Weight
89.5g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x148
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Kong Linghui
Butterfly Kong Linghui is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for players who value control, precision, and strategic offense. Named after the legendary Chinese champion, it delivers a harmonious blend of speed and touch, perfect for all-round attackers focused on placement, spin, and timing. Its traditional feel and excellent dwell time support high spin generation and consistent performance both close to the table and from mid-distance. The well-balanced design promotes agile maneuvering and smooth transitions during play.
A standard 5-ply all-wood construction provides a traditional feel, good dwell time, and excellent control. The specific wood types are not detailed, but the focus is on balanced, offensive performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kong Linghui is positioned as an offensive blade with a speed rating around 7.3, placing it in the OFF- or ATTACK category. This reflects a good balance between speed and control, suitable for controlled offensive play rather than all-out power. Its responsiveness supports aggressive shots while maintaining predictability.
Control is a major strength of the Kong Linghui. Its 5-ply all-wood construction and moderate thickness deliver high predictability and ease of use, making it ideal for players who rely on precise placement and touch. Many players find it exceptionally forgiving and consistent.
Kong Linghui offers a medium-soft feel with good dwell time, providing excellent ball feedback. This soft touch aids in controlling the ball and generating spin, though it may lack the explosive feedback of harder, faster blades.
The throw angle is considered medium-high, which is beneficial for looping and lifting backspin balls effectively, providing a good trajectory for offensive shots.
The blade is noted for having good dwell time, attributed to its all-wood construction and medium-soft feel. This extended contact allows players to impart more spin and feel the ball securely during strokes.
With a traditional feel and good dwell time, the Kong Linghui exhibits a medium level of flexibility. It is neither overly stiff nor excessively flexible, fitting its role as a controlled offensive blade.
The vibration rating suggests a moderately high level of feedback, which can enhance feel and ball awareness. Some players note a balance between sensing the ball and a slightly dampened effect.
The build quality of the Kong Linghui is highly regarded. As a Japanese-made Butterfly product, it benefits from stringent manufacturing standards, resulting in a durable, well-finished blade that players can rely on for consistent performance and longevity.
Technology
Butterfly Kong Linghui embodies traditional table tennis craftsmanship with its classic 5-ply all-wood construction. This design prioritizes pure feel and consistent performance, avoiding composite materials like carbon. Meticulously manufactured in Japan, known for high standards in equipment production, it ensures superior quality, durability, and precision. The blade is a direct collaboration with and named after legendary player Kong Linghui, reflecting his preference for exceptional control and spin capabilities.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kong Linghui
Kong Linghui, the legendary Chinese table tennis player and Olympic gold medalist, directly collaborated with Butterfly to develop and use this blade. Named in his honor, it reflects his playing style characterized by exquisite control, precision, and strategic offense. He used this blade during his illustrious career, including his 1995 World Championship and 2000 Olympic gold medal wins. The blade's good dwell time, spin generation, and balanced speed align perfectly with his tactical approach.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is often mentioned as a comparable blade. It incorporates Arylate-Carbon for increased speed and a stiffer feel, favored by offensive players seeking power and spin. Players who find Kong Linghui lacking in outright speed might transition to Viscaria, while those prioritizing traditional feel and control may prefer Kong Linghui.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Timo Boll ALC is another popular Butterfly blade sharing appeal with offensive players. It also features Arylate-Carbon, offering a faster and more powerful option compared to the all-wood Kong Linghui. It suits players looking for a blend of speed, spin, and control with a modern, composite feel.