Weight
85g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
164x157
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Gionis Carbon Def
Butterfly Gionis Carbon DEF is a modern defensive blade built for players who master the art of blending rock-solid back-end defense with sudden, powerful forehand attacks. Its unique 7-ply hybrid construction incorporates two layers of carbon to expand the sweet spot and deliver a crisp, responsive feel. This design provides exceptional precision for chops and blocks while retaining enough power for decisive offensive transitions. The oversized head contributes to a forgiving, stable hitting surface, making it an excellent strategic tool for versatile defenders who aim to disrupt an opponent's rhythm and seize attacking opportunities.
The 7-ply construction features two carbon fiber layers sandwiched between five wood plies, creating a true hybrid blade. This specific arrangement aims to deliver the control and tactile feel of wood, enhanced by the added stiffness, speed, and enlarged sweet spot provided by the carbon. Placing the carbon layers internally contributes to a more controlled and predictable response compared to outer-carbon designs.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed sits on the lower end, fitting its defensive role, yet it's noticeably quicker than traditional all-wood defensive blades due to the carbon layers. This boost supports effective counter-attacks and offensive transitions without prioritizing outright power. The speed is perfectly sufficient for a modern defender who needs to absorb and return heavy shots while being ready to launch an attack when the opening appears.
Control is the defining strength of the Gionis Carbon DEF. Its design is meticulously crafted for precision in defensive shots like chops and blocks. The enlarged sweet spot, thanks to the carbon layers and oversized head, allows for consistent ball placement and minimizes errors on off-center contact. This exceptional level of control makes it ideal for players whose game revolves around placement, spin variation, and systematically breaking an opponent's rhythm.
The feel is distinctly medium-hard. The carbon layers impart a stiffer, more direct response compared to all-wood blades, while the wood plies retain enough dampening for touch. This results in crisp, clear feedback on the ball, which is particularly beneficial for counter-attacks and offensive strokes, while still allowing good sensation during passive defensive play.
The throw angle is medium-high. The combination of carbon and wood plies, along with the blade's construction, tends to produce a slightly higher ball trajectory. This can be advantageous for generating heavy spin and safely clearing the net during defensive chops and looping attacks.
Dwell time is moderate to good. While the carbon layers can slightly reduce dwell compared to a pure wood defensive blade, the overall construction still allows ample time on the ball for generating spin during defensive strokes and for absorbing pace to redirect the ball effectively, striking a balance for its hybrid defensive role.
Flexibility is rated as medium to medium-stiff. The carbon plies add a degree of stiffness that supports power for counter-attacks, but the blade is not extremely rigid. This balanced flex allows for effective blocking and chopping while providing a solid, stable platform for launching offensive shots when needed.
Vibration is moderate. The carbon layers can increase feedback compared to pure wood, but the defensive-oriented design and the integration of the carbon as inner plies help dampen excessive harshness. It provides a lively yet comfortable level of feedback that suits control-oriented play without being overly muted.
The blade is generally rated well for its performance and value, offering good build quality for its class. However, players report that some isolated quality control issues, such as delamination or splitting, have been noted. These instances appear to be exceptions rather than the rule, but they are worth considering. For most users, the blade delivers reliable and durable performance that matches its intended use.
Technology
Butterfly Gionis Carbon DEF utilizes an integrated 7-ply hybrid construction, merging traditional wood plies with modern carbon fiber. The carbon layers are strategically placed within the stack to significantly expand the sweet spot and enhance power transfer, all while preserving the essential control and feel required for defensive play. This technological approach is designed to create a modern defensive tool that can transition swiftly into offensive actions, delivering a direct, crisp sensation with an optimal balance of speed and control for the versatile defender.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Panagiotis Gionis
Panagiotis Gionis, the blade's namesake, is a Greek professional player renowned for his strong defensive game coupled with potent offensive capabilities. This blade was specifically designed to mirror his playing style, which blends consistent chopping and blocking with powerful forehand counter-attacks. While top professionals often use custom equipment, the Gionis Carbon DEF embodies the core characteristics—excellent control for defense paired with accessible power for attack—that define his approach to the game.
Similar Blades
TSP Black Balsa 3.0
Players sometimes consider the TSP Black Balsa 3.0 as an alternative, though direct comparisons reveal key differences. The Gionis Carbon DEF is described as having a more complex construction, while the TSP blade is noted for being very light, slower, and less hard, lacking a pronounced catapult effect. Both blades share a foundational philosophy of focusing on defensive play while enabling offensive actions, utilizing alternative materials to create distinct playing characteristics for the modern defender.