Weight
88g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Primorac
Butterfly Primorac stands as a legendary 5-ply all-wood blade, celebrated as Butterfly's best-selling shakehand model. Its versatile design supports a wide range of playing styles, excelling in both offensive and defensive play depending on rubber selection. The African wood composition provides extended ball dwell time, delivering excellent feel and control. Crafted in Japan, it offers a classic wood blade sensation favored by competitive players. The comfortable flared handle ensures a secure grip, making it an ideal, reliable, and well-balanced choice for players seeking to develop their technique and elevate their game.
A classic 5-ply all-wood construction. The use of Limba for the outer and inner plies, combined with an Ayous core, contributes to the blade's characteristic dwell time, soft feel, and control. This layering is typical for blades prioritizing feel and consistency over raw speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Primorac is classified as OFF- but is widely regarded as having a controllable speed more aligned with ALL+ for many players. It provides sufficient speed for offensive shots, especially when paired with faster rubbers, but its primary strength lies in its balance rather than outright velocity. This versatility makes it effective for both attacking and defensive play, offering a blend that supports a wide range of tactics.
Primorac excels in control due to its 5-ply all-wood construction and the use of African wood, which increases dwell time. This allows players to feel the ball on the racket longer, leading to more precise placement, better execution of soft shots, and easier blocking. Its superior control is a key reason for its popularity across various skill levels, providing confidence in every touch.
Primorac offers an excellent, soft feel and touch, attributed to its all-wood construction and Limba outer plies. This allows players to accurately sense ball contact and spin, providing a responsive and connected playing experience that enhances shot feedback and precision.
Due to its flexible all-wood construction and dwell time, Primorac tends to produce a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for generating spin and safely clearing the net, particularly on loops, offering a good balance of safety and offensive potential.
The African wood construction is specifically noted for allowing the ball to stay on the racket longer, resulting in a long dwell time. This characteristic is crucial for generating spin and maintaining control, especially in the short game and during looping, giving players more time to shape their shots.
Primorac has good flexibility, which aids in generating spin and a higher arc on shots. This flexibility, combined with its dwell time, makes it effective for looping and provides safety during aggressive strokes, allowing the ball to clear the net comfortably and with good margin.
Players report a noticeable level of vibration, which is characteristic of many all-wood blades. This vibration contributes to the blade's overall feel and feedback, providing a lively sensation. While some players might prefer a less vibrant blade, others enjoy the direct connection it offers, and it is generally not considered excessive.
Butterfly's renowned manufacturing standards are evident in the Primorac. It is consistently described as a well-built, durable blade with a premium feel and top-notch craftsmanship. The quality ensures consistent performance and longevity, making it a reliable choice for serious players who value a tool that stands the test of time.
Technology
Butterfly Primorac is built using a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This method involves carefully selected wood veneers bonded together to create a blade that emphasizes natural wood feel, dwell time, and control. The specific choice of African wood for its outer plies contributes significantly to extended ball contact time, enabling players to impart more spin and execute precise shots. This time-tested construction technique is a hallmark of classic table tennis blades, offering a consistent and reliable playing experience valued across generations.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zoran Primorac
Zoran Primorac, a legendary Croatian table tennis player and former world No. 1, has this blade named after him due to his historical use and association. Known for his versatile all-round game, his style perfectly complemented the Primorac's balance of speed, control, and feel. While he used various equipment throughout his long career, this blade has been a significant part of his journey, embodying the qualities he utilized to achieve top international success, including winning the World Cup twice.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is often mentioned alongside the Primorac as a comparable all-wood, 5-ply blade. Both are praised for excellent control, feel, and suitability for all-round play. TTSensei experts note the Korbel sometimes feels a bit more flexible and stable, while the Primorac might feel slightly stiffer with a larger handle. They represent a similar evolutionary step in Butterfly's classic wood blade line.
Stiga Offensive Classic
Stiga Offensive Classic is another highly regarded all-wood, 5-ply blade sharing many characteristics with the Primorac. Both blades are known for their balanced speed and control, making them excellent choices for developing players and those who rely on touch and spin. Many players find the Offensive Classic celebrated for its classic wood feel and versatility, similar to the Primorac's core strengths.