Weight
82.4g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
XStar
Butterfly XStar V is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for developing players who prioritize control and consistency. Its classic construction delivers a forgiving, medium-soft feel with a pronounced dwell time, making it ideal for mastering fundamental strokes like topspin, drives, and pushes. This blade provides a stable, predictable platform that builds confidence without overwhelming speed, perfect for players transitioning from recreational to structured play. With balanced weight and a standard form factor, the XStar V offers a solid foundation for skill development in a reliable, accessible package.
The blade uses a symmetrical 5-ply construction with Limba wood on the outside and a core of Ayous wood. This traditional layout, similar to classic European all-round blades, provides a good feel, stability, and the control-focused performance the XStar V is known for.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
XStar V delivers moderate speed consistent with its all-round classification. It provides enough pace for developing players to execute basic offensive shots like drives and opening loops, but its true strength lies in control and spin generation rather than raw power. This makes it a safe choice for learning proper swing mechanics without the unpredictability of faster blades.
Control is the defining feature of the XStar V. Its design prioritizes player confidence through a predictable response and a large sweet spot, allowing for precise ball placement. This high level of controllability makes it ideal for practicing serves, pushes, drives, and loops, giving learners the feedback needed to develop accurate, consistent strokes.
The Limba outer plies give the XStar V a relatively soft and comfortable feel, providing good feedback and a pronounced dwell time. This characteristic aids in spin generation and control, creating a solid wood sensation that many players find reassuring and easy to connect with.
The combination of Limba outer plies and 5-ply all-wood construction typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping and generating topspin with a good arc, helping players learn to create effective offensive shots over the net.
The extended dwell time allows the ball to sink into the blade's surface, enabling players to impart more spin on serves and drives. This feature is a key contributor to the blade's excellent control and makes it particularly suitable for developing players who are learning spin techniques.
XStar V offers balanced flexibility that contributes to its dwell time and control. It's not a stiff blade, allowing for a moderate flex that aids in brushing the ball for spin and provides a comfortable, forgiving hitting sensation during strokes.
The blade exhibits a medium-high level of vibration, which translates to clear feedback for the player. This helps in feeling ball contact and understanding shot execution, aiding skill development without being overly harsh or jarring on the arm.
Built with durable natural wood plies, the XStar V offers solid construction and consistent performance for its price range. While not a premium-tier blade, it provides good quality that ensures longevity and reliable play characteristics. The finish and feel reflect Butterfly's manufacturing expertise, making it a dependable tool for skill development.
Technology
Butterfly XStar V employs a traditional 5-ply all-wood layering technique, showcasing the brand's expertise in classic blade manufacturing. Selected Limba veneers form the outer plies for feel and dwell time, while Ayous wood creates the stable inner core. This construction optimizes the balance between moderate speed, high control, and player feedback. Designed for accessibility, the pure wood build emphasizes a forgiving, classic playing feel that supports the development of fundamental table tennis skills without the complexity of composite materials.
Similar Blades
Stiga Allround Classic
Stiga Allround Classic is a frequent comparison due to its similar 5-ply all-wood construction and focus on control for all-round play. Both are excellent for beginners and intermediates building fundamental techniques. TTSensei experts note the XStar V's Limba outer plies may offer a slightly softer feel and longer dwell time compared to the classic's composition.
Butterfly Korbel
Butterfly Korbel shares similar head dimensions and is another popular 5-ply all-wood blade known for control and versatility. While the Korbel is often considered a performance step up, the XStar V serves as a more budget-friendly and accessible entry point into Butterfly's all-wood lineup, sharing a similar playing philosophy focused on foundational skill development.