Weight
82g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
XStar V
Butterfly Xstar V is a 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade designed as an introductory model for developing players. It emphasizes control and offers a moderate speed with a long ball dwell time, making it a safe and easy-to-use option for various playing styles. The blade's construction promotes learning fundamental table tennis techniques, such as proper swing mechanics and spin generation. Its balanced feel and predictable performance help beginners build a solid foundation in the sport. This blade is an excellent choice for players transitioning from casual play to more structured table tennis, offering a reliable platform for skill development.
Xstar V features a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. The outer Limba plies offer good feel and touch, while the inner Ayous plies provide a stable core for control and dwell time. This construction is designed to be forgiving and conducive to learning basic techniques.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Xstar V offers a moderate speed, striking a balance between providing enough pace for developing shots and maintaining essential control. This deliberate design makes it suitable for learning, as it prevents beginners from being overwhelmed while still allowing for effective shot-making. The speed rating reflects its role as a foundational tool for building proper technique.
Control is where Xstar V truly shines. Its long dwell time and forgiving nature allow for precise shot placement and instill confidence when executing various strokes. Players report excellent feedback and stability, making it an outstanding choice for beginners and intermediate players focused on refining their technique and consistency.
Xstar V delivers a pleasant, tactile connection with the ball, characterized by a soft feel and suppressed elasticity. This contributes significantly to its long dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball on the racket, which aids in spin development and overall control.
The combination of a 5-ply all-wood construction with a longer dwell time and focus on spin suggests a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates effective looping and topspin play, which is ideal for developing players.
Our testing shows a notably long dwell time, which is highly beneficial for players learning to generate spin. This extended contact allows for more brushing action on the ball, making it easier to impart spin on serves and topspin shots.
The blade offers a good degree of flexibility, which contributes to its dwell time and controllable feel. This flexibility allows for a more natural swing arc and assists in generating spin without requiring excessive raw power from the player.
Players experience a medium level of vibration feedback upon impact. This provides enough tactile information to aid in control and shot understanding without feeling jarring or uncomfortable, making it suitable for developing players.
As an entry-level blade from a reputable brand, Xstar V is considered to be of good quality for its price point. The all-wood construction is durable for its intended user base, and the finish is consistent with reliable manufacturing standards. It provides a solid, dependable foundation for developing players.
Technology
Butterfly Xstar V is a testament to Butterfly's commitment to developing accessible equipment for aspiring table tennis players. Constructed from five layers of natural wood, its design focuses on maximizing control and dwell time, essential for learning fundamental techniques like spin generation and proper swing. While not employing advanced composite materials, its carefully selected wood plies (Limba outer, Ayous inner and core) provide a classic feel and predictable performance. This approach ensures that beginners can develop a solid understanding of the game without being hindered by overly fast or difficult-to-control equipment.
Similar Blades
Stiga Allround Classic
Stiga Allround Classic is frequently cited as a direct comparison. Both are 5-ply all-wood blades designed for control and developing players. They share similar construction principles and are considered benchmarks for entry-level all-round performance, offering a balanced feel and forgiving playability.
Butterfly Falcima
Butterfly Falcima is another 5-ply all-wood blade from Butterfly aimed at entry-level players. While Xstar V emphasizes safety and stability with its Limba top layers, Falcima is noted for having a slightly higher elasticity and is often recommended for players with a greater initial focus on speed. Both are budget-friendly foundational options.