Weight
107g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159x151
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Retriever
Butterfly Retriever is a specialized table tennis blade crafted for defensive players who prioritize exceptional control and feel. Its construction is engineered to maximize dwell time and minimize vibration, creating a stable, sensitive platform for strategic shot-making, precise blocking, and consistent ball placement. While not designed for outright speed, it offers nuanced feedback and a deep connection with the ball, supporting a thoughtful, precision-oriented game. The build quality reflects Butterfly's renowned standards, ensuring durability and a reliable experience for players who value touch over power.
The 5-wood and 2-arylate construction provides a unique blend of flexibility and vibration dampening. The arylate layers contribute to a softer feel and increased dwell time, essential for defensive play and spin generation, while the wood plies offer stability and foundational control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Retriever is not built for raw speed, instead prioritizing control and feel. Its 7-ply construction with arylate layers contributes to a more controlled pace, ideal for defensive maneuvers and strategic placement rather than aggressive drives. The speed is sufficient for defensive players to transition into counter-attacks when opportunities present themselves.
Control is the standout characteristic of the Butterfly Retriever. Players report exceptional ball-feeling and minimal vibration, allowing for precise placement and manipulation. The blade's design fosters a deep connection with the ball, which is crucial for executing defensive strategies and spin-heavy shots with confidence and consistency.
Retriever offers a softer, highly sensitive feel that allows players to deeply sense the ball upon impact. This characteristic is highly beneficial for control and spin generation, particularly in defensive play where touch and feedback are paramount.
The emphasis on control, dwell time, and defensive capabilities suggests Retriever offers a medium-high throw angle. This helps players effectively arc their shots over the net, which is particularly useful when blocking or lifting underspin balls with control.
The combination of its 5-wood and 2-arylate construction, focused on control and feel, creates significant dwell time. This extended contact allows players to impart more spin and achieve greater control, especially during defensive rallies and looping strokes.
Retriever's focus on control, feel, and dwell time suggests a medium level of flexibility. It possesses enough flex to allow for good spin generation and touch without being overly whippy, which helps maintain stability and control for defensive players.
This blade is specifically noted for its minimal vibration. The construction effectively absorbs shock, leading to a comfortable and controlled playing experience that minimizes fatigue and maximizes the pure feel of ball contact.
Butterfly is renowned for high manufacturing standards and quality materials. The Retriever, despite being a rarer model, exhibits excellent build quality and durability. Consistent feedback on its exceptional feel and minimal vibration points toward meticulous construction and reliable performance over time.
Technology
Butterfly Retriever incorporates a 5-wood and 2-arylate construction. Arylate is a synthetic fiber used to enhance feel and control. When combined with wood, it provides a softer touch, increased dwell time, and reduced vibration compared to traditional carbon composites. This technology is designed to offer a superior connection between the player's hand and the ball, prioritizing delicate touch and precise execution over raw power and speed.