Weight
81g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x143
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Senkoh-5
Butterfly Senkoh-5 is a specialized Japanese penhold blade crafted for aggressive, close-to-the-table play. Its 5-ply all-wood construction combines Hinoki outer plies with a Balsa core, delivering a balanced feel and explosive power for dynamic attacks. The rounded head shape optimizes maneuverability for the penhold grip, making it ideal for players who favor rapid counter-hits and a fast-paced offensive style. This blade offers a compelling blend of speed and touch, designed for intermediate to advanced attackers seeking precision in quick exchanges.
The construction is a symmetrical 5-ply stack: Hinoki / Balsa / Hinoki / Balsa / Hinoki. This design aims to blend the speed and feel of the outer Hinoki layers with the lightweight, dampening effect of the Balsa core, facilitating quick attacks and a balanced playing character.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Senkoh-5 delivers good speed for close-to-the-table attacking shots, flat hits, and aggressive punch blocks. It's built for quick exchanges where immediate power is needed. While very capable in its intended offensive style, it doesn't reach the extreme power levels of some modern composite blades, placing it firmly in the fast category for all-wood constructions.
Control is a standout feature. Despite its offensive nature, the blade allows for remarkably precise placement and safe stroke execution. This high level of predictability is crucial for penhold players who rely on accuracy in fast rallies, making it a confident choice for aggressive yet controlled play.
The combination of firm Hinoki outer plies and a Balsa core creates a responsive, medium-hard feel. It provides a direct and clear connection to the ball, offering feedback that is stiff enough for powerful shots yet retains enough touch for controlled play.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps in generating effective topspin arcs over the net. This characteristic is beneficial for opening loops and attacking with spin from mid-distance.
Dwell time is moderate. The Hinoki outer plies provide enough grip for effective spin generation on loops. The Balsa core slightly prioritizes a quicker rebound, making the blade more suited to faster, flatter attacking shots compared to deeper-dwelling all-wood blades.
The blade exhibits a moderate, low-flex profile. The firm Hinoki plies prevent it from being overly flexible, giving it a stable and direct character suited for offensive strokes where a consistent, predictable rebound is valued over a pronounced catapult effect.
Vibration feedback is muted and comfortable, largely due to the vibration-dampening properties of the Balsa wood core. This results in a softer, less sharp sensation on impact, which can enhance control on blocks and softer touches.
The Senkoh-5 is generally regarded as a well-constructed, high-performing blade. Players appreciate its classic feel and reliable performance. However, notes on the fragility of older models suggest that long-term durability might be a consideration, though the overall craftsmanship for play is highly rated.
Technology
Butterfly Senkoh-5 employs a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction centered on material selection. The use of Kiso Hinoki for the outer plies provides a resilient, classic feel with good dwell and responsiveness. The core integrates Balsa wood, a lightweight material that reduces overall blade mass and dampens vibration, contributing to a comfortable feel and enhanced control. This specific material synergy aims to create an offensive blade that remains manageable for rapid attacks. The rounded head shape is a deliberate design choice to optimize the blade for the penhold grip and close-table maneuvers.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kim Taek-soo
Legendary South Korean penhold attacker Kim Taek-soo is often associated with blades matching the Senkoh-5's profile—offering a balance of speed and control for aggressive, close-to-the-table play. While not confirmed as his exact model, his career featured the use of various Butterfly Japanese penhold blades with similar construction principles, such as responsive wood layers like Hinoki. The Senkoh-5's characteristics align perfectly with the needs of a top penhold player who must generate power while maintaining precision in fast exchanges.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
Nittaku Acoustic is another highly regarded 5-ply all-wood Japanese penhold blade, often compared to classic Butterfly models. Like the Senkoh-5, it features a Hinoki outer ply and is celebrated for its excellent feel, control, and capable speed for offensive play. Players seeking a similar classic wood sensation and performance profile for close-range attacks will find the Acoustic a compelling alternative.
Butterfly Cypress-S
Butterfly Cypress-S is a famous single-ply Hinoki blade frequently discussed alongside the Senkoh-5. While the Cypress-S offers a more direct, potentially faster feel due to its single-layer construction, both are Japanese penhold blades designed for aggressive play. Players who enjoy the distinctive feedback of Hinoki wood may appreciate both, though they represent different approaches—multi-ply balance versus single-ply purity.