Matsushita Pro Special

Matsushita Pro Special is fundamentally a defensive blade, and its speed rating reflects this design priority. It provides enough power for opportunistic offensive plays, but its true focus is on control and strategic placement rather than raw acceleration. This makes it perfectly suited for players who construct points through patient defense, waiting for the right moment to launch a controlled counter-attack.

Control is the defining characteristic of the Matsushita Pro Special. Its design prioritizes impeccable feedback and precision, allowing players to execute delicate chops, blocks, and pushes with surgical accuracy. This exceptional level of command is a major asset for defensive specialists aiming to dictate the rally's tempo and systematically dismantle an opponent's attacking rhythm.

Matsushita Pro Special delivers a distinctly soft feel upon ball contact. This sensation stems from its all-wood build, particularly the use of soft Willow, which allows the ball to sink into the blade. This creates a longer connection time, enhancing feedback and control for the player, which is essential for touch shots and spin manipulation.

The combination of soft wood and high flexibility typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is advantageous for defensive clearing shots that sail deep onto the opponent's side, and can also facilitate offensive looping when paired with suitable rubbers, adding a versatile dimension to the player's game.

The soft touch and flexible nature of this blade create an exceptionally long dwell time. This allows the ball to linger on the racket face, giving players more time to impart heavy spin and precise placement on their shots. This characteristic is the cornerstone of effective chopping and controlled blocking.

Matsushita Pro Special is characterized by high flexibility. The blade bends noticeably upon impact, which synergizes with its soft feel to dramatically increase dwell time. This flex enables players to generate powerful defensive shots loaded with spin, while maintaining a high degree of control over the ball's trajectory.

The blade provides a low to medium level of vibration, contributing to its controlled and comfortable feel. This dampening effect helps absorb the power of incoming shots, reducing harsh feedback and providing a stable, predictable sensation during extended defensive rallies.

Butterfly's reputation for high-quality manufacturing is evident in the core construction and materials of the Matsushita Pro Special. The blade feels solid and well-made during play. However, our testing shows that the edges can be somewhat susceptible to wear. For maximum longevity, we recommend sealing the edges with a protective layer of epoxy.