Weight
84.2g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Michael Maze
Butterfly Michael Maze is an offensive table tennis blade crafted for players who demand a powerful yet controlled game. Developed with Danish pro Michael Maze, this blade masterfully blends Arylate-Carbon technology within a 7-ply wood structure. It delivers lively speed for aggressive loops and smashes while maintaining a soft, responsive feel for exceptional spin and precision. Ideal for intermediate to advanced attackers, the Michael Maze excels in dynamic rallies, offering the dwell time for heavy spin and the stability for confident shot-making from all distances.
The 7-ply construction uses a symmetrical layout with Limba wood as the outer veneers. Arylate-Carbon fiber layers are placed beneath the outer Limba, sandwiching a central Ayous wood core. This design leverages the soft, spin-friendly characteristics of Limba for feel and dwell, while the ALC fibers add speed and stability. The Ayous core provides a balanced, solid foundation, resulting in a blade that is both lively and controllable.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Michael Maze delivers impressive speed suitable for high-level offensive play. The integrated Arylate-Carbon layers provide a significant power boost for forceful loops, drives, and smashes. While not the absolute fastest blade available, its speed rating sits comfortably in the high-offensive range, giving players the necessary pace to dominate rallies without becoming uncontrollable. This makes it highly effective for players who rely on aggressive, spin-heavy attacks from mid-distance.
For an offensive blade, Michael Maze offers remarkable control. The soft Limba outer plies and strategic fiber placement create superior feel and dwell time, allowing for precise ball placement and confident short-game maneuvers. Players report excellent feedback on blocks, pushes, and service returns, making it easier to execute nuanced shots. This high level of control, combined with its speed, creates a versatile and manageable playing experience for advanced attackers.
The blade provides a medium-hard feel that leans toward the softer side for a hybrid construction. The Limba outer veneers impart a cushioned, responsive sensation on contact, which is forgiving on off-center hits. This feel allows players to better sense the ball for spin creation while still delivering a solid, direct impact on full-power strokes.
Shots tend to have a medium-high to high trajectory, which is ideal for offensive looping. The combination of good dwell time and speed helps the ball clear the net with a healthy arc, allowing it to dip aggressively onto the opponent's side of the table, a key asset for topspin-oriented players.
Michael Maze offers very good dwell time, a key feature for spin generation. The soft outer Limba plies allow the ball to sink into the blade slightly, giving players more time to impart heavy topspin or backspin. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for loopers and players who engage in spin-dominated exchanges from mid-distance.
The blade exhibits a medium level of flexibility. It is not overly stiff, which aids in dwell time and control, nor is it too flexible, which ensures efficient power transfer on aggressive shots. This balanced flex contributes to its all-around offensive capability, working well for both powerful drives and controlled blocks.
Vibration feedback is moderate, thanks to the dampening effect of the Arylate-Carbon layers. It provides enough sensation for players to feel their shots without the harsh, buzzy feedback associated with some pure carbon blades. This results in a comfortable playing experience that reduces fatigue during long sessions.
As a Butterfly product, Michael Maze exemplifies top-tier craftsmanship and durability. The construction is precise, with consistent layering and excellent finish. Players report these blades withstand years of intense play without significant degradation in performance. The handle ergonomics and overall build quality reflect the premium standards expected from the brand, making it a reliable long-term investment for serious players.
Technology
Butterfly Michael Maze utilizes Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fiber technology integrated into a 7-ply wood construction. ALC combines aramid (arylate) and carbon fibers, offering a unique performance profile. It provides increased rebound speed and a larger sweet spot compared to all-wood blades, but with better vibration absorption and a softer, more forgiving feel than standard carbon. Paired with Limba wood outer plies, this technology creates a blade that excels in generating spin while delivering powerful, controlled attacks, making it a standout choice for modern offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Michael Maze
The blade's namesake, Danish professional Michael Maze, was deeply involved in its development and used it throughout his career. Its design reflects his aggressive, spin-heavy style, providing the perfect balance of power for dynamic topspin attacks from mid-distance and control for precise placement and tricky short-game play. The blade embodied his competitive spirit and 'Never Give Up' approach to the game.
Marcos Freitas
Portuguese star Marcos Freitas was a long-time user of the Michael Maze blade, reportedly competing with it for about a decade. He valued its consistent performance and balanced characteristics, which suited his all-around offensive game. His prolonged use and success with the blade underscore its quality and appeal at the highest level, eventually leading to a signature blade based on a similar construction.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is a frequent point of comparison, sharing a similar 7-ply ALC construction. The key difference lies in the outer ply: Viscaria uses Koto, which creates a harder, more direct, and crisper feel. Michael Maze, with its Limba outer plies, offers a softer touch, more dwell time, and a slightly more forgiving response, making it an excellent alternative for players who want similar speed but prefer more feel and spin potential.
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit
Timo Boll Spirit is another 7-ply ALC blade designed for offensive play. Like the Viscaria, it features a Koto outer ply, resulting in a harder and more immediate feel compared to the Michael Maze. Players considering the Michael Maze often seek that similar high-level offensive capability but desire the added dwell, softer sensation, and enhanced spin generation provided by the Limba outer veneers.