Weight
83.5g
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
153x149
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Primo Vitesse
Butterfly Primo Vitesse is a unique hybrid blade that masterfully blends the speed of carbon with the classic feel of wood. Its 7-ply construction, featuring thin carbon layers within a wood core, results in a surprisingly light and soft-touch blade. This design prioritizes excellent ball control and nuanced tactile feedback, making it ideal for players developing their offensive game or anyone who values a connected feel. It delivers a lively response for short game exchanges and provides ample power for effective mid-distance play, offering a versatile and forgiving platform for growth.
The construction follows a symmetrical build from the outside in: Limba outer plies, thin carbon fiber layers, Ayous inner plies, and an Ayous core. This specific layup, combined with the Super Core System handle, is key to achieving the blade's signature softer feel and reduced weight compared to standard carbon blades, while the carbon adds a touch of speed and stability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Primo Vitesse delivers speed that is notably above average for a blade with its soft character. While not as explosively fast as some dedicated offensive carbon blades, it provides more than enough pace for confident attacking play, especially from mid-distance. Players report it has good speed for its class and is capable of quick, explosive attacks when needed.
Control is a standout strength of the Primo Vitesse. The soft feel and generous dwell time allow for precise ball placement and excellent feedback, which greatly aids in controlling serves, returns, and defensive maneuvers. Our testing shows it maintains good control even when paired with faster rubbers, making it a very predictable and confidence-inspiring blade.
Primo Vitesse is characterized by a noticeably softer, more comfortable feel than most carbon blades. This is attributed to its thin carbon layers and unique handle design, which enhance the connection with the ball and allow players to better sense spin and trajectory on contact.
The interplay between its carbon layers and wood core, along with its inherent flexibility, typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for generating powerful, arcing shots like loops with good clearance over the net.
The blade offers very good dwell time, giving players ample opportunity to brush the ball and impart heavy spin. This characteristic is a major asset for looping and counter-looping, as the rubber has more time to grip the ball effectively.
Primo Vitesse offers a good degree of flexibility, which directly supports its dwell time and control. This forgiving flex makes it easier to execute controlled shots and is particularly beneficial for spin-oriented playstyles.
Vibration levels are moderate. While some vibration can be felt on very powerful shots, the blade's design generally does a good job of damping excessive feedback. This contributes to its overall softer, more controlled playing sensation.
Primo Vitesse is consistently praised for its high build quality. Many units were crafted in Japan with excellent attention to detail and material selection. The overall construction feels durable and refined, contributing to a consistent and reliable performance that has stood the test of time, even for a discontinued model.
Technology
Butterfly Primo Vitesse utilizes the proprietary Super Core System within its handle, engineered to enhance feel and reduce overall weight. This technology, combined with a specific construction of thin carbon fiber layers sandwiched between select wood plies (Limba outer, Ayous inner), creates its unique playing signature: a softer feel and lighter weight than typical carbon blades, while still delivering a well-balanced blend of speed and control suitable for offensive development.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Primorac Carbon
Butterfly Primorac Carbon is frequently cited as a faster and more offensively oriented alternative. While the Primo Vitesse is celebrated for its softer feel and control, the Primorac Carbon represents a more traditional, direct, and powerful carbon blade, serving as a potential upgrade path for players seeking increased speed and punch.