Butterfly Freitas ALC vs Nittaku Septear: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Freitas ALC | Nittaku Septear | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft | Soft with high dwell time |
| handle | Flared/Straight/Anatomic | Straight or Concave (flared) |
| plies | 5+2 arylate carbon (ALC) outer — Limba-ALC-Limba-Ayous-Limba-ALC-Limba | 7-ply all wood (Kiso Hinoki) |
| speed | OFF | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 88 | 85 |
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This comparison pits a modern outer-carbon blade against a premium Japanese all-wood classic. Freitas (rated OFF, 5.7mm) is faster and stiffer, delivering off-table aggression and consistent pace generation. Septear (rated ALL+, 6.7mm) sacrifices speed for unmatched control, dwell, and touch—ideal for technique builders and close-to-mid-table players.
Freitas serves as a genuine step-up from all-wood for ambitious intermediate players ready to embrace carbon’s power. Septear rewards precision: its forgiving sweet spot and high dwell support developing topspin loops, but soft Kiso Hinoki surface dents easily and pairs poorly with soft rubbers. Price and longevity also favor Freitas; Septear requires medium-hard or harder sponges to shine, narrowing its versatility.
FAQ
Which blade teaches better stroke technique?
Septear wins decisively. Its high dwell, soft response, and generous sweet spot provide honest feedback on every stroke. Freitas feels more forgiving but offers less educational vibration. If learning is your priority, Septear’s classic construction makes it a superior teaching tool.
Can I use Septear competitively at higher levels?
Only if your game is loop-dominant and close-to-mid-table focused. Its ALL+ speed rating and limited pace output make it a liability against fast, far-table attackers. Freitas is the competitive step-up blade.
What rubbers work best with each?
Freitas: works across the board, from tacky Chinese sheets to high-tension European. Septear: demands medium-hard or harder sponges; soft rubbers will feel mushy and lose control.