Weight
85g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Primorac EX
Butterfly Primorac EX is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade designed for offensive play, striking a fine balance between speed and control. It delivers a responsive feel and ample dwell time, making it a reliable tool for executing powerful topspins and maintaining consistency. This blade serves as an excellent foundation for players looking to develop and refine their attacking game with a familiar, high-quality instrument.
Primorac EX features a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This design is known for providing a good balance of speed, control, and feel, allowing the ball to dwell on the blade for enhanced spin generation. The specific wood types are not detailed, but this layered structure is typical for classic offensive blades.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Primorac EX is generally considered an OFF- to OFF blade, offering a good level of speed suitable for offensive play. It provides enough pace for powerful shots, especially when combined with modern rubbers, though it doesn't reach the extreme speed category. Our testing shows it delivers a balanced offensive capability that supports aggressive play without sacrificing too much control.
Control is a standout feature of the Primorac EX. Its all-wood construction and moderate speed facilitate excellent feel and precision, making accurate shot placement straightforward. This high level of control is particularly beneficial for developing players who are mastering proper technique and need a blade that supports consistent play.
Primorac EX delivers a good, responsive feel that allows players to sense ball contact clearly. Its all-wood construction contributes to a medium, tactile feedback that is softer and more communicative than carbon blades, which is advantageous for developing technique and understanding stroke impact.
Flexibility and dwell time tend to produce a medium-high throw angle, which is particularly beneficial for looping. This characteristic helps shots clear the net easily and supports consistent, aggressive attacking strokes.
The blade's softer feel and flexibility promote a longer dwell time, which is crucial for generating spin on serves and topspins. This allows the ball to sink into the rubber, giving players more time to impart rotation effectively.
Primorac EX has a decent flex that benefits looping strokes. This flexibility, combined with its dwell time, creates a pronounced trampoline effect upon ball strike, aiding in both speed and spin production for offensive play.
Vibration level is moderate, providing useful feedback without being excessively harsh. This contributes to a comfortable playing experience and can aid in making subtle shot corrections based on feel.
Butterfly maintains renowned manufacturing standards, and the Primorac EX exemplifies this with its build quality and durability. Players consistently report a pleasant feel and long-lasting performance, even after years of use. This reliability solidifies its reputation as a top-tier, dependable blade in the classic wood category.
Technology
Butterfly Primorac EX is built using a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This method focuses on utilizing carefully selected wood veneers to achieve specific playing characteristics. Unlike composite blades, it relies solely on the natural properties of wood to deliver performance. This approach provides a classic feel, good ball dwell time for spin, and sufficient speed for offensive play, making it a dependable choice for players who prefer a pure wood blade.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zoran Primorac
While Zoran Primorac is most famously associated with the Primorac Carbon blade, the original Primorac blade and its variations like the EX were developed in his honor. Known for his aggressive, all-round attacking style, a standard Primorac blade with its balance of speed and control would have supported his powerful strokes and consistent play at the highest level. His use of related blades indicates the lineage and intended player profile for this classic series.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Korbel
Butterfly Korbel is often cited as a very similar blade to the Primorac. Both are classic 5-ply all-wood offensive blades from Butterfly, renowned for their good feel, control, and versatility. TTSensei experts note they occupy a similar market space for players seeking a traditional wood blade, with some suggesting the Korbel may be slightly faster.
Xiom Offensive S
For players seeking a close alternative, Xiom Offensive S is mentioned as a comparable option. Like the Primorac, it's designed to offer a good blend of offensive capabilities with control, making it suitable for developing players looking for a reliable all-wood blade.