Weight
82g
Thickness
6.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Maze Advance 2021
Butterfly Maze Advance 2021 is a refined all-wood blade that offers a harmonious blend of offense and defense. Its lightweight, balanced feel and moderate speed make it exceptionally versatile for players developing a well-rounded game. The 5-ply construction provides excellent control, significant spin generation, and ample dwell time, delivering a natural wood feel that enhances both aggressive attacks and precise strategic play. This blade is a reliable choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking stability, sensitivity, and consistency from a traditional wood design.
The blade features a classic 5-ply all-wood construction. While Butterfly does not disclose the specific wood types, this structure is known to provide a softer, controlled touch that enhances dwell time and feedback for spin play. The 2021 version is noted for a slightly thicker core, which increases stability and contributes to a firmer overall feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Maze Advance 2021 delivers a deliberate medium speed, designed to balance offensive capability with high control. It provides enough pace for effective attacks and counter-attacks, especially when combined with faster rubbers, but prioritizes consistency over raw power. This controlled speed allows players to maintain rally dominance and execute well-placed shots without sacrificing accuracy.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. It offers a high degree of precision for short-game maneuvers, drop shots, pushes, and blocking. The clear feedback and stable platform inspire confidence, allowing for accurate ball placement and strategic shot selection. This makes it ideal for players who build points through consistency and tactical variety.
Maze Advance 2021 provides a clear, connected wood feel. It offers a good balance of dwell and directness, allowing for precise spin generation and touch. When paired with harder rubbers, the feel becomes more solid and responsive, enhancing power shots.
Its all-wood construction and balanced elasticity produce a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for offensive shots like loops and drives, helping the ball clear the net with a comfortable, effective trajectory.
The 5-ply all-wood construction creates ample dwell time, letting the ball sink into the blade and rubber. This is crucial for generating heavy spin on loops and serves, giving players greater control over the ball's arc and rotation.
Maze Advance 2021 strikes an effective balance between stiffness and flexibility. This characteristic supports its controlled speed, providing stability on powerful shots while retaining a good sense of the ball for touch play and controlled power application.
This blade offers a moderate level of vibration that provides useful feedback without being harsh or uncomfortable. It contributes to a connected feel during play and helps with shot sensing, making sustained control in rallies more manageable.
Maze Advance 2021 showcases Butterfly's renowned build quality, with a solid, durable construction that performs consistently over time. The all-wood composition contributes to a natural feel and good longevity. Players report a reliable and well-crafted piece of equipment that holds up well to regular play.
Technology
Butterfly Maze Advance 2021 leverages expert wood craftsmanship in a focused 5-ply all-wood design. The '2021' update refines the original Maze Performance, likely through material selection and core thickness adjustments, to optimize the balance of speed, control, and feel for the modern game. This philosophy emphasizes natural wood properties to deliver clear feedback, enhanced dwell time for spin, and a comfortable playing experience, setting it apart from fiber-composite blades. The design serves as a reliable and accessible tool for players who value the nuanced feedback of traditional wood construction.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is another respected 5-ply all-wood blade, often seen as a benchmark for all-round play. It shares the Maze Advance's balanced nature but is generally perceived as slightly faster with potentially more vibration. Our analysis finds the Maze Advance offers more dwell time and spin potential, with a slightly softer, more controlled feel compared to the Korbel.
Butterfly Primorac
Butterfly Primorac is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade known for its solid feel. Compared to the Maze Advance, players often report the Primorac has more vibration and slightly less control, especially on powerful shots. The Maze Advance is viewed as a modern upgrade, providing better spin, more refined control, and a more consistent feel for today's game.