Butterfly Freitas ALC vs Stiga Emerald VPS V: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Freitas ALC | Stiga Emerald VPS V | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft | Stiff, hard outer surface with medium throw angle and large sweet spot |
| handle | Flared/Straight/Anatomic | Flared (FL), also available in ST and Chinese pen |
| plies | 5+2 arylate carbon (ALC) outer — Limba-ALC-Limba-Ayous-Limba-ALC-Limba | 5-ply all wood (Ebenholz/dark outer, VPS-treated middle veneers) |
| speed | OFF | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| weight_g | 88 | 98 |
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Freitas (OFF, 88g) and Emerald VPS V (OFF+, 98g) take opposite approaches: Freitas is controlled carbon consistency; Emerald VPS V is maximum speed from all-wood. Emerald uses Green Ebenholz, VPS-treated middle veneers, and Diamond Touch surface hardening—premium all-wood engineering delivering OFF+ pace at weight cost. Freitas is lighter, faster on dwell, and more versatile.
Freitas suits all-round looping players seeking balanced pace and control. Emerald VPS V is built for counter-looping specialists and advanced attackers playing mid-to-far table. Its heavy weight (near 98g) risks fatigue in extended sessions; stiff construction punishes weak technique. Both are premium investments, but Freitas is more forgiving and versatile. Emerald VPS V is the choice for confident attackers prioritizing maximum all-wood speed; Freitas suits players balancing speed with control.
FAQ
Why is Emerald VPS V so heavy?
Dense Ebenholz wood and VPS treatment add mass for strength and stability. The weight contributes to counter-looping momentum, but causes fatigue over long sessions.
Is Emerald VPS V suitable for control-oriented play?
No. At OFF+ speed with stiff construction, it’s built for aggressive pace generation, not touch. Freitas is far superior for balanced control-and-pace play.
Which blade punishes poor technique more?
Emerald VPS V significantly. Its stiff Ebenholz construction demands consistent, clean contact. Freitas’ soft dwell and carbon forgiveness are much more accommodating to developing technique.