Weight
90g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
SK7 Classic
Butterfly SK7 Classic is a distinguished 7-ply all-wood table tennis blade, reintroduced to honor its legendary predecessor. Crafted in Japan, it delivers a potent blend of power and finesse, making it a versatile choice for offensive players. The construction provides a traditional wood feel with enhanced resilience, excelling in dynamic topspin play and delicate control shots. Recognized for its robust build, good reaction properties, and manageable vibration, it's a compelling option for players seeking a reliable and powerful all-wood blade that bridges classic feel with modern performance demands.
A classic 7-ply construction featuring Limba outer plies and Ayous inner plies. This design is typical of 'Clipper-type' blades, known for their thickness, hardness, and elasticity, providing a powerful and resonant feel that offensive players appreciate.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
SK7 Classic offers strong speed suitable for offensive play. Its 7-ply construction provides good power and resilience, allowing for fast attacks and counter-hits. Our testing shows it's a lively blade that can generate significant pace, especially when paired with fast rubbers, making it a reliable weapon for driving the ball with authority.
Despite its offensive capabilities, SK7 Classic maintains commendable control. Players report its stability and ease of use, even for those transitioning from other blade types. The solid construction allows for precise blocking and controlled looping, making it versatile for various tactical approaches where placement matters as much as power.
SK7 Classic delivers a medium-hard feel, with some users noting it can feel stiff, especially with certain rubber combinations. This firm feel contributes to its direct power transfer but might require a sensitive touch for optimal spin generation at slower paces. The blade provides solid feedback through the hand on contact.
The combination of a relatively stiff 7-ply construction and good power creates a medium-high throw angle, conducive to sharp, offensive topspin shots. This allows for aggressive trajectories when driving the ball, helping players achieve penetrating arcs that clear the net with authority.
The 7-ply construction and Limba outer plies provide moderate dwell time. This allows for sufficient ball contact to generate spin, particularly during topspin strokes, without being excessively long, which could hinder fast exchanges. Players get enough time to impart rotation while maintaining offensive tempo.
SK7 Classic leans toward the stiffer side for an all-wood blade. This characteristic enhances its power and directness, making it suitable for driving and powerful topspin shots. It offers less flex compared to softer 5-ply blades, providing a more immediate response that favors aggressive, flat-hitting techniques.
Vibration feedback varies among players. Some find it has low vibration and feels solid, while others mention noticeable feedback, possibly due to the stiff nature of the blade. The vibration provides tactile information about ball contact without being overwhelming for most offensive styles.
SK7 Classic is praised for its solid construction and durability, typical of Butterfly's manufacturing standards. Its all-wood composition offers a natural feel and resilience, making it a reliable choice for consistent performance over time. Many players find it delivers excellent build quality that withstands regular competitive play.
Technology
Butterfly SK7 Classic embodies a traditional 7-ply all-wood construction, a design philosophy that has been a cornerstone of table tennis blade manufacturing. Revived and re-released, it features Limba outer plies and Ayous wood for the core and intermediate layers. This specific configuration is characteristic of 'Clipper-type' blades, known for their thickness, inherent resilience, and powerful feel. The blade is designed to offer a natural wood sensation with enhanced elasticity and vibration management, providing a strong foundation for offensive play while maintaining a connection to the ball that composite blades often lack.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
SK7 Classic is frequently compared to Stiga Clipper Wood. These blades share a similar 7-ply all-wood construction and are often considered direct competitors, offering comparable power, feel, and playing characteristics for offensive players seeking traditional wood performance.
Butterfly Korbel SK7
SK7 Classic is a revival of the original Butterfly Korbel SK7. While specifications are similar, some players suggest subtle differences in performance indices and feel between the two. The SK7 Classic represents the modern iteration of this classic design with updated manufacturing techniques.