Weight
90.5g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
16.6x15.5
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Matsushita Pro Alpha
Butterfly Matsushita Pro Alpha is a defensive and all-round blade celebrated for its exceptional control and feel. Developed with Koji Matsushita, it masterfully blends flexibility and stability. Its soft willow wood and arylate construction delivers a characteristic dwell time and vibration, perfect for executing precise chops, blocks, and spin-heavy counter-attacks. This blade is a versatile tool for players who weave offensive strokes into a fundamentally defensive game.
This 5-ply construction features soft willow wood on the outer plies for excellent vibration absorption and feel, sandwiching arylate layers for added elasticity and spin potential. The core wood provides structural integrity, creating a blade designed to enhance dwell time and control for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Matsushita Pro Alpha operates as a medium-fast blade, providing ample speed for offensive shots while firmly prioritizing control and feel. This places it comfortably within the ALL+ category, making it suitable for a modern defensive style that includes offensive capabilities without sacrificing manageability.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The soft willow wood and arylate construction work in harmony to provide exceptional precision for defensive shots, blocks, and chops. It absorbs incoming power effectively while maintaining remarkable stability, giving players immense confidence in their placement.
The blade offers a softer, more flexible feel with noticeable vibration, attributed to the soft willow wood and arylate. This tactile feedback is highly appreciated by defensive players for enhanced control during chopping and blocking strokes.
Many players find the blade produces a medium-high throw angle when looping. This can make keeping the ball low on fast attacks a challenge but proves advantageous for certain defensive shots and high-arching loops, adding to its spin potential.
The flexible nature of the blade, thanks to the soft willow wood and arylate, provides an extended dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade more, facilitating greater spin generation on serves and topspin shots, as well as superior control on chops and blocks.
Significant flexibility is a key feature, contributing directly to its spin-friendliness and dwell time. This dynamic flex allows for a more connected playing experience, aiding in both defensive maneuvers and offensive spin-based shots.
Players report noticeable vibrations with this blade. While some prefer minimal feedback, those who appreciate tactile sensation for stroke control and connection to the ball will find this characteristic beneficial for their defensive game.
Our testing shows the Matsushita Pro Alpha maintains the high build quality and durability expected from Japanese-manufactured Butterfly blades. Consistent positive feedback from players reinforces its reputation as a well-crafted and reliable piece of equipment.
Technology
Butterfly Matsushita Pro Alpha employs a specialized construction blending traditional wood with modern materials. Soft willow wood on the outer plies provides exceptional vibration dampening and feel, critical for defensive play. Integrated arylate layers add elasticity and enhance spin potential. This synergy aims to create a blade with superior control and dwell time, allowing players to execute intricate defensive shots and spin-oriented attacks with precision while maintaining a deep connection to the ball.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Koji Matsushita
The blade was designed in collaboration with Koji Matsushita, a renowned defensive specialist. While specific tournament usage of the 'Pro Alpha' model versus other Matsushita-branded blades isn't extensively documented, the blade is engineered to suit his iconic playing style, emphasizing supreme control, feel, and spin for a modern defensive game.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Special
Often mentioned as an alternative due to the shared namesake, the Victas version may incorporate carbon layers for increased stiffness and speed while aiming to retain high control and defensive capability. It appeals to players seeking a modern defensive blade with a potentially different power profile.
Butterfly Matsushita Pro Special
As an earlier model in the same series, the Matsushita Pro Special is generally described as more stable, featuring arylate and carbon layers. It offers a slightly different feel and speed profile compared to the Pro Alpha, which focuses more on pure flexibility and direct feel.