Weight
88g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
TB5
Butterfly TB5 Alpha is an introductory table tennis blade designed for beginners moving into aggressive attacking play. Its 5-ply all-wood construction delivers a soft, elastic feel and lightweight maneuverability, making advanced strokes more accessible. The minimal head thickness enhances elasticity, allowing players to generate significant spin and power with control. This blade provides a solid foundation for improving technique and achieving consistent, powerful shots as players transition from recreational to serious training.
TB5 Alpha is a 5-ply all-wood blade. While specific wood types for each layer aren't consistently detailed, TTSensei experts note a possible composition of Limba outer plies, a thick Ayous second layer, and an Ayous core, contributing to its soft, elastic character.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TB5 Alpha is designed for a fast response, offering good speed potential for offensive shots. Its soft feel and all-wood construction provide controllable pace rather than overwhelming power, making it suitable for developing players learning to generate their own speed effectively during rallies and attacks.
Control is a standout feature, with a soft feel and manageable speed allowing easy ball direction and execution of various strokes. Players can maintain precision and consistency from close-to-the-table rallies to spin-oriented attacks, making it ideal for those prioritizing accuracy as they develop their game.
TB5 Alpha delivers a consistently soft and elastic feel, providing good ball feedback and a comfortable playing experience. This characteristic is central to its design, especially beneficial for beginners learning to sense the ball on contact.
The combination of soft feel, high elasticity, and good dwell time typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This allows players to loop the ball with a good arc, making it effective for generating topspin in attacks.
The soft, elastic nature promotes good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade briefly. This facilitates spin generation and gives players ample time to react and control the ball's trajectory during strokes.
Described as highly elastic, the blade offers good flexibility that allows bending upon impact. This enhances spin production and provides a dynamic, responsive feel to shots, supporting an attacking style.
High vibration transmits significant feedback to the hand, which, coupled with the soft feel, enhances the sense of ball impact. This aids in developing feel and precise shot placement, contributing to overall control.
Butterfly's reputation for quality is evident in the TB5 Alpha's solid 5-ply all-wood construction. It's built to be durable and provide a consistent playing experience for developing players. The craftsmanship ensures it withstands regular use as skills are honed, offering reliable performance at its price point.
Technology
Butterfly TB5 Alpha is defined by its 5-ply all-wood construction, engineered for a highly elastic playing experience with a soft feel. This design, combined with minimal head thickness, enhances responsiveness and allows for significant spin generation. While it lacks advanced composite materials like carbon, the focus is on maximizing natural wood properties for control and elasticity. The blade is manufactured in China to Butterfly's specifications.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is often compared as an alternative due to its similar 5-ply all-wood construction and all-around playing characteristics. While the Korbel might offer slightly different feel or speed nuances, it's considered a benchmark for control-oriented offensive play, making it a logical next step for players who appreciate TB5's strengths but seek refined performance.
Sanwei Trio Echo
Sanwei Trio Echo is another 5-ply all-wood blade emphasizing control and a soft feel. It shares core attributes of being accessible and controllable, suitable for developing players looking to enhance spin and attacking games, though with its own unique performance profile.