Hadraw VK

Weight

85g

Thickness

5.7mm

Plies

5-ply

Head Size

157x150

Handles

FL / ST

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Butterfly

Hadraw VK

Japan
2015

Butterfly Hadraw VK combines classic all-wood craftsmanship with modern offensive performance. This 5-ply blade features harder Koto outer veneers for a crisp, direct feel and solid power on topspin shots, while its softer inner plies enhance dwell time and feedback. It delivers a versatile balance ideal for players who value control and spin generation without sacrificing pace. The relatively light weight and balanced feel make it comfortable for extended rallies, suitable for intermediate to advanced players seeking a reliable, feedback-rich blade for all-around offensive play.

5-Ply Construction

This 5-ply all-wood stack uses Koto for the hard, crisp outer veneers and a core of Ayous wood. The inner plies are Limba, a softer wood that enhances dwell time and feel. This specific layering creates the blade's signature blend of offensive power from the Koto and controlled, spin-friendly flex from the inner layers.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.5

Hadraw VK provides solid offensive speed for an all-wood blade, landing in the OFF- to OFF range. It generates sufficient pace for strong topspin and counter-topspin shots, feeling responsive and lively. While not as explosively fast as composite blades, its speed is well-matched to its control-oriented design, offering a balanced platform for building points rather than overwhelming power.

Control
8.0

Control is where this blade truly excels. Players report exceptional precision in placement, effortless spin generation, and a high degree of confidence across all strokes. The combination of wood construction and thoughtful layering creates a forgiving, predictable response that allows for nuanced shot-making and consistent execution, making it a top choice for players who prioritize accuracy and variation.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

Hadraw VK delivers a crisp, direct, and slightly hard feel upon contact. The Koto outer plies contribute to a sharp, clear feedback and a distinct sound on impact. It provides more tactile sensation and less numbness compared to many carbon blades, offering good ball awareness for touch and control shots.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

On offensive strokes like loops and drives, the blade produces a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory helps shots clear the net comfortably and arc down onto the table, applying pressure and facilitating spin-heavy attacks.

Dwell Time
8.0

The 5-ply all-wood construction, with its softer inner layers, creates a generous dwell time. This allows the blade to grip the ball effectively, enabling players to impart heavy spin on loops, drives, and serves while providing a forgiving, catapult-like effect on slower, controlled strokes.

Flexibility
6.5

The blade exhibits a moderate level of flexibility characteristic of 5-ply wood constructions. This flexibility aids in dwell time and spin generation, allowing the blade to bend slightly on impact to cradle the ball. It's not overly stiff, contributing to its controlled, catapult-like effect.

Vibration
7.5

You'll feel noticeable but not overwhelming vibration, a hallmark of quality all-wood blades. This vibration translates into excellent ball feedback, helping you sense contact quality and aiding in touch play. It's present enough to inform your shots without being distracting or uncomfortable.

Quality
9.0

Butterfly's renowned craftsmanship is evident in the Hadraw VK. The blade features high-quality wood selection, impeccable finishing, and durable construction. Our testing shows consistent build quality with excellent attention to detail, living up to the brand's premium reputation and ensuring reliable performance over time.

Technology

The Hadraw VK is part of Butterfly's Hadraw series, dedicated to pure, high-quality natural woods. The 'VK' name signifies a 5-ply construction ('V' for Roman numeral five) with 'Korbel-related' characteristics ('K'). It utilizes harder Koto outer veneers to deliver a crisp feel and offensive power, while the internal Ayous and Limba/Koto plies are engineered to enhance dwell time and control. This design aims to provide a classic wood sensation with the performance demands of modern spin-oriented play, all backed by Butterfly's meticulous Japanese manufacturing for consistency and quality.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Petr Korbel

The Hadraw VK is often compared directly to the classic Petr Korbel. Both are 5-ply all-wood blades known for their balanced speed and control. Many players find the Hadraw VK offers a slightly crisper, more direct feel due to its Koto outer plies, whereas the Korbel can feel a touch softer and more flexible, providing a different nuance in feedback.

Butterfly Korbel Speed

This alternative shares a similar construction philosophy, potentially using a Koto-Limba-Ayous-Limba-Koto composition like the Hadraw VK. Both blades aim to deliver enhanced speed and a crisp feel compared to the standard Petr Korbel, while maintaining a high level of control. They cater to players wanting a more offensive edge from an all-wood platform.