Weight
97g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
163x135
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Ryu Seung Min Max
Butterfly Ryu Seung Min MAX is a specialized Japanese penhold blade built for powerful, offensive play. Crafted from a single ply of premium Kiso Hinoki wood, it delivers a unique blend of high speed and a soft, responsive feel. The substantial 10mm thickness and inherent qualities of Hinoki make it exceptional for generating heavy spin and delivering forceful attacking shots. Designed for players who rely on a strong forehand and decisive strokes, this blade is a formidable choice for those looking to dictate the pace and overwhelm opponents with speed and spin.
The blade consists of a single ply of 10mm thick Kiso Hinoki wood. This monolithic construction provides a direct, unmediated feel and is the primary source of its significant power and unique playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ryu Seung Min MAX is renowned for its extreme speed, a direct result of the single, thick ply of Kiso Hinoki. This construction channels energy efficiently, making it ideal for players who want to attack aggressively and finish points quickly with powerful drives and loops.
The soft feel of the Hinoki allows for a degree of control, particularly on controlled loops and serves where touch matters. However, the blade's high speed can make precise placement and short game maneuvers challenging for players still adapting to its powerful character.
Despite its high speed, the single-ply Hinoki construction provides a soft and deep feel upon ball contact. This allows for good feedback and a cushioned sensation, which aids in touch shots and spin generation.
The combination of high speed and the soft, gripping nature of Hinoki tends to produce a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is well-suited for aggressive, arcing loops that clear the net with safety and dive onto the table.
The soft nature of the Hinoki wood allows for a decent dwell time, meaning the ball stays on the racket face a bit longer. This is crucial for imparting heavy spin, especially on forehand loops and brush strokes.
A thick, single-ply Hinoki blade generally exhibits medium flexibility. This offers a good balance, providing a catapult effect for power while retaining enough stiffness for a direct and responsive feel during fast exchanges.
Single-ply Hinoki blades typically offer a moderate level of vibration, providing clear feedback without being overly harsh or jarring. The thickness of this specific blade may slightly dampen some of that vibration for a more solid sensation.
Butterfly's reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship is evident here. The use of premium Kiso Hinoki and solid construction results in excellent build quality, with beautiful wood grains, though some minor finishing details like handle sanding can occasionally vary between samples.
Technology
Butterfly Ryu Seung Min MAX exemplifies traditional blade-making, relying solely on the inherent properties of a single, thick ply of Kiso Hinoki wood. This focused approach maximizes the wood's natural speed, flexibility, and distinctive feel, avoiding composite layers for pure, unadulterated power and touch. The premium Kiso Hinoki is selected for its density and resonant qualities, which directly contribute to the blade's aggressive character and soft feedback. This singular material construction ensures a direct and efficient transfer of energy to the ball, facilitating both powerful smashes and spin-heavy rallies with a uniquely connected sensation.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ryu Seung Min
Ryu Seung Min, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist, is the namesake and inspiration for this blade. It was developed to complement his aggressive forehand attack and precise penhold technique. The MAX version, designed to match his powerful, spin-oriented style, allowed him to generate extreme speed and spin from his signature shots, becoming a key tool during his highly successful career.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Kim Taek Soo
Butterfly Kim Taek Soo is another highly regarded single-ply Hinoki Japanese penhold blade. It's often compared to the Ryu Seung Min MAX due to similar construction and a focus on speed and feel. While both excel for aggressive penhold play, subtle differences in wood selection and thickness can lead to variations in speed, control, and overall sensation, making the choice a matter of personal preference.
Butterfly Cypress Series (e.g., Cypress-S, Cypress-MAX)
The Butterfly Cypress series, including models like Cypress-S and Cypress-MAX, are also single-ply Hinoki blades built for offensive play. They share the characteristic soft feel and high speed associated with premium Hinoki. Players who enjoy the direct power of the Ryu Seung Min MAX might find the Cypress series a compelling alternative, offering a similar experience with slight nuances in wood density and thickness.