Butterfly Viscaria is a classic 5+2 composite blade featuring Arylate-Carbon layers, combining high-speed potential with controlled touch. Rated as an OFF class blade, it delivers a crisp yet slightly dampened feel, offering a remarkable balance between power and feedback. Widely used by top professionals like Zhang Jike and Fan Zhendong (early career), the Viscaria is prized for its looping stability, vibration control, and consistent arc.
Ideal for topspin-oriented loopers, aggressive all-rounders, and modern two-wing attackers, the Viscaria excels in spin generation, safe countering, and mid-distance rallies, making it one of the most versatile and enduring blades in Butterfly’s lineup.
Specs
Type: Offensive
Plies: 5 wood + 2 ALC (Outer Ply: Koto)
Composite Layer: Arylate-Carbon (ALC)
Thickness: 5.8 mm
Weight: 87g
Speed (Manufacturer): N/A
Control (Manufacturer): N/A
Handle Type: FL / ST
Made In: Japan
Pros
Excellent speed-control balance for modern loopers
Large sweet spot thanks to ALC layers
Ideal dwell time for heavy topspin shots
Smooth, dampened feel reduces harsh feedback
Consistently high manufacturing quality from Butterfly
Cons
Some players may prefer sharper vibration for touch feedback
Slightly heavier feel for those used to 5-ply wood blades
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
4.5
Delivers fast rebound thanks to ALC layers, excellent for powerful loops and drives.
Control
4.0
Offers good touch and placement precision, especially with mid-hard rubbers.
Stiffness
4.0
Medium-stiff structure, stable under pressure, yet retains some flex for spin.
Vibration Feel
3.5
Dampened but still transmits useful feedback; less sharp than pure wood blades.
Dwell Time
4.0
Sufficient dwell for controlled looping and brushing strokes.
Sweet Spot
4.5
ALC expands sweet spot, making off-center hits more forgiving.
Build Quality
5.0
Butterfly craftsmanship is top-tier, with a clean finish, tight ply bonding, and consistent QC.
Core Performance Aspects
Looping & Topspin Play
Butterfly Viscaria excels in looping scenarios, its ALC layers provide sufficient dwell and stability for controlled brush loops while retaining enough stiffness to execute fast, low-arc topspin. The Koto outer ply gives it a crisp initial feel, ideal for quick spin engagement. The blade supports both slow, spinny openers and aggressive counterloops with minimal vibration disruption.
Driving & Flat Hitting
When it comes to flat hits and smashes, Viscaria’s rebound is direct and clean. Its medium-stiff structure ensures power is transferred efficiently, making it suitable for players who frequently step in to finish points. The energy return feels linear and easy to predict, particularly when paired with medium or hard rubber.
Blocking & Passive Control
The ALC construction contributes to outstanding stability during blocks. Passive blocks absorb incoming energy smoothly, while punch blocks remain sharp and safe. Though not the crispest in feedback, it gives a good feel of control, especially on the backhand side.
Serve & Short Game
Short pushes, flicks, and serve control are well-supported. The Koto outer adds firmness, while the ALC keeps it manageable. The blade’s slightly dampened feel helps minimize over-bounce in short play, which can be beneficial when paired with bouncy rubbers.
Mid-to-Far Distance Play
From a mid-distance, the Butterfly Viscaria offers consistent power looping with minimal effort. The blade maintains trajectory and energy through extended rallies. Far from the table, it requires more physical input but remains effective due to its composite stability.
Strategic Considerations
Comparison to Similar Blades
Compared to the Timo Boll ALC, the Viscaria shares the same core composition, including Koto as the outer ply and Arylate-Carbon as the composite layer. However, players often describe the Viscaria as feeling slightly more balanced and crisp in rebound, while the Timo Boll ALC may offer a slightly softer sensation due to minor differences in weight distribution and handle shape.
When compared to the Fan Zhendong ALC, which is essentially a modernized take on the Viscaria, the feel is subtly stiffer and punchier. The FZD ALC offers a marginally more direct trajectory, making it better suited for high-speed countering, while the Viscaria retains a touch more dwell for brush looping.
Butterfly Viscaria is best for aggressive loopers, counter-hitters, and balanced all-rounders who rely on a stable yet powerful platform. It suits both two-wing attackers and players who need controlled speed for topspin-to-topspin exchanges.
Butterfly Viscaria delivers a proven blend of offensive capability and refined control, making it a timeless choice among high-level players. With its crisp Koto outer and ALC composite feel, it caters especially well to loopers seeking spin-friendly dwell with speed on demand.
If you’re seeking a responsive and stable composite blade for offensive play, the Butterfly Viscaria is an elite option to consider. Check the latest availability and deals from trusted retailers below.
