Weight
89.1g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Kreanga Carbon
Butterfly Kreanga Carbon combines a 5-ply wood construction with two layers of Uniaxial Light Carbon (ULC) technology, designed for offensive players seeking a balance of speed and feel. This blade features an outer Hinoki veneer for a classic touch, a thin ULC layer for enhanced stiffness and speed, and a Kiri core for lightness. The ULC technology, with fibers aligned in one direction, allows for a lighter blade without sacrificing power, while also contributing to a more direct feel compared to traditional carbon blades. It offers powerful attacks and controlled short game play, making it a versatile option for dynamic play.
This 5-layer construction features an outer Hinoki veneer for touch and spin, followed by a layer of Uniaxial Light Carbon (ULC) for added speed and stiffness. The core is made of Kiri wood, known for its lightness, with another ULC layer and a final Hinoki outer ply. This design aims to balance the characteristics of wood and carbon, providing speed with a more direct feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kreanga Carbon is highly regarded for its speed. The integration of ULC carbon layers significantly enhances its offensive capabilities, allowing for powerful shots and fast ball acceleration. This makes it well-suited for aggressive attacking play, especially from mid-distance.
While praised for speed, the control rating is moderate, indicating a trade-off. The high speed, particularly with harder rubbers, can reduce control for delicate shots. It offers good control for aggressive topspin and blocking when used with appropriate rubbers and player technique.
The combination of wood and ULC carbon provides a relatively direct and crisp feel. The feel is generally described as firm and responsive, providing good feedback on ball contact without being overly harsh, largely due to the Kiri core and outer Hinoki plies.
The combination of speed-enhancing carbon and the blade's overall construction typically results in a medium-high to high throw angle, facilitating powerful topspin shots with significant arc, especially when paired with modern rubbers.
The inclusion of ULC carbon layers likely reduces dwell time compared to all-wood blades, contributing to its speed. However, the Hinoki outer plies and Kiri core might offer a slightly longer dwell time than blades with very hard outer plies or a full carbon construction, aiding in spin generation for aggressive shots.
Kreanga Carbon is designed to be stiff enough for powerful attacks, characteristic of its carbon construction. However, it retains a degree of flexibility from the wood plies, preventing it from being excessively stiff and allowing for a more nuanced feel in different strokes.
The vibration level is moderate, typical for a hybrid carbon blade. The ULC layers stiffen the blade, but the wood plies and construction help to absorb some of the harsher vibrations, providing a balanced feedback to the player.
Butterfly is known for its high manufacturing standards, and the Kreanga Carbon is no exception. The blade is consistently described as well-constructed, solid, and balanced, ensuring durability and consistent performance for players. The attention to detail in the layering and finishing contributes to its premium feel.
Technology
Butterfly Kreanga Carbon utilizes Uniaxial Light Carbon (ULC) technology. Unlike traditional multi-directional carbon weaves, ULC carbon fibers are aligned in a single direction. This allows Butterfly to create lighter yet stiff carbon blades without sacrificing speed or power, and notably, without compromising feel for the ball. This technology, combined with the outer Hinoki wood plies and Kiri core, aims to deliver an offensive blade with a more direct feel and responsiveness, optimized for dynamic attacking play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kalinikos Kreanga
Kalinikos Kreanga, a renowned offensive player known for his powerful looping and all-around game, is the namesake of this blade. It was developed with his playing style in mind, leveraging his preference for blades that offer a blend of speed, spin, and feel. He used this blade during a significant part of his career, benefiting from its ability to generate powerful topspin shots and maintain aggressive pressure on opponents, reflecting his dynamic and high-tempo style of play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Amultart
The Butterfly Amultart is often considered a potential alternative. While both are offensive hybrid blades, the Amultart often features ZLC (Zylon-Carbon) layers, which typically offer a different feel and performance profile compared to ULC. Some players find the Amultart to have a softer feel, while others perceive it as having more speed and spin, though direct comparisons on feel vary among users.
DHS 301 Series (e.g., DHS 301, 301X, 301T)
The DHS 301 series is mentioned as having a similar general construction with an inner composite layer (Kevlar-Carbon or Aramid-Carbon) and a Koto outer layer. These blades are also known for their offensive capabilities and are often considered in the same category as hybrid carbon blades like the Kreanga Carbon. The specific variant (301, 301X, 301T) would depend on thickness and exact material composition, offering a range of speeds and feels.