Weight
88g
Thickness
6.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Power Drive
Butterfly Power Drive is a classic table tennis blade celebrated for its power and craftsmanship, gaining legendary status in the 1970s and 80s. The Power Drive II variant is an attacking blade prized for its outstanding feel, responsiveness, and spin-oriented design, perfect for dynamic half-distance play. Its cypress outer layers deliver a soft touch ideal for generating heavy topspin, while thicker secondary hard wood plies inject significant speed for powerful loops and kills. Players favor this blade for its excellent control and feedback, offering a superb blend of offensive power and tactile response.
This 5-ply all-wood construction features Hinoki outer plies and Rosewood for the second layer, designed to offer a blend of speed and control. The Hinoki provides a soft feel and good dwell time for spin, while the Rosewood adds stiffness and power. The Ayous core contributes to the blade's overall balance and responsive feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Power Drive is designed for offensive play. The combination of Hinoki and Rosewood layers contributes to a fast playing experience, especially when paired with modern rubbers. While not an extreme speed-demon like some composite blades, it delivers substantial pace for aggressive shots like loops and drives, making it perfectly suitable for players who rely on generating their own power.
Despite its offensive nature, Power Drive is noted for its excellent control, particularly in the short game and for blocking. The softer Hinoki outer plies provide good dwell time, allowing for precise ball placement and spin manipulation. Players report a high level of feedback, enabling confident and controlled play close to the table.
Power Drive II delivers a soft to medium-soft feel, largely attributed to its cypress (Hinoki) outer plies. This enhances dwell time and provides a pleasant 'holding the ball' sensation, which is beneficial for generating spin and absorbing an opponent's pace, resulting in a comfortable and tactile experience.
The combination of Hinoki and Rosewood layers tends to produce a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for offensive shots, allowing for higher, more aggressive trajectories on loops which are effective for clearing the net and putting pressure on opponents.
The soft feel and Hinoki outer plies contribute to a good dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, enabling players to impart more spin on serves, drives, and loops. It also significantly aids control during blocking and delicate touch play.
This blade has a moderate level of flexibility, striking a good balance between the stiffness needed for powerful shots and the flex that aids in control and dwell time. This characteristic allows for effective looping and precise placement, hallmarks of a classic attacking blade.
The all-wood construction and Hinoki plies provide a moderate level of vibration. The blade offers clear, informative feedback without excessive harshness, delivering a comfortable and communicative feel during play.
Power Drive is consistently praised for its exceptional build quality and craftsmanship, characteristic of Butterfly's high standards. Even older models are noted for their durability and fine finish, indicating a product built to last. This quality directly contributes to its consistent and reliable performance over many playing sessions.
Technology
Butterfly Power Drive embodies a classic approach to blade construction, emphasizing the inherent qualities of carefully selected wood veneers. Its typical 5-ply all-wood design utilizes premium woods like Hinoki for the outer plies and Rosewood for the secondary layers, with an Ayous core. This arrangement is engineered to maximize natural wood properties, balancing the soft, high-dwell feel of Hinoki for spin and control with the inherent speed and stiffness of Rosewood and the balanced core of Ayous. This traditional method focuses on achieving optimal resonance and feedback through the wood layers themselves, delivering performance through craftsmanship rather than composite materials.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Primorac
Butterfly Primorac is a highly regarded all-wood blade that shares similarities with the Power Drive in its classic construction and suitability for spin-oriented play. Many players consider it a spiritual successor, offering a similar blend of control, feel, and offensive capability, often praised for its responsiveness and as an excellent choice for those who value a traditional wood blade.
Stiga Rosewood XO
Stiga Rosewood XO is a potential alternative for players seeking a high-quality all-wood blade with excellent balance. It's often recommended for those who appreciate the feel and performance of classic blades like the Power Drive. Its construction focuses on premium wood to deliver a similarly responsive and spin-friendly playing experience well-suited to attacking styles.