Butterfly Primorac vs Donic Appelgren Allplay: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Primorac | Donic Appelgren Allplay | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | medium, classic all-wood, long dwell and high control | medium, controlled |
| handle | FL/ST | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5W (all wood) — Limba/Limba/Ayous/Limba/Limba | 5W (abachi core + limba) |
| speed | OFF- | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 6 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 85 | 85 |
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Both blades are control-first all-wood designs sharing the same 85g weight and an 8.3 rating, but they differ in speed and intent. The Primorac is OFF-minus with long dwell, high control and strong durability, leaning a little toward offense and rewarding spin and placement. The Appelgren Allplay is a slower ALL-rated do-everything blade with outstanding feel and feedback on every stroke, comfortable for both offensive and defensive play.
The Primorac is the more attack-ready of the two and works with a wide rubber range including tensors. The Appelgren is the more forgiving learning platform, ideal as a first blade, and it pairs best with quality non-tension rubbers such as Yasaka Mark V or DHS Hurricane 3; high-tension rubbers push it toward offense and trim its control.
Developing intermediate attackers building a first serious custom setup should take the Primorac. True beginners and all-round or modern-defensive players who want one controllable do-everything blade to learn every stroke should take the Appelgren Allplay.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
The Primorac, at OFF-minus, is a step quicker than the ALL-rated Appelgren Allplay, which offers adequate rather than high speed. Out-and-out attackers will outgrow the Appelgren as they improve.
Which is the better first blade?
The Appelgren Allplay is the more beginner-friendly do-everything choice, especially with non-tension rubbers. The Primorac is also forgiving but is aimed more at developing intermediates building a first serious custom setup.
What rubbers suit the Appelgren Allplay?
It pairs best with quality non-tension rubbers like Yasaka Mark V or DHS Hurricane 3. High-tension rubbers shift its character toward offense and reduce its control, so it is less ideal for beginners that way.