Weight
97g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
163x135
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Ryu Seung Min G Max
Butterfly Ryu Seung Min G Max is a premium Japanese penhold blade designed for offensive players seeking exceptional power and a unique feel. Named after the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, this blade is renowned for its speed and soft touch. Its construction, centered around a single, thick layer of Kiso Hinoki, delivers a distinctive playing experience. The G Max offers an aggressive edge while maintaining the nuanced control characteristic of high-quality single-ply Hinoki blades, making it ideal for players who rely on powerful topspin strokes and precise shot placement.
The blade features a single-ply construction of high-grade Kiso Hinoki wood, which is characteristic of many traditional Japanese penhold blades. This singular layer contributes to its distinct feel, speed, and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ryu Seung Min G Max is renowned for its exceptional speed, making it one of Butterfly's fastest all-wood penhold blades. This high speed results from its thick, single-ply Kiso Hinoki construction, enabling powerful offensive plays and fast counter-attacks that dominate rallies.
Despite its high speed, the G Max offers a surprisingly good level of control, particularly for offensive strokes like looping. The soft feel of the Hinoki provides excellent ball feedback, allowing players to place shots with precision, though it demands refined technique for optimal control in passive play.
Ryu Seung Min G Max provides a soft feel, a hallmark of single-ply Hinoki blades. This allows for good dwell time and tactile feedback, aiding in spin generation and control during aggressive shots, though its density gives it a solid, substantial sensation on impact.
This blade produces a medium-high throw angle, conducive to aggressive topspin play and clearing the net with power and spin. This characteristic works well with modern rubbers for dynamic offensive strategies.
The thick single-ply Hinoki construction provides substantial dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This characteristic enhances spin potential and gives players more time to control their shots during powerful topspin rallies.
While not overtly flexible, the single-ply Hinoki allows for natural flex during strokes, contributing to its dwell time and spin-generating capabilities. It offers a lively, responsive feel without being overly stiff, perfect for dynamic offensive play.
Vibration level is moderate, offering a balance between feeling the ball and maintaining blade stability during fast exchanges. It provides solid feedback without feeling hollow or overly vibratory on impact.
This blade is celebrated for its premium build quality, utilizing top-grade Kiso Hinoki wood and expert Japanese manufacturing. The meticulous craftsmanship ensures durability and a high-end aesthetic, justifying its premium status among discerning players.
Technology
Butterfly Ryu Seung Min G Max showcases Butterfly's expertise in crafting single-ply wooden blades. Its core technology lies in the meticulous selection of high-grade Kiso Hinoki wood, a Japanese cypress renowned for its unique combination of lightness, strength, and resonant properties. The blade's substantial 10mm thickness amplifies the natural power and speed of the Hinoki wood. This construction is engineered to provide Ryu Seung Min's signature powerful topspin game, balancing extreme speed with a soft, controllable feel that enables significant spin generation and precise placement.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ryu Seung Min
Ryu Seung Min, the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, is the namesake and primary user of this blade. It was developed to complement his aggressive, topspin-oriented playing style that characterized his successful career. The blade's speed, power, and spin-generating capabilities align perfectly with his dynamic offense, allowing him to execute powerful forehand loops and precise shots that led him to the pinnacle of the sport.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Cypress G-Max
Butterfly Cypress G-Max is often considered a direct alternative or successor to the Ryu Seung Min G-Max, as both are single-ply Kiso Hinoki Japanese penhold blades with similar specifications and target player profiles. Both blades aim to provide high power and a soft feel, with the Cypress G-Max being a viable option for those seeking a blade with the same essence if the RSM G-Max is unavailable.