Weight
89g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is a legendary 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade, celebrated for its perfect harmony of speed, control, and feel. Designed for all-round offensive players, it delivers superb touch and consistency, making it a top choice for those who rely on looping and precise attacks. Its medium-hard feel and moderate speed provide excellent feedback and dwell time, ideal for developing players and anyone seeking a reliable, versatile offensive platform. Petr Korbel excels in close-to-mid distance play, offering the natural, responsive characteristics of a classic wood blade.
The construction uses five wood layers in a symmetrical Limba-Limba-Ayous-Limba-Limba layout. This classic 5-ply setup with Limba outsides and an Ayous core is designed to balance speed, control, and a natural wood feel for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Petr Korbel delivers a mid-fast speed suitable for offensive play. While classified as OFF, it isn't the absolute fastest blade, instead providing a very usable pace that pairs well with modern rubbers. The speed feels highly responsive and depends significantly on a player's technique and rubber selection, offering enough power for attacks without sacrificing controllability.
Control is a standout feature, thanks to the all-wood construction and comfortable feel. This blade allows for precise ball placement and consistent stroke execution, making it exceptionally forgiving. Players report it builds confidence in touch shots and spin variations, which is why it's often recommended for developing players and those who rely on tactical play over raw power.
Petr Korbel offers a medium feel that is soft and comfortable on contact. Players can sense the ball clearly, which aids in spin generation and subtle touch. This characteristic wood feel provides excellent feedback without being overly hard or jarring.
The blade produces a high throw angle, which is a major asset for looping and creating heavy topspin. This natural arc on the ball helps clear the net comfortably and allows players to impart significant spin during offensive rallies.
Dwell time is notably good, a result of the 5-ply wood construction with Limba outer plies and an Ayous core. The blade holds the ball slightly longer on contact, which greatly assists in generating heavy spin and executing controlled loop drives with consistency.
Flexibility is medium, which is typical for a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade. It offers a pleasant flex during powerful strokes to aid spin, yet remains sufficiently stable and direct for blocking and quicker counter-attacks.
Vibration is at a moderate level, providing clear and informative feedback on every shot. Players can feel ball contact distinctly, which helps with timing and adjustment, without the sensation being excessive or uncomfortable during play.
Build quality is exceptional, particularly for the 'Made in Japan' versions. The finishing is precise, materials feel premium, and the blade exhibits great durability for long-term use. This consistent, high-quality manufacturing ensures reliable performance season after season, making it a trusted piece of equipment for serious players.
Technology
Butterfly Petr Korbel exemplifies classic table tennis craftsmanship through its pure 5-ply all-wood construction. The deliberate selection of Limba for the outer plies and Ayous for the core creates the blade's signature feel, dwell time, and spin-friendly character. This traditional design focuses on the inherent properties of premium wood veneers, forgoing modern composites. The renowned 'Made in Japan' versions reflect exceptional attention to detail in finishing and assembly, underscoring a commitment to quality that ensures consistent performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Petr Korbel
The blade is named after and co-developed with the legendary Czech player Petr Korbel, who used it as his primary equipment for years. His offensive, technical style—featuring strong two-wing looping and a precise short game—perfectly matched the blade's balanced capabilities, showcasing its suitability for the highest levels of play.
Panagiotis Gionis
Greek professional Panagiotis Gionis has used the European version of this blade. Its excellent control and feel make it a suitable choice even for players with a defensive or all-round emphasis, allowing for great spin variation and precise placement in their game.
Aleksander Shibaev
Russian offensive player Aleksander Shibaev has also been seen using the European Petr Korbel. This highlights the blade's versatility and appeal across different playing styles, offering offensive players a traditional wood option for its superior feel and controllability.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Primorac
Butterfly Primorac is a very close alternative, sharing a similar 5-ply all-wood construction and offensive character. Some players find the Primorac to have a slightly different feel or a touch less speed, but it remains a top choice for anyone seeking the classic, controlled experience of a traditional wood offensive blade.
Nittaku Acoustic
Nittaku Acoustic is a premium 5-ply all-wood blade that shares Petr Korbel's emphasis on feel, control, and spin. While it uses a Kiri core and is typically more expensive, it delivers a comparable, nuanced playing experience that appeals to players who deeply appreciate the qualities of high-end wood blades.