Butterfly Sriver – A Legendary Classic for Controlled Play
Butterfly Sriver is a legendary pimples-in table tennis rubber that revolutionized the game since its debut in 1967 with its high elasticity and grip. Featuring a medium-hard sponge and classic topsheet, Sriver offers a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control, making it one of the most popular rubbers worldwide. Made in Japan and ITTF-approved, Sriver is an excellent choice for beginners, intermediate players, and those who value control and versatility—especially with 40+ plastic balls.

Key Features:
• Rubber Type: Pimples-in
• Speed: 38/100
• Spin: 23/100
• Arc: 23/100
• Sponge Hardness: 38° (medium hardness)
• Sponge Thicknesses: 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm
• Colors: Red, Black
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Approval: ITTF approved

Classic Construction Still Relevant Today:
• Sponge (38°): The medium-hard sponge (38° on Butterfly scale, close to 35–40° ESN scale) is elastic and linear, responding proportionally to applied force. It delivers stable rebound, supporting controlled strokes and blocks. Compared to Tenergy 05 (36°), the Sriver sponge is slightly harder, offering less “catapult” effect but more precision and linearity—ideal for beginners and all-round players.
• Classic Topsheet: The topsheet has moderate grip with a blend of elasticity and friction optimized for spin and control. It ensures excellent ball contact for topspin and backspin. It’s durable and adapted to plastic balls, even though it was designed in the 38 mm ball era. Compared to Rozena, Sriver has less grip but offers more control and linearity.
• Pimple Geometry: The medium-length inward pimples are densely arranged, optimized for speed (38/100), spin (23/100), and trajectory (23/100). The structure supports easy topspin, blocking, pushing, and short play, maintaining high control. Compared to Roundell Soft (spin 37/100), Sriver produces less spin but is easier to handle—ideal for beginners.
• No High Tension Technology: Unlike modern rubbers like Rozena or Tenergy, Sriver doesn’t use High Tension technology, meaning its speed and elasticity depend entirely on player technique and blade. This provides a linear response that gives players full control over stroke power and spin.

Available Sponge Thicknesses:
• 1.3 mm and 1.5 mm – ideal for maximum control and defensive play
• 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm – suited for balanced all-round play
• 2.1 mm and 2.3 mm – better for faster strokes, especially on the forehand

The rubber has medium weight (~65 g uncut, ~45–50 g cut), similar to Yasaka Mark V or Tibhar Vari Spin. Available in red and black, compliant with ITTF standards. Butterfly recommends using Free Chack glue for mounting.

Performance Metrics Tailored for Control and All-Around Play:
• Speed: 38/100 – Medium speed rubber suitable for controlled topspin, pushes, and blocks at the table. Compared to Rozena (speed 83/100), Sriver is significantly slower, focused on precision and control over aggressive offense.
• Spin: 23/100 – Produces limited topspin in attacks, serves, and pushes, but still effective for backspin and sidespin. Compared to Roundell Soft (spin 37/100), Sriver offers less spin, but is easier for beginners to manage.
• Control: Not officially rated, but the medium-hard sponge and classic topsheet ensure exceptional control, especially for blocking and short play. Compared to Tenergy 05 (control ~6/10), Sriver is much easier to manage, ideal for beginners and defensive players.
• Trajectory: Low and direct (arc: 23/100), suitable for blocks, pushes, and controlled topspins. The trajectory is lower than Rozena (75/100), giving precision near the table but requiring more technique for looping. Users often highlight its “control,” “linearity,” and “durability,” particularly for blocking and rallies.

Blade Pairing Recommendations:
Sriver pairs well with a variety of blades, especially those emphasizing control:
• Butterfly Primorac: Great feel and control, beginner-friendly
• Butterfly Boll Forte: Balances speed and control for all-round shots
• Butterfly Hadraw SR: Adds speed for offensive players
• Butterfly Maze Performance: Maximizes control, great for improving technique

Also suitable for all-wood blades like Yasaka Sweden Classic, thanks to the stable performance of its medium-hard sponge. Many recommend using Sriver on the backhand with 1.7 mm or 1.9 mm for high control in blocking, or on the forehand with 2.1 mm for added speed. It was especially popular on the backhand side during the 38 mm ball era (e.g., used by Wang Hao), and remains effective with modern plastic balls.

Who It's For:
Butterfly Sriver is designed for all-round and defensive players who prioritize control:
• Beginners learning topspin, blocking, and pushing technique
• Intermediate players seeking a balanced rubber for rallies
• Defensive players focusing on blocks, pushes, and backspin
• Close-to-table play: Excellent for blocking, pushing, short play, and controlled topspins
• Offensive strokes: Counter-attacks and flat hits with minimal spin
• Serve & receive: Allows accurate side-spin serves and controlled receives

Player Ratings:
• Blocking: 9.0/10 – High control and linear response
• Pushing: 8.8/10 – Precision and strong backspin
• Topspin: 8.5/10 – Sufficient spin for rally play
• Short game: 8.4/10 – Excellent stability and control

Compared to Rozena, Sriver is slower and less grippy but far easier to control. Users praise its “control,” “durability,” and “linearity,” especially in backhand play.

Butterfly Sriver stands out as a timeless all-round rubber:
• Speed (38/100): Ideal for controlled strokes and blocks
• Spin (23/100): Effective in pushes and serves
• Control: Exceptional, suited for beginners and defense
• Sponge: Medium-hard with linear response and stability
• Durability: Highly wear-resistant, long-lasting
• Japanese Quality: ITTF approved, built with Butterfly craftsmanship

Compared to Yasaka Mark V, Sriver offers similar control but more linear behavior. Compared to Tibhar Vari Spin, it's faster and more stable. Users emphasize its “control,” “reliability,” and “classic feel,” especially on the backhand.

Sriver

Sriver

Sriver