Weight
89g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
VSG-TWIST IV
Butterfly VSG-TWIST IV is a performance-oriented offensive blade designed for players seeking a dynamic blend of speed and control. Its 5-ply hybrid construction, featuring Hinoki outer plies and carbon layers, creates a lively yet stable platform for aggressive topspin and powerful drives. The blade delivers a fast, stiff feel with notably low vibration, offering a clean impact sensation that appeals to intermediate and advanced attackers. It provides a unique playing character that combines carbon-like pace with a more traditional wood touch, making it a compelling choice for those transitioning to faster equipment.
This 5-ply construction sandwiches a Kiri wood core between two carbon fiber layers, with Hinoki outer plies. The Hinoki provides touch and a lively feel, the carbon adds stiffness and speed, and the Kiri core offers lightness and stability, creating a composite designed for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
VSG-TWIST IV excels in speed, rated firmly in the OFF+ range. Its hybrid construction with carbon layers provides a significant boost, allowing for powerful drives and explosive smashes. Players report it generates pace comparable to dedicated carbon blades, making it a serious weapon for offensive play where putting pressure on the opponent is the priority.
For a blade with such high speed, VSG-TWIST IV offers a surprisingly manageable level of control. The rating reflects its ability to handle precise blocks, controlled loops, and placement shots despite its offensive nature. This balance makes it suitable for players who want power but still need to execute tactical variations and maintain consistency in rallies.
The blade delivers a stiff, direct, and relatively hard feel upon impact. The carbon layers and Hinoki outer plies create a crisp sensation that is fast and responsive, with minimal flex. This provides clear feedback but lacks the softer, more dwell-oriented touch of some all-wood blades.
VSG-TWIST IV produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps create a good arc on topspin loops and drives. This characteristic supports an aggressive, looping-based offensive game by allowing players to generate both power and safety over the net.
Dwell time is moderate, striking a balance between the speed-enhancing carbon and the touch-friendly Hinoki outer plies. This allows for effective spin generation on loops and serves without being excessively long, supporting a fast, direct offensive style.
This is a very stiff blade with low flexibility. The carbon layers and construction create a rigid platform ideal for powerful, flat hits and fast counter-attacks. It does not bend much during contact, favoring a direct transfer of energy over a flexible, catapult-like effect.
A defining trait is its exceptionally low vibration. The VSG Handle System and material composition work to dampen feedback significantly, resulting in a very clean, almost 'non-vibration' feel that many players find comfortable and precise for aggressive shots.
Butterfly's manufacturing standards ensure the VSG-TWIST IV is a well-built, durable blade. The fit and finish are typically excellent, though some players have noted the unique VSG handle construction might feel different or require careful handling. Overall, it represents solid craftsmanship expected from a performance-oriented model.
Technology
The core technology is the VSG Handle System, which incorporates a carbon tube and rubber damping elements inside the handle cavity. This design aims to reduce vibration and enhance power transmission while maintaining stability. Combined with the hybrid construction of Hinoki outer plies and carbon fiber layers, the technology creates a unique performance profile that balances speed, a clean feel, and offensive capability.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Primorac Carbon
Often compared for its similar high-speed, carbon-enhanced offensive character. Primorac Carbon is known for being extremely stiff and fast, while VSG-TWIST IV, with its Hinoki outer plies and VSG handle, might offer a slightly different, potentially less vibratory feel and a touch more dwell.
Butterfly VSG-4000
Believed by some to be a related model within the same VSG technology line. The VSG-4000 may share the vibration-dampening handle system but could have a different performance rating, potentially with slightly lower speed and higher control, illustrating the range within the VSG series.