Weight
85.5g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Phalanx II
Butterfly Phalanx II is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade that masterfully balances speed and control. Its Koto outer plies deliver a crisp, medium feel with excellent ball feedback, making it a versatile choice for dynamic, all-around attacking play. The blade offers enough power for strong loops and offensive shots while maintaining superb consistency and precision for placement. With a comfortable handle and balanced weight, it provides a forgiving and enjoyable playing experience suitable for intermediate to advanced players seeking a reliable, high-quality all-wood option.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. Koto forms the outer plies, known for providing a crisp feel and good feedback. The inner plies and core use unspecified woods, likely chosen to create a balanced combination of speed and control with a medium flex profile.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Phalanx II offers a speed rating of 7.9, placing it firmly in the OFF- to OFF category. This provides very good pace for an all-wood blade, enabling effective attacking shots and powerful loops. Our testing shows it delivers sufficient power for aggressive play while remaining controllable, making it faster than many defensive blades but slightly more moderated than some extreme offensive woods.
Control is a significant strength of this blade, with a consistent rating around 8.1. Players report excellent precision for ball placement and a high degree of consistency during rallies. This level of control supports both offensive drives and defensive maneuvers, making the blade forgiving and reliable for players who value accuracy in their shot-making.
Phalanx II delivers a balanced medium feel that sits comfortably between stiffness and flexibility. This provides clear tactile feedback on ball contact without being overly harsh or too soft, allowing players to sense their shots effectively while maintaining a comfortable playing sensation.
Phalanx II likely produces a medium-high throw angle, which facilitates topspin generation and aggressive shot-making. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for looping and offensive plays that require lifting the ball over the net with spin.
The blade's medium feel and high control characteristics suggest a medium to long dwell time. This allows for good ball pocketing on the rubber, which enhances spin generation and is particularly beneficial for looping and brush contact techniques.
Flexibility falls in the mid-range, aligning with its medium feel. The blade isn't excessively stiff, which helps with control and dwell time, nor is it overly flexible, ensuring solid power transfer for offensive shots.
Vibration levels are moderate, providing useful feedback without being excessive or unpleasant. The medium feel structure transmits enough sensation to inform the player about contact quality, but doesn't create a jarring or uncomfortable experience during play.
Phalanx II is recognized for its excellent build quality, reflecting Butterfly's renowned craftsmanship. The blade exhibits premium materials, precise construction, and reliable durability. This high-quality feel contributes to player confidence and ensures consistent performance over time.
Technology
Butterfly Phalanx II employs traditional 5-ply all-wood construction focused on precise material selection and lamination. The use of Koto wood for the outer plies is a key design choice, providing a crisp feel and direct ball feedback characteristic of quality offensive blades. Butterfly's expertise in wood processing ensures consistent glueing and pressing techniques that balance the blade's speed and control properties. While no specific proprietary technologies are named, the construction philosophy emphasizes creating a reliable, predictable playing instrument that supports offensive play without sacrificing touch or consistency.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel serves as a direct alternative with very similar playing characteristics. TTSensei experts note the Phalanx II shares comparable control and feel with the Korbel, while being slightly slower. Players looking for a similar balanced all-wood offensive experience with a touch more speed may find the Petr Korbel an excellent option.