Kiso Hinoki VII

Kiso Hinoki VII delivers significant speed from its seven-ply construction, which increases hardness and stiffness for powerful direct attacks. While not matching composite blade velocities, it ranks as exceptionally fast for an all-wood design. Our testing shows this speed excels in close-to-the-table offensive rallies, providing a quick response that supports aggressive play without sacrificing the wood's natural feel.

Despite its offensive speed, Kiso Hinoki VII maintains very good control. The pure Hinoki construction provides excellent tactile feedback and ball sensing, allowing players to guide shots effectively. While control-oriented blades offer more, its uniform wood layers enable precise placement and reliable soft game touches when needed, striking a practical balance for attackers.

The seven-ply construction creates a harder, crisper feel compared to softer single-ply Hinoki blades. It delivers direct, satisfying feedback on impact with excellent ball sensing, particularly beneficial for attacking shots where clear connection is desired.

The combination of speed and Hinoki wood properties typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is advantageous for generating powerful topspin shots with good net clearance and offensive arc.

Dwell time is moderate, providing good ball grip and spin generation on serves and controlled loops. The blade's hardness offers sufficient bite without excessively long dwell, maintaining responsiveness for faster exchanges.

Flexibility is moderate, striking a practical compromise between stiffness for power and flexibility for control. The seven plies create a stiffer profile than single-ply Hinoki, supporting offensive play while retaining enough give for feel and touch shots.

Vibration is well-balanced, offering clear feedback without being jarring. The quality Hinoki wood and seven-ply construction manage vibrations effectively, providing tactile information about ball contact while remaining comfortable during play.

Crafted from premium aged Kiso Hinoki wood with Butterfly's renowned precision, this blade exhibits outstanding quality. Players consistently praise its flawless craftsmanship, durable construction, and distinctive aesthetic. The meticulous selection and assembly of seven identical plies result in a blade that feels and performs like a premium instrument, justifying its position in the high-end market.