sessions.
Firehand is built to last, with a reputation for good durability and consistent performance over time. The construction quality is reliable, holding up well to regular play. This robust build ensures the blade remains a stable part of your equipment setup.
Technology
Firehand utilizes a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction, focusing on the inherent synergy between its Limba outer plies and Ayous inner plies. This classic approach prioritizes natural wood feedback and a balanced performance profile. Butterfly's manufacturing precision ensures consistent quality and reliable play from these natural materials, optimizing the wood's properties to achieve a blend of speed and control without advanced composites.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce T5000
Some players have found the Innerforce T5000 to be a close modern successor to the Firehand, suggesting similarities in its controlled offensive character and feel, making it a potential option for those seeking a comparable playing experience.
Butterfly Gergely
Gergely is often cited as a faster and more demanding alternative. Firehand offers a more controlled and accessible path for players who want offensive capability but find the sheer speed and hardness of the Gergely challenging to manage.
Butterfly A. Mazunov
A. Mazunov is generally considered lighter, faster, and slightly harder. For players primarily seeking the fastest possible all-wood blade from Butterfly, the Mazunov is often viewed as stepping up in pure performance, while Firehand provides a more balanced and controlled alternative.