Weight
88g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x148
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gergely 21
Butterfly Gergely 21 is a modern evolution of the classic Gergely Carbon, engineered for aggressive attacking play. It features a more compact head and lighter build than its predecessor, enhancing speed and maneuverability. The blade integrates Carbon Tamca 5000 layers within a Cypress and Balsa wood composition, delivering explosive power for drives and smashes while maintaining a surprising degree of control. This hybrid construction creates a crisp, responsive feel, making it a potent weapon for intermediate to advanced players who thrive on dictating points with pace and power from mid-distance.
The 5-ply build uses Cypress outer plies for a crisp hitting feel, sandwiching a lightweight Balsa core. Two layers of Carbon Tamca 5000 are integrated closer to the blade's midline, significantly boosting rigidity and speed while creating a potent platform optimized for aggressive, powerful attacks.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Gergely 21 is renowned for its blistering speed, consistently rated among the fastest production blades. Our testing shows its carbon fiber layers and optimized wood core create an explosive response, ideal for lightning-fast drives and devastating smashes. This raw pace allows players to overwhelm opponents from mid-distance, though it demands good technique to control effectively.
For such a fast blade, the Gergely 21 provides commendable control, especially on offensive strokes. Players report enough dwell time to impart spin and maintain accuracy during powerful exchanges. However, control can feel challenging in delicate short-game situations or when attempting precise placement, requiring an experienced touch to master.
Gergely 21 delivers a crisp, medium-hard feel due to its carbon construction. This provides direct, powerful feedback on impact, which many attackers appreciate for smashes and drives. The feel is less soft and nuanced than all-wood blades, making delicate touches and brush-looping require more finesse.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, especially when combined with high-throw rubbers. This trajectory is advantageous for offensive players, helping topspin loops clear the net comfortably and creating a strong arc for aggressive, penetrating attacks.
Dwell time is moderate, offering sufficient ball contact to generate spin, particularly when paired with grippy rubbers. It strikes a functional balance, allowing for effective loops without sacrificing the blade's core identity of raw speed. Players seeking extremely long dwell for heavy spin production might prefer a softer blade.
The blade is quite stiff, a hallmark of carbon blades designed for maximum speed. This low flex provides a direct, catapult-like response that facilitates explosive counter-attacks and helps maintain a consistent, linear trajectory on powerful shots, though it offers less of the bending sensation found in flexible wood blades.
Vibration levels are low to medium. The carbon layers dampen excessive oscillation, resulting in a stable, solid feel during powerful shots. This reduces feedback 'buzz' and can help minimize wrist strain during long rallies, contributing to overall playing comfort.
Build quality is generally good with durable materials, though craftsmanship can be inconsistent. Some samples may have minor rough edges that benefit from light sanding for optimal finish. Despite these occasional quirks, the blade offers solid longevity and performance typical of the Butterfly brand.
Technology
Butterfly Gergely 21 utilizes Carbon Tamca 5000 technology, where specialized carbon fiber layers are integrated into the blade's core. This design dramatically amplifies speed and power output. The construction pairs this with a unique wood composition: Cypress outer plies for a crisp feel and a lightweight Balsa core to help manage weight. The overall package is finished with a more compact head size than previous Gergely models, a design choice aimed at optimizing agility and reaction speed for the modern attacking game.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Gábor Gergely
The blade is named after Hungarian legend Gábor Gergely, embodying the aggressive, power-oriented style he was known for. While he famously used the original Gergely Carbon, this '21' evolution is designed to capture that same offensive spirit with modern material updates like a compact head and refined carbon placement for contemporary play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Gergely Carbon
As the direct predecessor, the original Gergely Carbon shares the aggressive carbon DNA. The Gergely 21 differentiates itself with a more compact head size and lighter overall weight, which many players find increases swing speed and agility while maintaining the powerful, fast character of the lineage.
Butterfly Primorac Carbon
Another Japanese-made offensive carbon blade, the Primorac Carbon is often compared. While both are powerful, the Gergely 21 is generally considered faster and has a harder, more direct feel. The Primorac Carbon may offer a slightly different balance and touch, making the choice a matter of personal preference for subtle feedback and playing sensation.