Butterfly Falcima Review: All-Wood Speed for Developing Players

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-14 · blade

The Butterfly Falcima is a 5-ply all-wood blade released in March 2022, built to fill the gap between pure control blades and entry-level carbon composites. It is made in Japan on a Koto-Koto-Kiri-Koto-Koto layering, and Butterfly pitches it as the accessible all-wood option for players who want offensive bite without the harsh stiffness of fiber or carbon. At around 87g and 6.0mm thick it lands inside the OFF- range, fast enough for a developing topspin game but controlled enough for placement and serve-receive. Butterfly aims it at players who want a moderately fast blade but are not ready for artificial fiber, and the community reviews back that positioning.

Performance

What stands out first is the speed-to-feel ratio. A thicker Koto middle layer and a Kiri center, softer and lighter than the Ayous core in many comparable blades, give it a livelier bounce than a standard 5-ply all-wood has any business producing. Reviewers on Megaspin and Tabletennis-Reference put its speed on par with inner-fiber or 7-ply constructions, all from pure wood. That is the draw for offensive players who want the dwell and natural feel of wood without losing pace.

For looping it throws a satisfying arc on mid-distance exchanges. The soft Kiri core soaks up enough of the initial contact to let you brush the ball without spraying it wide, and the Koto outer layers snap it back with decent pace. Drives feel solid and predictable, and flat aggressive hits land without the instability harder all-wood blades sometimes add.

Control in the short game and on serve-receive is the blade’s best asset, and several Megaspin reviewers said as much directly. The vibration rating of 9.7 on Butterfly’s scale and a reaction of 10.9 describe a blade that stays active without going erratic. It pairs well with mid-tension rubbers like Butterfly Rozena on the backhand, where there is enough grip and spring for consistent topspin and nothing overwhelming the player.

The trade-offs are real. Japanese community reviews on Tabletennis-Reference flagged weaker tactile feedback, a dull sensation next to traditional plywood blades. Anyone used to the pronounced vibration and wood-on-ball feel of older all-wood designs will find the Falcima muted. The TTGearLab analysis backs this up: the vibration ratio (Vl/Vp around 1.11) skews toward longer-wavelength feedback, which means less crisp touch information on delicate short pushes and drop shots. Weight and balance draw praise the other way. At roughly 86-87g it undercuts blades like the Petr Korbel at 92g, and Reddit comparison threads agree it sits better balanced in hand, cutting the head-heavy tendency that causes mishits in fast exchanges.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

There is strong consensus across sources that the Falcima is a capable offensive all-wood blade for players at the beginner-to-intermediate stage. Megaspin, Reddit, and Tabletennis-Reference reviewers consistently praise its control, lightweight feel, and all-wood construction that avoids carbon harshness. The pairing with Rozena rubber on the backhand appears repeatedly as a recommended combination. The primary disagreement is around tactile feedback. Western-market reviewers on Megaspin and Reddit tend to rate the feel positively or neutrally, while Japanese-market reviewers on Tabletennis-Reference are more critical of the muted vibration, calling it dull and less satisfying than traditional plywood blades. This split may reflect differences in playing style — Japanese reviewers often emphasize nuanced short-game feel, where the Falcima is less strong. There is also a recurring debate about value. Some players argue the Falcima is too expensive for a beginner blade when cheaper alternatives exist (Boll Allround, Maze Advance), while others see the Made-in-Japan quality and all-wood construction at this price point as justified.

Who Should Buy It

The Butterfly Falcima is an ideal first serious blade for players moving up from pre-made rackets or beginner-level equipment. It suits developing offensive players — particularly those building a looping and driving game — who want the natural feel of all-wood construction without the control sacrifice of faster carbon blades. Players with an aggressive baseline style and moderate swing speed will find the Falcima forgiving enough to develop consistency while still rewarding fast, flat drives. It is especially suited for players pairing it with mid-tension rubbers like Rozena or Roundell, where the blade and rubber combination offers a balanced offensive setup. The Falcima is less suited for advanced players who demand precise tactile feedback on touch shots, players with larger hands who may find the narrow handle uncomfortable, or players looking for a pure control blade for defensive or all-round styles. Those seeking a budget option should also compare against cheaper alternatives before committing to the Falcima’s price point.

FAQ

Is the Butterfly Falcima good for beginners?

Yes. The Falcima is specifically designed for players transitioning from pre-made rackets to custom setups. Its 5-ply all-wood construction provides enough control to develop technique, while the moderate speed supports developing offensive shots like loops and drives. Butterfly recommends pairing it with Sapphira rubber for absolute beginners or Rozena for those moving toward higher-tension play.

How does the Falcima compare to the Butterfly Petr Korbel?

The Falcima is lighter (around 86-87g versus the Korbel’s 92g) and better balanced in hand. The Korbel is known for more pronounced tactile feedback and a richer wood feel, while the Falcima is faster and easier to swing but with slightly more muted vibration. Players who found the Korbel too heavy or head-heavy often find the Falcima more manageable.

What rubbers pair best with the Butterfly Falcima?

Butterfly Rozena on the backhand is highly recommended by the community and produces excellent spin and control at moderate speeds. For the forehand, Roundell or Tenergy 05 FX work well for players wanting more grip without overwhelming the blade’s natural feel. Beginners should start with Sapphira or Rozena on both sides.

Is the Falcima available in straight handle?

The Falcima is primarily available in the flared (FL) handle style for shakehand players and in a Chinese penhold (CP) style. A straight handle option has not been widely confirmed in available retail listings. Players who prefer the straight grip should verify availability with their retailer before purchasing.

What is the speed classification of the Butterfly Falcima?

The Falcima sits at OFF- (offensive minus): faster than an all-round blade, slower than a full offensive or carbon blade. Butterfly’s own reaction index of 10.9 puts it in the moderately fast bracket, fine for attacking play at club level without overwhelming newer players.