Weight
81.5g
Thickness
7.2mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Iolite Neo
Butterfly Iolite Neo is a fast, offensive table tennis blade built for dynamic close-to-the-table play. It merges the feel of wood with the explosive response of arylate-carbon layers, creating a powerful platform for aggressive attacks. Designed for intermediate to advanced players, it delivers high speed for loops and smashes while maintaining enough dwell time and control for spin-oriented rallies and effective blocking. This hybrid construction aims to balance raw power with a manageable, responsive touch.
This 5-ply construction uses outer layers of Hinoki wood for feel, internal arylate-carbon fiber for speed and stability, and a Kiri wood core. The hybrid design blends wood's touch with composite power, aiming for a fast yet controllable offensive blade.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Iolite Neo operates at the highest offensive tier, delivering exceptional pace for powerful attacks and smashes. This speed stems from its hybrid arylate-carbon construction, which provides a very bouncy and dynamic response. Players report it feels among the fastest blades available, excelling in fast-paced rallies where explosive power is key.
Despite its high speed, Iolite Neo maintains impressive control for an offensive blade. Its softer wood plies contribute to a good feel and touch, making it effective for precise looping and stable blocking. Many players find the control level excellent, allowing for confident placement and spin variation even during aggressive rallies.
Iolite Neo offers a medium-soft feel, softer than many blades in its speed category. This characteristic comes from its wood outer plies and hybrid construction, providing a cushioned touch that aids in ball dwell and spin generation during strokes.
It produces a medium throw angle, ideal for aggressive topspin play. This trajectory helps in looping over the net with consistency while allowing for effective arc control during rallies.
The blade provides a long dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the racket longer for enhanced spin and control. This is a result of its softer feel and hybrid composition, which helps players generate heavy topspin and manage fast exchanges effectively.
Iolite Neo has a medium level of flexibility. It is not extremely stiff, which contributes to its good ball contact and helps in generating spin, while still providing the stability needed for powerful offensive shots.
Vibration is very low, thanks to the dampening effect of the arylate-carbon layers. This creates a clean, solid feel upon impact, allowing for direct power transfer and a consistent feedback that many players prefer.
Crafted with high-quality materials and precise construction, Iolite Neo exhibits excellent build quality. The finish and aesthetic details are often praised, contributing to a durable and visually appealing product that feels solid and reliable in hand.
Technology
Butterfly Iolite Neo utilizes a hybrid construction that layers natural wood with advanced arylate-carbon composites. The design features outer Hinoki plies for enhanced feel and spin, a central Kiri core for lightness and rebound, and internal arylate-carbon layers to boost speed and dampen vibration. This technology aims to create a responsive, powerful blade tailored for offensive players, offering a balance of explosive pace, spin potential, and a comfortable playing sensation.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is a classic offensive blade also built with arylate-carbon. While both are fast, Iolite Neo typically offers a softer feel and potentially longer dwell time, whereas Viscaria is known for its stiffer, more direct power delivery. Players choosing between them often consider their preference for touch versus outright stiffness.
Butterfly Amultart
Amultart shares a similar offensive hybrid construction philosophy with Iolite Neo. Both blades aim for high speed and power, though specific feel and performance nuances differ based on their exact layer composition and material grades. They cater to players seeking a composite-enhanced attacking platform.