Butterfly Andrzej Grubba is a high-quality table tennis blade manufactured in Japan, designed for players who prioritize control and stability in all-around (ALL+) and controlled offensive (OFF-) playing styles. Named after the legendary Polish table tennis player Andrzej Grubba, this blade was Butterfly’s first carbon-fiber blade specifically engineered for all-around and controlled offensive play. Updated with a modern design, it features a 5-ply construction with carbon-fiber layers, delivering high speed (~10.9/20), good control (~9.0/20), and balanced spin (~8.5/20). The blade’s rebound characteristics (8.7/10) and vibration properties (7.8/10) provide a stable and controlled feel upon impact, while the enlarged sweet spot allows for precise shots even under imperfect conditions. With a thickness of 5.7 mm and a weight of 85 g, the blade is lightweight and maneuverable, suitable for players seeking a balance of speed and control. Available handle types—flared (FL), straight (ST), and anatomic (AN)—ensure a comfortable grip for various players. Compared to the Butterfly Korbel (~11.0/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control), the Andrzej Grubba offers similar speed but slightly better control. Online player reviews highlight that the blade "provides incredible control in topspin shots," "is excellent for all-around play," and "has an outstanding feel," making it an ideal choice for players seeking stability and versatility.

Key Features:

• Blade Type: All-around plus (ALL+), Controlled Offensive (OFF-)

• Rebound Characteristics (Speed): 8.7/10 (~10.9/20 on the general scale)

• Vibration Properties (Hardness): 7.8/10

• Speed: 68/100 (~10.9/20 on the general scale)

• Control: 72/100 (~9.0/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: ~8.5/20 (approximate, based on player feedback)

• Ply Composition: 5 plies (wood + carbon fiber)

• Thickness: 5.7 mm

• Blade Dimensions: 159 x 151 mm

• Handle Dimensions:

  • Flared (FL): 100 x 25 x 34 mm

  • Straight (ST): 100 x 25 x 28 mm

  • Anatomic (AN): 100 x 25 x 34 mm

• Weight: 85 g (~0.230 kg)

• Manufacturer: Butterfly (Japan)

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: All-around play, controlled offense, topspin strokes, blocking, short game

• Player Level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced

Distinctive Features & Playing Characteristics:

The Butterfly Andrzej Grubba is a high-quality blade tailored for all-around (ALL+) and controlled offensive (OFF-) players seeking a balance of speed (~10.9/20), control (~9.0/20), and spin (~8.5/20). Its 5-ply construction, combining wood and carbon fiber, ensures an optimal speed-control balance, while the enlarged sweet spot—as emphasized by Andrzej Grubba himself—enables precise shots even from suboptimal positions. The carbon-fiber layers add stiffness and speed while maintaining a lightweight build (85 g), ensuring maneuverability and comfort during long matches. The blade’s rebound (8.7/10) and vibration (7.8/10) properties provide a stable and controlled feel, particularly valued in topspin strokes, blocks, and short play. The 5.7 mm thickness makes the blade stiff enough for offensive play yet flexible enough for defensive strokes and backspin play. Online player reviews note that the blade "has an excellent feel," "delivers stability in topspin shots," and "is lightweight and maneuverable," making it suitable for players at various levels seeking versatility. Optimized for ABS balls, the blade ensures consistent ball contact and good spin generation, especially when paired with inverted rubbers.

Ply Composition:

The Butterfly Andrzej Grubba consists of 5 plies, combining wood and carbon fiber. The outer wood layers (typically limba or similar softwood) provide flexibility and feel, while the inner carbon-fiber layers add stiffness, speed, and stability. The carbon fiber reinforces the blade’s structure, reducing vibration and enlarging the sweet spot, allowing players to execute precise shots even with imperfect ball contact. Compared to the Butterfly Korbel (~5-ply wood, ~11.0/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control), the Andrzej Grubba offers similar speed but slightly better control due to the carbon-fiber layers, which reduce vibration (7.8/10). Against the Stiga Offensive Classic (~10.5/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control), the Andrzej Grubba is slightly slower but offers higher control. Player reviews praise the construction for "providing an excellent speed-control balance," "being ideal for topspin shots," and "ensuring a stable feel," making it suitable for players seeking reliability and versatility.

Trajectory & Feel:

The Andrzej Grubba features a medium trajectory (~7.8/10), balancing speed and control, making it suitable for topspin strokes, blocks, and short play. The carbon-fiber layers reduce vibration (7.8/10), enhancing feedback and allowing players to better sense the ball and control their shots. The blade is forgiving on off-center hits due to its enlarged sweet spot, making it ideal for players refining their technique. Reviews highlight that the blade "offers a stable feel," "allows easy ball control in topspin shots," and "has a great trajectory," making it a top choice for all-around and controlled offensive play.

Control:

The Andrzej Grubba provides excellent control (~9.0/20) in its category, especially in topspin strokes, blocks, short play, and backspin maneuvers. The carbon-fiber layers and 5.7 mm thickness enhance stability, enabling precise ball control even in intense rallies. Compared to the Butterfly Primorac (~8.5/20 control), the Andrzej Grubba offers slightly better control due to its enlarged sweet spot. Against the Donic Waldner Senso Carbon (~8.8/20 control), it provides similar control but is lighter, appealing to players prioritizing maneuverability. Players note that the blade is "highly controllable in topspin shots" and "allows precise ball placement," especially in short play and blocking.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (68/100, ~10.9/20): Moderate speed, ideal for all-around play, topspin strokes, blocking, and short play. Slightly slower than the Butterfly Korbel (~11.0/20).

• Control (72/100, ~9.0/20): Strong control, particularly in topspin shots, blocks, short play, and backspin. Slightly better than the Stiga Offensive Classic (~8.8/20).

• Spin (~8.5/20): Good spin potential, effective for topspin shots and aggressive serves, especially with grippy rubbers.

• Rebound (8.7/10): Ensures quick, stable ball response, ideal for offensive play.

• Vibration (7.8/10): Minimizes vibration for clear feedback.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Strokes: 8.8/10 – Effective topspin, especially forehand, with a balanced speed-control ratio.

• Backspin Strokes: 8.5/10 – Stable chops, suitable for all-around play.

• Blocking: 9.0/10 – Highly stable against topspin due to the enlarged sweet spot and carbon fiber.

• Push Shots: 8.7/10 – Precise short-game pushes with strong control.

• Chopping: 8.3/10 – Effective backspin for defensive play.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.9/10 – Stable counter-attacks with balanced speed and control.

• Smashing: 8.7/10 – Effective offensive finishers.

• Serves & Returns: 8.8/10 – Strong spin generation and control.

• Flick Shots: 8.6/10 – Reliable banana flicks in short play.

Rubber Compatibility:

The Butterfly Andrzej Grubba pairs well with various inverted rubbers that complement its speed, control, and spin:

• Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~19.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~17.0/20 spin): Boosts speed/spin for aggressive attackers.

• Stiga Mantra Pro M (~18.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~16.9/20 spin): Balances speed and control for all-around play.

• Yasaka Rakza 7 (~18.0/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~16.5/20 spin): Enhances control/spin for topspin play.

• Donic Bluefire M2 (~14.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~15.0/20 spin): Ideal for controlled short play.

• TSP Super Spinpips (~10.0/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~9.0/20 spin): Suitable for short-pips backhand play.

For maximum speed/spin, pair with rubbers like Stiga Mantra Pro M or Tenergy 05 on the forehand. For backhand control, softer rubbers like Donic Bluefire M2 are recommended.

Additional Notes:

The Butterfly Andrzej Grubba excels in versatility, offering a blend of speed (~10.9/20), control (~9.0/20), and spin (~8.5/20). Compared to the Butterfly Primorac (~10.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control), it provides slightly better control due to its carbon-fiber layers and sweet spot. Against the Stiga Offensive Classic (~10.5/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control), it is lighter with marginally higher control. Players praise its "excellent feel," "suitability for beginners to advanced players," and "exceptional versatility." Its lightweight (85 g) and maneuverability make it ideal for players seeking a fast yet controlled racket. The carbon-fiber integration delivers a modern feel rare in ALL+ blades, while the updated design adds aesthetic appeal. To prolong durability, store the blade in a protective case. Given its versatility, weight, and price-performance ratio, the Andrzej Grubba is a superb choice for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players aiming to refine all-around technique and game control.

Who Should Use the Butterfly Andrzej Grubba?

This blade is designed for all-around and controlled offensive players, including:

• Beginners to Intermediate (0–5 years experience): Seeking a lightweight, controllable blade with a balanced speed-control ratio.

• Advanced Players: Those relying on topspin, blocking, short play, and backspin.

• Control/Stability-Oriented Players: Prioritizing precision and consistency.

• Forehand & Backhand Play: Suitable for both sides due to its versatility.

• Close-to-Mid-Table Players: Optimized for topspin, blocks, and short play.

Advantages:

• Speed (10.9/20): Balanced for all-around and offensive play.

• Control (9.0/20): Exceptional in topspin, blocks, and short play.

• Spin (8.5/20): Strong spin potential for serves/topspin.

• Trajectory (7.8/10): Balanced for accuracy.

• Carbon-Fiber Layers: Enhances stiffness, speed, and sweet spot.

• Lightweight (85 g): Ensures maneuverability.

• Durability: High-quality wood/carbon construction.

• Price-to-Performance: Excellent value for versatility.

• Premium Build: ITTF-approved, made in Japan.

Conclusion:

The Butterfly Andrzej Grubba is a high-performance blade merging speed, control, and spin, reinforced by carbon-fiber layers and an enlarged sweet spot. It empowers players to develop all-around technique and dominate at close-to-mid distances, making it a standout choice for versatile, controlled offensive play!

Butterfly Andrzej Grubba

Butterfly Andrzej Grubba

Butterfly Andrzej Grubba