Weight
83g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
XStar III
Butterfly XStar III is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for beginners, focusing on control and a soft feel to support skill development. It delivers moderate speed and a long dwell time, creating a forgiving and easy-to-use platform ideal for learning proper swing mechanics and spin generation. This classic construction offers a traditional playing experience that builds confidence and consistency for new players.
The blade features a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction with Limba outer plies and Ayous inner plies, a layout typical of European all-round blades designed to offer a soft feel and good control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
XStar III is classified as an all-round blade with a moderate to slow speed, perfectly suited for beginners who benefit from more dwell time and control rather than raw power. This pace allows for consistent shot-making and helps players focus on technique without the blade being overly demanding or unpredictable.
XStar III excels in control, a cornerstone for any beginner blade. Its design enables easy execution of basic strokes and spin, giving players the confidence to develop their skills. This high level of control makes the blade forgiving and facilitates steady improvement in placement and accuracy.
XStar III offers a distinctly soft feel that enhances ball feedback and allows for precise touch. This softness is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it helps them sense contact better and develop controlled, accurate shots with greater confidence.
The medium-high throw angle, combined with its long dwell time, helps players lift the ball with spin effectively. This makes it easier to execute looping and topspin shots, which are fundamental techniques for developing an attacking game.
The blade provides a long dwell time, letting the ball sink into the surface for an extended period. This characteristic is crucial for generating spin and helps developing players feel the ball better, enabling more controlled and accurate shot execution.
XStar III exhibits a medium flexibility that supports its all-round capabilities. This flex allows for both controlled, soft shots and moderate power generation when needed, making the blade versatile enough for various beginner and intermediate playing styles.
With a medium-high vibration rating, XStar III strikes a good balance between feeling the ball impact and absorbing excessive harshness. Players get clear tactile feedback without discomfort, which aids in developing a sensitive touch and understanding of shot quality.
As a Butterfly product aimed at the beginner market, XStar III is expected to have good build quality and durability. It provides a reliable and consistent experience that can withstand the learning process, offering solid craftsmanship typical of the brand's offerings in this category.
Technology
Butterfly XStar III utilizes a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction, a design staple in table tennis for decades. This method emphasizes natural wood properties to deliver a soft feel, excellent ball feedback, and superior control. The chosen wood layers—Limba outer plies and Ayous inner and core plies—work together to create a blade that is both forgiving and responsive. This classic approach provides a consistent and reliable performance platform ideal for players developing their technique and understanding of spin and placement.
Similar Blades
Stiga Allround Classic
XStar III's construction and performance are often compared to the Stiga Allround Classic, another widely recognized benchmark for entry-level all-round blades. Both share a similar goal of providing excellent control and a soft feel for developing players, making them popular choices for beginners.
Stiga Allround CR
Similar to the Allround Classic, the Stiga Allround CR is also mentioned as a comparable blade. Both it and XStar III are considered representatives of beginner-friendly all-round equipment, highlighting XStar III's position in the market for players seeking control and ease of use.