In the vibrant world of table tennis, there’s a saying that resonates deeply among enthusiasts: “If you don’t a the Butterfly blade in your lifetime, your years of playing are in vain!” This sentiment underscores the legendary status of the Butterfly Viscaria table tennis blade within the table tennis. Among the plethora of blades available, the Butterfly Viscaria stands out as a must-have for countless players, earning its place alongside the revered “Butterfly King” series, which includes both the Viscaria and the Taksim models.
Butterfly Viscaria
Image Credits: Butterfly
The Butterfly Viscaria is not just a blade; it’s a symbol of excellence. Endorsed by table tennis champions like Zhang Jike, Chen Meng and Fan Zhendong, the Viscaria has carved its niche as a paragon of stability and high elasticity. Its unique construction — a blend of five wooden layers and two layers of aryl carbon fiber — bestows it with remarkable qualities. The aryl fibers contribute to its lightweight nature, excellent flexibility, and superior vibration dampening, while the carbon fibers impart outstanding elasticity and low energy consumption, making it the weapon of choice for fast-attack loop players.
The Butterfly Viscaria blade shines like a timeless star, radiating a unique and captivating glow. It has become the go-to racket for numerous top athletes worldwide. As a prototypical model for many aryl carbon blades, the Viscaria has stayed true to its original design since inception. The development team’s unwavering commitment to faithfully reproducing every detail has ensured that the Viscaria was destined for greatness from the moment it hit the market.
What truly sets the Viscaria apart is its unparalleled balance between offense and defense. In attack mode, it acts like a coiled beast, providing players with a continuous stream of power. When a player swings, the blade swiftly transfers energy to the ball, imparting incredible speed and intense spin, putting immense pressure on opponents. On the defensive front, it transforms into a steadfast guardian, utilizing its exceptional stability and control to help players precisely return shots and turn the tide.
This exceptional performance isn’t a fleeting phenomenon; it has withstood the rigorous tests of countless top-tier tournaments. The fact that numerous elite players around the globe still choose the Viscaria as their trusted companion is a testament to its enduring success.
Butterfly Viscaria SUPER ALC
Image Credits: Butterfly
Enter the Butterfly Viscaria SUPER ALC, a dazzling star among table tennis blades and a must-have for discerning fans. As the first blade equipped with Super Arylate Carbon, it represents a pioneering achievement in material technology. This advanced composite seamlessly blends the flexibility of traditional aryl carbon with enhanced rebound force, ensuring that every swing results in a more efficient transfer of energy between the paddle and the ball. This translates to faster and more powerful returns, injecting a surge of energy into every offensive play.
Design-wise, the Super ALC Viscaria retains the classic plywood structure of its predecessor, a design proven through countless competitions for its stability. However, it doesn’t rest on its laurels; instead, it innovates by improving rebound characteristics while maintaining nearly unchanged vibration properties. This delicate balance allows players to experience the full force of their shots while still maintaining precise ball feel and positioning, achieving the ultimate state of unity between player and paddle.
Choosing Between Viscaria and Super ALC Viscaria
Material and Construction
The Super ALC Viscaria introduces a material revolution by increasing the thickness and weave density of its ALC blue aryl carbon layers. This modification directly enhances the blade’s elasticity, resulting in quicker energy feedback during shots. In contrast, the classic Viscaria maintains its tried-and-true ALC structure, offering stability and reliability. Additionally, the Super ALC Viscaria subtly reduces the thickness of its paulownia core from 5.8mm to 5.7mm, a change that facilitates greater deformation upon impact, enhancing ball grip and addressing the occasional “dead” feel of the Viscaria’s forehand.
Shot Experience
When it comes to shot experience, the Super ALC Viscaria excels in forehand looping, with extended ball contact time and intensely spinning loops that rival the feel of premium models like the Gold Label or Boll ALC 70th Anniversary. Its backhand performance is equally impressive, offering faster ball exit speeds and longer trajectories for flipping, looping, and flicking shots, providing players with a wider array of offensive options. The classic Viscaria, on the other hand, is renowned for its solid defense.
Tactical Application
Tactically, the Super ALC Viscaria and the classic Viscaria cater to different playing styles. The Super ALC Viscaria’s superior elasticity and offensive capabilities make it ideal for aggressive players who prioritize quick technical transitions. It demands precise footwork and accurate hitting points, offering lower forgiveness but immense power once mastered. Conversely, the classic Viscaria shines in defensive play, making it the preferred choice for players who favor mid-to-close table play and emphasize control. It excels at finding counterattack opportunities during defense, seamlessly transitioning between offense and defense.
Rubbers recommended for Viscaria and Super ALC
Viscaria：
- Forehand: Hurricane III NEO blue sponge province / XIOM VEGA CHINA / Butterfly D09C
- Backhand: Butterfly Rozena / XIOM VEGA ASIA / STIGA Mantra M
Viscaria Super ALC：
- Forehand: TIBHAR EVOLUTION MX-P / Butterfly D09C / Tibhar Hybrid K3
- Backhand: Butterfly Rozena / Butterfly T64 / Butterfly T05 / TIBHAR Evolution EL-P
In conclusion, whether you’re a top-tier athlete competing on the world stage or an intermediate-to-advanced player seeking to elevate your game, the Butterfly Viscaria series offers a blade tailored to your needs. The classic Viscaria provides a stable and reliable foundation, while the Super ALC Viscaria pushes the boundaries of power and control, ensuring that every player can find their perfect match in the Butterfly Viscaria family.
