Weight
97g
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Moonbeam
Butterfly Moonbeam blends a unique construction with a focus on control and feel, delivering a playing experience that bridges offensive power with exceptional maneuverability. It's recognized for its distinct 'soft and fast' character, offering surprising power while maintaining comfortable dwell time for spin. The blade's Arylate layers provide shock absorption and a linear response, making it ideal for players who rely on precise placement and consistent looping from close-to-mid distances. Moonbeam is a versatile choice that doesn't sacrifice control for speed.
This 7-ply construction incorporates Arylate layers between Limba wood plies and a Kiri core to offer a unique blend of speed and control. Arylate provides shock absorption and a softer feel while maintaining speed, and Limba outer plies contribute to spin generation.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Moonbeam offers a surprising amount of speed for its feel, often described as 'soft and fast.' While not an extreme offensive blade, it provides enough power for aggressive shots, especially with its good catapult effect, making it suitable for offensive play from near to mid-distance.
Control is a standout feature. Its linear response and excellent ball feedback allow players to place the ball with great precision. This high level of control makes it ideal for players who rely on accurate placement, sensitive touch shots, and consistent looping.
Moonbeam is often described as having a unique 'soft and fast' feel. The Arylate layers contribute to a dampened but responsive sensation, absorbing vibrations and providing comfortable yet solid feedback.
The combination of speed and dwell time suggests a medium-high throw angle, beneficial for looping and generating aggressive, arcing shots.
The soft feel and Limba outer plies contribute to good dwell time, allowing players to grip the ball effectively for spin generation, particularly noted for topspin capabilities.
The blade exhibits a moderate level of flexibility, allowing for good energy transfer on powerful shots while remaining firm enough for control, contributing to its described catapult effect.
Arylate layers provide vibration-dampening properties, resulting in a smoother, less jarring feel on impact compared to purely carbon or faster wood blades.
Made in Japan, Moonbeam is associated with the high-quality manufacturing standards Butterfly is known for. Despite its age and discontinuation, existing blades are often described as being in good condition, indicating durability and solid construction.
Technology
Moonbeam utilizes a 7-ply construction that integrates Arylate layers within its wood composite. This design balances speed and control through innovative material placement. Arylate, known for vibration-dampening and elasticity, is strategically placed to enhance dwell time and provide a softer feel without sacrificing overall speed and catapult effect. The construction aims to deliver a blade that is both offensive and exceptionally manageable.
Similar Blades
Xiom Ignito
Xiom Ignito is suggested as an alternative that offers a similar 'soft and fast' feeling, despite using different materials. Players seeking Moonbeam's unique feel have found Ignito to be a comparable option in terms of overall playing characteristics.
Butterfly Garaydia ALC
Garaydia ALC is mentioned as the closest current Butterfly blade that might replicate some of Moonbeam's properties. While it features Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction, it's noted as a more modern interpretation of composite blade technology.