Weight
89g
Thickness
7.55mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Iolite
Butterfly Iolite is a celebrated offensive table tennis blade that masterfully balances high speed with impressive control. Its 5-ply hybrid construction, featuring Arylate-Carbon fibers, delivers explosive power for loops and drives while maintaining a comfortable, responsive feel. This blade is engineered for players who demand a fast, attacking game but refuse to sacrifice precision and touch. The unique material synergy provides a lively yet manageable platform, making it a versatile choice for intermediate to advanced offensive players who thrive in aggressive topspin rallies.
This 5-ply construction sandwiches Arylate-Carbon fiber layers between wood. It starts with a responsive Hinoki outer ply, followed by an Arylate-Carbon layer, a thick Kiri wood core, another Arylate-Carbon layer, and finishes with a final Hinoki outer ply. This stack creates a unique blend of power from the composites, a lively feel from the Hinoki, and added speed from the Kiri core.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Iolite is consistently recognized as a very fast blade. Its hybrid construction with Arylate-Carbon and a substantial Kiri core creates explosive power, ideal for aggressive attacking play including powerful loops, blocks, and kill shots. Our testing shows it delivers pace that often surpasses other well-known blades in its category, making it a true weapon for players who prioritize offensive speed.
Despite its high speed, Iolite earns praise for its excellent control. The Arylate-Carbon composite, combined with its wood plies, provides a good feel and dwell time that aids in precise ball placement and spin generation. While its pace can challenge consistency for beginners, experienced players find it offers ample control for intricate shots and effective short game play, striking a rare balance for an offensive blade.
Iolite presents a relatively hard feel due to its Arylate-Carbon and hard wood outer plies, yet it possesses a nuanced character. The composite materials and Kiri core introduce a slight dampening effect, resulting in a touch that is not as brutally stiff as some pure carbon blades, offering a unique blend of firmness and feedback.
Iolite produces a medium to medium-high throw angle, which is typical for fast, offensive blades. This arc is advantageous for looping, helping shots clear the net and land deep on the table. The exact angle can be influenced by rubber choice, with some linear rubbers producing a more neutral trajectory.
This blade provides a good amount of dwell time, which is beneficial for generating heavy spin. It allows players to hold the ball on the racket face slightly longer, facilitating more aggressive and spin-oriented strokes. Players report it offers longer dwell compared to several other fast blades, aiding in consistency and spin production.
The blade is described as quite stiff, a characteristic that contributes directly to its fast speed and hard feel. This stiffness, common in Arylate-Carbon constructions, allows for a very direct and efficient transfer of energy, making it powerful for drives and blocks, though it offers less flex than all-wood blades.
Iolite is generally perceived to have low to medium vibration. The Arylate-Carbon fibers effectively dampen vibrations, contributing to a more controlled and stable feel despite the blade's high speed. This reduced vibration enhances comfort and provides a solid, confident sensation on impact.
Butterfly's reputation for exceptional manufacturing is fully realized in the Iolite. Players report excellent build quality with precise construction and durable materials. The aesthetics are frequently highlighted, with many describing the blade's finish and wood grain as a work of art, reflecting the high standards expected from top-tier equipment.
Technology
Iolite utilizes an advanced 5-ply construction that integrates Arylate-Carbon fibers, a hallmark of modern high-performance hybrid blades. This technology aims to fuse the natural feel and responsiveness of wood with the enhanced properties of synthetic fibers. The Arylate-Carbon layers are strategically placed to increase stiffness and speed while simultaneously dampening vibration and expanding the sweet spot. Outer plies of lightweight, flexible Hinoki are paired with a thick, speed-enhancing Kiri core. This specific material synergy is engineered to deliver a unique playing experience that bridges the gap between traditional all-wood feel and modern composite power.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is the classic benchmark in the Arylate-Carbon category and a frequent point of comparison. While both are offensive hybrid blades, Iolite is generally described as faster, stiffer, and lighter with a different ply construction. Players considering Iolite might look at Viscaria for a slightly more controlled and perhaps more universally tried-and-tested feel.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
The Timo Boll ALC is another highly popular blade using Arylate-Carbon technology, often viewed as a balanced and controlled offensive option. Compared to the Iolite, the Timo Boll ALC typically offers a more manageable speed profile and a classic offensive feel. It's an excellent alternative for players who find the Iolite's extreme speed and stiffness a bit too demanding.