Weight
91g
Thickness
5.75mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Korbel Speed
Butterfly Korbel Speed merges classic all-wood feel with enhanced offensive pace, creating a popular choice for players seeking a traditional blade with more attacking potential. Its 5-ply construction, typically featuring Koto outer plies with Limba and Ayous inner layers, delivers a satisfying balance of dwell time and linear power. This blade excels in control and spin generation, supporting consistent looping and precise shot placement. While faster than its predecessor, it retains a manageable speed curve and a medium-hard feel that provides excellent feedback. The Korbel Speed is a reliable, well-crafted option for intermediate to advanced players who value a solid wood sensation with an aggressive edge.
This 5-ply all-wood construction uses Koto for the outer plies to offer a bit more stiffness and speed, while the inner Limba and Ayous layers provide the characteristic wood feel, control, and dwell time. The symmetrical build is designed for a balanced and predictable playing response.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Korbel Speed offers a noticeable mid-fast pace increase over the standard Korbel, providing enough power for effective drives and loops without becoming uncontrollable. The speed is linear rather than having a strong catapult effect, allowing players to dictate the pace through their own technique. This makes it suitable for offensive play while maintaining a connection to the ball that many wood-blade players cherish.
This blade excels in control, a hallmark of its all-wood construction. It allows players to execute a wide range of shots with precision, from delicate short game maneuvers to powerful counter-loops. The ample dwell time contributes significantly to this control, enabling players to feel the ball and make precise adjustments during rallies, making it a trustworthy companion in fast exchanges.
Korbel Speed delivers a medium-hard feel, offering a solid connection to the ball without being overly soft or stiff. This provides good feedback during shots, aiding in shot placement and spin generation. Some players note it feels a bit stiffer than the standard Korbel, which contributes to its increased speed while maintaining a recognizable wood sensation.
This blade tends to produce a medium-low throw angle, which benefits offensive players who prefer driving the ball with flatter trajectories. This makes it easier to maintain control during fast exchanges and counter-topspin rallies compared to blades with a higher, more loopy arc.
The 5-ply all-wood construction provides good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for enhanced spin and control. This characteristic is a key differentiator from faster, stiffer blades and appeals strongly to players who rely on spin-based tactics and value that extended contact feeling.
The blade exhibits moderate flexibility, striking a balance between the stiffness needed for speed and the flex required for dwell time and spin. This allows for a good amount of natural catapult when generating power, but it's not overly bendy, helping maintain control and stability during dynamic exchanges.
While offering increased speed, Korbel Speed retains a moderate level of vibration, providing players with clear feedback on their shots. It is not excessively jarring, which contributes to its overall feel and helps players gauge the quality of their contact without being distracting.
Butterfly Korbel Speed is recognized for its excellent build quality. Manufactured in Japan, it benefits from meticulous processes that ensure durability and a consistent playing surface. The wood is typically well-selected and bonded, leading to a reliable and long-lasting blade that players can depend on for its predictable response and solid craftsmanship.
Technology
Butterfly Korbel Speed is an evolution of the classic Petr Korbel blade, designed to offer enhanced speed while retaining the beloved all-wood feel and control. Its construction involves five carefully selected plies of wood, typically with Koto outer plies for a bit of stiffness and speed, and inner layers of Limba and Ayous for dwell and classic sensation. This traditional 5-ply structure emphasizes balance between speed, control, and tactile feedback. Butterfly's meticulous manufacturing process in Japan, including precise wood selection, bonding, and finishing, ensures consistent quality and predictable performance across all blades.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Panagiotis Gionis
Panagiotis Gionis, the renowned Greek professional, has been strongly associated with the Korbel series throughout his career. While he has used the European Petr Korbel model, his appreciation for the line highlights the blade family's characteristics: excellent all-wood control, balance, and a spin-friendly feel that aligns perfectly with his strategic, consistent, and spin-oriented playing style.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
The standard Butterfly Petr Korbel is the direct predecessor and shares the core DNA with the Korbel Speed. It offers a slightly slower speed but often an even softer feel and exceptional control, making it a superb alternative for players who prioritize spin generation, touch, and classic wood sensation over raw attacking pace.
Stiga Allround Classic
Stiga Allround Classic is another highly respected 5-ply all-wood blade known for its excellent control and feel. While generally slower than the Korbel Speed, it provides a similar classic wood sensation and is a great option for players developing their all-round game or those who prefer a style with greater emphasis on spin and consistency over outright power.