Butterfly Tenergy 80 vs Palio AK47: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Tenergy 80 | Palio AK47 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| best_side | both | both |
| control | medium-high | high (best on the softer Blue) |
| speed | 13.5/14 | medium-high (Blue softer and more linear, Red fastest) |
| spin | 11.2/12 | high |
| sponge_hardness | 36° | Blue around 38-40 deg, Yellow around 40-42 deg, Red around 45-47 deg (Euro scale) |
| type | tensor inverted (Spring Sponge) | non-tacky inverted tensor (offered in Blue, Yellow and Red sponges) |
| weight_uncut_g | 67 | 67 |
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Tenergy 80 is faster and more direct than Tenergy 05, with a perfect topspin arc, a forgiving medium-low throw for excellent blocking and strong mid-distance attack. It plays best on a 5-ply OFF wood blade and carries a premium price, with springy pushes that can pop up close to the table until you adjust.
The Palio AK47 chases near-tensor feel for a fraction of the cost and comes in three sponge hardnesses: a soft, controllable Blue, a balanced Yellow and a fast, aggressive Red. It is remarkably light, but less stable and refined than the tensors it imitates, with noticeable sheet-to-sheet variation.
Pick Tenergy 80 if you are an upper-intermediate or advanced offensive player who wants refined speed, a forgiving arc and elite blocking. Pick the AK47 if you are a budget-minded developing or intermediate player building a first custom racket: choose Blue for control, Yellow for balance, or Red for a faster offensive sheet.
FAQ
Which sponge colour of the AK47 should I pick?
Choose Blue for a controllable backhand or all-round game, Yellow for a balanced middle, and Red for a faster, more aggressive offensive sheet.
Is the AK47 a real substitute for Tenergy 80?
It gives a near-tensor feel at a fraction of the price, but it is less stable and refined and varies more between sheets, so it is better viewed as a budget option than an exact match.
Which rubber is better for blocking?
Tenergy 80 is excellent for blocking thanks to its forgiving medium-low throw, with both passive and active blocks coming easily.