Plies
5-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
H.P. Courpierce R
Butterfly H.P. Courpierce R is a specialized 5-ply all-wood blade built for aggressive, close-to-the-table play. Its construction pairs a lightweight Kiri core with thicker Hinoki outer plies, creating a unique feel that's soft on contact yet direct and responsive for powerful attacks. This blade excels in quick blocks, counter-hits, and fast exchanges near the net, offering players who favor an immediate, hitting-oriented style superior touch and precision. The 'R' designation typically indicates a handle shape optimized for this close-range offensive approach.
This classic 5-ply all-wood construction features a Kiri core for lightness and speed, sandwiched between thicker Hinoki outer plies. The combination is designed to provide a softer feel on impact from the Hinoki, while still delivering the directness and speed required for offensive play close to the table. The thick outer plies are crucial for imparting good touch and feel, essential for controlling the ball in quick exchanges.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
H.P. Courpierce R delivers strong speed perfectly suited for close-table aggression. The Kiri core and direct nature of the Hinoki outer plies enable quick acceleration on shots. It's not designed for maximum power from a distance, but its velocity is ideal for executing fast attacks, sharp blocks, and snapping counter-hits executed very near the net.
Despite its offensive focus, this blade provides exceptional control. The all-wood construction and the inherent properties of Hinoki contribute to a superior, informative feel and a high degree of precision. This allows players to place the ball with accuracy during rapid exchanges, making it a top choice for players who rely on consistent placement in their attacking game.
The thick Hinoki outer plies over a Kiri core create a unique feel. It offers a soft initial contact and good dwell for spin, but quickly transitions to a firmer, more direct sensation for power. This provides excellent feedback, aiding in precise shot execution and quick adjustments during play.
The material combination and construction typically produce a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates effective topspin loops and aggressive shots that arc over the net with good pace and spin, complementing its offensive nature.
Dwell time is sufficient for a blade focused on close-table attacking. The Hinoki outer plies allow the ball to sink in slightly, enabling good spin generation and control on serves and short pushes. However, it is shorter than blades designed for heavy, arcing topspin loops from mid-distance.
This blade leans toward the stiffer side. It provides a direct feel and immediate response rather than significant flex. This characteristic benefits fast, controlled shots and blocking, as it minimizes energy loss and helps maintain the blade's inherent speed.
The blade provides moderate vibration. The all-wood construction naturally transmits feedback, letting players feel ball contact clearly. It strikes a balanced feel that is informative and engaging without becoming harsh or distracting during aggressive rallies.
Butterfly blades are renowned for their craftsmanship and durability. The H.P. Courpierce R upholds this standard with excellent build quality, utilizing premium wood materials and precise construction. Players can expect a long-lasting blade that reliably maintains its distinctive playing characteristics over time.
Technology
Butterfly H.P. Courpierce R leverages expert wood selection and construction. It uses a lightweight Kiri core for responsiveness, paired with thicker Hinoki outer plies. Hinoki is prized for its exceptional feel, natural elasticity, and grip, contributing significantly to the blade's touch and offensive bite. The 'R' designation likely indicates a specific, optimized handle shape designed to enhance grip security and maneuverability for the rapid, close-range play characteristic of specialized Japanese penhold styles.
Similar Blades
Butterfly H.P. Winner
Butterfly H.P. Winner is a compelling alternative, sharing a 5-ply Kiri-core and Hinoki outer ply construction for a classic Japanese penhold feel and offensive capability. Both blades focus on delivering excellent touch and control for aggressive play near the table. The Courpierce R may offer a slightly more direct or faster response due to potential differences in ply thickness or wood density, but they operate from a very similar design philosophy.