Butterfly Diode V is a high-quality table tennis blade manufactured in Japan, designed for modern defensive (DEF) players who seek to combine strong backspin and powerful attacking strokes. Considered the successor to the popular Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk blade, this model features a 5-ply all-wood construction with hard outer veneer layers, delivering high speed (~11.8/20), very high control (~10.0/20), and balanced spin (~9.3/20). The blade's rebound characteristics (10.6/10) and vibration properties (7.9/10) provide a balanced feel, enabling stable chops and precise attacking shots.

With a 5.7 mm thickness and larger head size (165 x 156 mm), the Diode V offers an expanded sweet spot for defensive strokes and enhanced stability. The weight (~97 g) strikes a balance between maneuverability and stability, while the available handle options—flared (FL) and straight (ST)—ensure comfort for diverse playing styles. Compared to the Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk (~10.0/20 speed, ~10.5/20 control), the Diode V provides greater speed with slightly reduced control, making it ideal for players seeking more offensive potential. Online player reviews, including those on TableTennisDB and Revspin, highlight that the blade "offers an excellent balance of control and power," "is perfect for modern defensive play," and "enables smooth transitions to attack," making it an outstanding choice for defensive players pursuing versatility.

Key Specifications:

• Blade Type: Defensive (DEF)

• Rebound (Speed): 10.6/10 (~11.8/20 on standard scale)

• Vibration (Hardness): 7.9/10

• Speed: ~106/100 (~11.8/20 on standard scale)

• Control: ~100/100 (~10.0/20 on standard scale)

• Spin: ~9.3/20 (estimated, based on player feedback)

• Construction: 5-ply all-wood

• Thickness: 5.7 mm

• Blade Dimensions: 165 x 156 mm

• Handle Dimensions:

  • Flared (FL): 100 x 24 x 34 mm

  • Straight (ST): 100 x 23 x 28 mm

• Weight: ~97 g

• Manufacturer: Butterfly (Japan)

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Playstyle Suitability: Defensive play, chopping, topspin strokes, attacking shots, blocking, short play

• Player Level: Intermediate, advanced, professional

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

The Butterfly Diode V is a premium blade crafted for players seeking high speed (~11.8/20), very high control (~10.0/20), and balanced spin (~9.3/20). Its 5-ply all-wood construction, featuring hard outer veneers (typically limba or similar wood), ensures an optimal balance of control and power. The 5.7 mm thickness and larger head size (165 x 156 mm) expand the sweet spot, facilitating stable chops and defensive strokes while enabling powerful topspin and smash attacks.

The blade’s rebound (10.6/10) and vibration (7.9/10) properties deliver a balanced feel, allowing precise ball control during chops, blocks, and attacking strokes. The extended dwell time enhances spin generation, particularly on backspin strokes and serves. The weight (~97 g) ensures stability, making the blade suitable for long matches, especially for players who frequently switch between defense and attack. Optimized for ABS balls, the Diode V guarantees consistent ball contact and high spin potential, particularly when paired with long-pips or grippy inverted rubbers. Player reviews emphasize that the Diode V "provides an excellent mix of control and power," "suits modern defensive play with attacking elements," and "makes spin generation effortless," making it ideal for players seeking a balance between defense and offense.

Construction:

The Butterfly Diode V consists of 5 plies of natural wood, meticulously selected to balance control, spin, and power. The hard outer plies, typically limba or similar wood, add stiffness and speed, facilitating attacking strokes. The inner plies, often harder wood (e.g., koto), enhance stability and provide a balanced rebound. This all-wood construction (without carbon or synthetic materials) delivers a traditional feel, favored by players prioritizing stability and versatility.

Compared to the Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk (~10.0/20 speed, ~10.5/20 control), the Diode V offers higher speed with slightly reduced control. Against the Butterfly Diode Pro (~10.5/20 speed, ~10.2/20 control), the Diode V is faster but has marginally lower control due to its harder outer plies. Players note that the construction "delivers an excellent speed-spin balance," "is perfect for steady chops and attacks," and "ensures a balanced feel," making it suitable for modern defensive players.

Trajectory and Feel:

The Diode V features a low-medium trajectory (~7.4/10), ideal for defensive chops, blocks, and short play while allowing precise topspin strokes. The 5.7 mm thickness and hard outer plies ensure balanced dwell time, amplifying spin—especially on backspin strokes and serves. The vibration rating (7.9/10) provides a soft yet dynamic feel, enabling precise ball placement in varied situations. The blade remains stable even on off-center hits, making it suitable for players refining their technique. Reviews highlight that the blade "offers a balanced feel," "makes spin generation easy in chops," and "has a stable trajectory," making it ideal for defenders who occasionally transition to offense.

Control:

The Diode V delivers very high control (~10.0/20) in its class, particularly in chopping, blocking, short play, and handling backspin. The hard outer plies and natural wood provide passive control, allowing precise ball placement in intense rallies. Compared to the Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk (~10.5/20 control), the Diode V offers slightly less control but higher speed. Against the Stiga Defensive Pro (~10.3/20 control), it provides similar control but greater speed and versatility. Players emphasize that the blade is "highly manageable in chops and blocks" and "enables pinpoint ball control," especially in defensive strokes.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (~106/100, ~11.8/20): High speed, suitable for chops, topspin, blocks, and attacks from mid-distance. Faster than the Butterfly Diode Pro (~10.5/20 speed).

• Control (~100/100, ~10.0/20): Very high control, especially in chops, blocks, and short play. Slightly lower than the Stiga Defensive Pro (~10.3/20 control) but with greater speed.

• Spin (~9.3/20): Balanced spin potential, effective for backspin, serves, and topspin—particularly with long-pips or grippy rubbers.

• Rebound (10.6/10): Ensures a high, balanced bounce, ideal for defense with attacking elements.

• Vibration (7.9/10): Provides a soft, controlled feel with reduced vibration.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin strokes: 8.7/10 – Effective topspin, especially on the forehand, with good spin and speed.

• Backspin strokes: 9.4/10 – Highly stable chops with heavy backspin, ideal for defense.

• Blocking: 9.2/10 – Stable against topspin due to hard outer plies and natural wood.

• Push strokes: 9.0/10 – Precise short-game pushes with excellent control and spin.

• Chopping: 9.5/10 – Highly effective backspin chops for defensive play.

• Counter-hitting: 8.8/10 – Stable counter-attacks with balanced speed and control.

• Smashing: 8.6/10 – Effective attacking smashes for quick finishes.

• Serves & receive: 9.2/10 – Effective serve returns and spin generation with easy control.

• Flick strokes: 8.8/10 – Stable banana flicks in short play with excellent control.

Rubber Compatibility:

The Butterfly Diode V pairs well with rubbers that complement its control, spin, and attacking potential:

• Butterfly Feint Long II (~10.0/20 speed, ~10.0/20 control, ~12.0/20 spin): Ideal for long-pips players seeking maximum spin and control.

• Butterfly Feint Long III (~10.5/20 speed, ~9.8/20 control, ~12.5/20 spin): Suits aggressive defenders needing flexibility and control.

• Butterfly Tackiness Chop (~10.0/20 speed, ~10.2/20 control, ~13.0/20 spin): Offers excellent spin and control for defense.

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

• Butterfly Roundell Soft (~16.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin): Provides great feel and control for balanced play.

For optimal performance, pair the Diode V with long-pips rubbers (e.g., Feint Long II/III) on the backhand for maximum spin and control, or grippy inverted rubbers (e.g., Tenergy 05 or Tackiness Chop) on the forehand for powerful topspin.

Additional Notes:

The Butterfly Diode V is a premium defensive blade designed for players seeking high speed (~11.8/20), very high control (~10.0/20), and balanced spin (~9.3/20). Compared to the Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk, it offers higher speed with slightly lower control. Against the Butterfly Diode Pro, it is faster but with marginally reduced control due to its harder outer plies. Online reviews praise the blade for "exceptional control-power synergy," "adaptability to modern defensive-attacking play," and "effortless topspin execution."

The weight (~97 g) and larger head size (165 x 156 mm) make it ideal for players seeking a stable blade with attacking potential. The natural wood provides a traditional feel, while the hard outer plies add speed and power. To maintain the blade, store it in a protective case and use edge tape to protect the wood from table impacts.

With its versatility, stability, and value, the Butterfly Diode V is an excellent choice for intermediate, advanced, and professional players looking to refine modern defensive play while retaining strong attacking capabilities.

Who Should Use the Butterfly Diode V?

• Intermediate to advanced players (2–7 years experience): Seeking a controlled blade with a good speed-control balance.

• Defensive players with offensive tendencies: Ideal for those relying on chops, blocks, short play, and occasional attacks.

• Spin/control-oriented players: Perfect for precise chops and heavy spin.

• Long-pips backhand users: Excellent for defensive play.

• Mid-distance players: Optimized for chopping, blocking, and attacking from mid-range.

Advantages:

• Speed (11.8/20): High speed for chops, topspin, blocks, and attacks.

• Control (10.0/20): Very high control in chops, blocks, and short play.

• Spin (9.3/20): Balanced spin for backspin, serves, and topspin.

• Trajectory (7.4/10): Low-medium for precision and spin.

• Natural wood: Balanced feel with long dwell time for spin.

• Stability (~97 g): Ensures steadiness and comfort.

• Durability: High-quality wood guarantees longevity.

• Value: Excellent price for versatile performance.

• Quality: Made in Japan, ITTF-approved for official play.

The Butterfly Diode V is a high-performance defensive blade that combines control, spin, and attacking potential, enhanced by its all-wood construction with hard outer plies. It empowers players to refine modern defensive techniques while maintaining the ability to execute powerful attacking strokes!

Butterfly Diode V

Butterfly Diode V

Butterfly Diode V