Butterfly Freitas ALC vs Stiga Rosewood NCT V: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Freitas ALC | Stiga Rosewood NCT V | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft | stiff hard feel with organic touch; NCT surface treatment |
| handle | Flared/Straight/Anatomic | flared / anatomic / straight |
| plies | 5+2 arylate carbon (ALC) outer — Limba-ALC-Limba-Ayous-Limba-ALC-Limba | 5-ply all wood (rosewood outer) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| weight_g | 88 | approx 82-86 |
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Freitas (8.5 rating, OFF) and Rosewood NCT V (8.5 rating, OFF, 82-86g) are equally rated but philosophically opposed. Freitas is soft, dwell-heavy carbon for consistent looping. Rosewood NCT V is stiff, hard all-wood demanding clean contact and rewarding aggressive flat drives and counterattacks. Rosewood’s prestige (endorsed by Xu Xin) and penhold optimization make it distinct.
Freitas suits shakehand loopers seeking modern carbon engineering and versatile play. Rosewood NCT V is the penhold specialist’s blade: exceptional short game, fast flicks, and organic feedback suited to traditional penhold technique. Rosewood’s now-discontinued status limits availability; its stiff character punishes loose technique. Both are OFF-rated, but Freitas is more forgiving and universally applicable. Rosewood NCT V is the historical choice for committed penhold players; Freitas is the pragmatic modern alternative.
FAQ
Is Rosewood NCT V really better for penhold than Freitas?
Yes, significantly. Its stiff all-wood feel, penhold-optimized design, and short-game excellence (flicks, passive returns) make it superior for penhold grip. Freitas is neutral to both grips.
Can I use Rosewood NCT V for heavy topspin looping?
No. Its stiff construction and limited dwell punish heavy looping technique. Rosewood excels at flat drives, flicks, and controlled short game—not spin loops. Freitas is vastly superior for looping.
Should I hunt for Rosewood NCT V if it’s discontinued?
Only if you’re a committed penhold player who values its classic character. For most players, Freitas offers better current availability and broader applicability.