Butterfly Sriver EL – A Balanced Classic for Control-Oriented Players
A classic pimples-in table tennis rubber designed as a balanced choice for players seeking a blend of control and elasticity. With a medium-soft sponge and firmer topsheet, Sriver EL offers an excellent balance of rebound and control, making it suitable for players of all levels, including absolute beginners. Made in Japan and ITTF approved, Sriver EL is one of the long-standing rubbers in the Sriver series, popular among all-round attackers and developing players worldwide, especially with 40+ plastic balls.

Key Features:
• Rubber Type: Inverted (pimples-in)
• Speed: 38/100
• Spin: 19/100
• Arc: 39/100
• Sponge Hardness: 35° (medium-soft)
• Sponge Thickness: 1.7 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm
• Colors: Red, Black
• Origin: Japan
• Approval: ITTF approved

Butterfly Sriver EL stands out with its classic construction that combines the reliability of the Sriver series with a more modern feel, tailored for all-round playing styles:

• Sponge (35°): The medium-soft 35° sponge (Butterfly scale, ~30–35° on the ESN scale) is elastic and balanced, offering sufficient rebound and high control. Softer than the original Sriver (38°) but firmer than Sriver FX (33°), it provides a linear response ideal for both offense and blocking. Compared to Roundell Soft (32°), Sriver EL’s sponge is slightly harder, adding stability on fast strokes.
• Firmer Topsheet: The topsheet is grippy and firm, optimized for spin and control. It provides decent ball grip for topspin and backspin generation, though it is less grippy than modern rubbers like Rozena. Durable and wear-resistant, the topsheet was originally designed for 38 mm balls but adapts well to plastic balls. Compared to Sriver FX, the topsheet is firmer, offering more speed but less spin.
• Pimple Geometry: The inward pimples are medium in length and densely arranged, optimized for speed (38/100), spin (19/100), and arc (39/100). Their structure supports easy topspin shots, blocks, pushes, and short play while maintaining high control. Compared to Sriver (spin 23/100), Sriver EL generates slightly less spin but offers a higher arc and easier handling.
• No High Tension Technology: Unlike modern rubbers like Tenergy or Rozena, Sriver EL does not use High Tension technology. Its speed and elasticity depend on player technique and blade selection, giving a linear response that allows full control over stroke power and spin.

Available Sponge Thicknesses:
1.7 mm for maximum control and backhand play,
1.9 mm for balanced gameplay,
2.1 mm and 2.3 mm for faster forehand strokes.
It is a medium-weight rubber (~65 g uncut, ~45–50 g cut), comparable to Yasaka Mark V or Tibhar Rapid. Available in red and black to meet ITTF standards. Butterfly recommends using Free Chack glue for mounting.

Technical Performance Tailored for Control and All-Round Playstyles:

• Speed: 38/100. Moderate speed ideal for controlled topspin, pushes, and blocks at the table. Compared to Sriver (speed 38/100), speed is identical, but the softer sponge allows more rebound and easier handling. Compared to Rozena (speed 83/100), Sriver EL is significantly slower, prioritizing precision.
• Spin: 19/100. Limited spin generation on topspins, serves, and pushes, but effective for backspin and side spin. Compared to Sriver (spin 23/100), slightly less spin but easier for beginners. Compared to Roundell Soft (spin 37/100), lower spin but more stable.
• Control: While not numerically rated, the medium-soft sponge and firmer topsheet provide high control, especially on blocks and short strokes. Compared to Sriver FX (control ~8.5/10), Sriver EL is slightly less forgiving but more stable during fast rallies.
• Trajectory: Medium-low and straight (arc: 39/100), ideal for blocking, pushing, and controlled topspin shots. The arc is higher than Sriver (23/100), offering better net clearance but requiring good technique for looping. Players highlight its “control,” “stability,” and “balance,” especially in blocking and rallies.

Blade Compatibility – Versatile Across All-Round and Offensive Setups:

• Butterfly Kong Linghui: Great feeling and control for beginners.
• Butterfly Boll Offensive: Balanced speed and control for all-round offense.
• Butterfly SK Carbon: Adds speed, suited for offensive players.
• Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5: Maximizes rebound, ideal for aggressive play.
• Butterfly Primorac: Ensures stability, perfect for developing technique.

Also performs well with wooden blades like Yasaka Sweden Extra, as the medium-soft sponge enhances stability and control. Users often recommend Sriver EL on the backhand side with 1.7 mm or 1.9 mm sponge for maximum blocking control, or on the forehand with 2.1 mm for added speed. Still effective with plastic balls, especially for all-round players.

Ideal for All-Round Attackers and Beginners Focused on Control and Balance:

• For beginners learning topspin, blocking, and pushing techniques.
• For intermediate players seeking a rubber suitable for balanced play and rally control.
• For all-round attackers who emphasize blocks, pushes, and controlled topspin shots.
• Close-to-the-table play: Blocks, pushes, short game, and controlled topspins.
• Offensive strokes: Counterattacks and flat hits with minimal spin.
• Serving and receiving: Allows accurate side-spin serves and controlled receives.

Performance Ratings:
• Blocking: 9.0/10 – High control and stable reactions.
• Pushing: 8.7/10 – Precise, effective backspin generation.
• Topspin: 8.4/10 – Limited spin but very stable in rallies.
• Short game: 8.3/10 – Excellent control and placement.

Compared to Sriver FX, Sriver EL is faster and more stable, but offers less spin. Players praise its “control,” “balance,” and “reliability,” especially on the backhand side.

Butterfly Sriver EL stands out as a balanced, all-round rubber:

• Speed (38/100): For controlled strokes and blocks
• Spin (19/100): Effective in pushes and serves
• Control: High – ideal for beginners and all-rounders
• Medium-soft sponge: A balanced rebound-control combo
• Durability: Wear-resistant, long-lasting performance
• Japanese quality: ITTF approved, crafted with Butterfly precision

Compared to Yasaka Mark V, Sriver EL offers similar control and durability but has a slightly softer sponge and higher arc, making it more forgiving on contact and better suited for players still developing their technique. While Mark V (sponge ~45° ESN scale) is firmer and slightly faster, Sriver EL’s medium-soft sponge (~30–35° ESN) enhances dwell time and provides a more linear, predictable response. This makes Sriver EL easier to handle in passive strokes and better suited for backhand control or all-round setups.

Compared to Sriver FX, Sriver EL is slightly faster and firmer. FX features a softer sponge (33° Butterfly scale), ideal for high control and spin sensitivity. In contrast, Sriver EL’s 35° sponge delivers more speed and stability, especially in mid-distance rallies. Players looking for greater dwell time and spin might prefer FX, while those wanting a firmer, more stable feel will appreciate EL.

Compared to modern rubbers like Rozena or Tenergy 05, Sriver EL lacks the explosive speed, spin, and high-tension technology, but it compensates with superior control, predictability, and learning value. While not ideal for professional-level power-looping, it remains an excellent rubber for foundational training and consistent performance in club-level play.

Summary – Why Choose Butterfly Sriver EL?
A time-tested choice that bridges classic design and modern reliability, Butterfly Sriver EL is perfect for players who prioritize control, versatility, and stability. Its balanced sponge hardness, consistent topsheet, and predictable trajectory make it ideal for all-round attackers, developing players, and those seeking a forgiving but responsive rubber for daily play.

Choose Sriver EL if you value:
• Balanced speed and spin without tension unpredictability
• High control for blocking, pushing, and developing techniques
• A linear and reliable rubber for learning and consistency
• Japanese-made quality from Butterfly’s most iconic series

Whether you’re upgrading from a beginner’s setup or searching for a classic all-round rubber that never goes out of style, Sriver EL delivers dependable performance with every stroke.

Sriver FX

Sriver FX

Sriver FX