Butterfly Maze Advance vs Nittaku Septear: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Maze Advance | Nittaku Septear | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | soft, controlled, slightly stiff for an all-wood blade | Soft with high dwell time |
| handle | FL | Straight or Concave (flared) |
| plies | 5W (all wood) | 7-ply all wood (Kiso Hinoki) |
| speed | ALL+ | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 85 | 85 |
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Both are all-wood blades suited to intermediate players, but they diverge in feel and versatility. Butterfly Maze Advance is thicker (6.7mm) and plays stiffer than typical five-ply blades, offering consistent control and minimal vibration. Nittaku Septear is soft, responsive Kiso Hinoki designed for versatility across loops, blocks, pushes, flicks, and smashes—a true all-rounder.
Maze’s stiffness suits blockers and consistent hitters; its lightweight handling supports extended play sessions. Septear’s soft dwell rewards spin-focused players and supports finer ball placement and touch. Both share the same spec dimensions (6.7mm thickness, 85g weight, ALL+ speed rating), yet Septear’s premium Japanese craftsmanship and superior versatility across stroke types position it as the more refined blade. Septear requires medium-hard or harder rubbers to unlock its potential, whereas Maze adapts more flexibly across rubber families. Choose Maze for consistent, stiff control; pick Septear if you value versatility and soft feedback.
FAQ
Why does Septear require harder rubbers?
Soft hinoki wood lacks inherent snap, so soft rubber pairs fail to return energy. Medium-hard or hard sponge compensates.
Which is more durable?
Maze’s harder outer plies resist dents and wear. Septear’s soft hinoki surface is prone to denting over time.
Which develops topspin better?
Both loop well. Septear’s dwell aids spin development; Maze’s consistent feedback suits learners building technique.
Can I use Septear for blocking?
Yes, it blocks well, but Maze’s stiffness makes blocking crisper and less demanding of technique.
Which is better value?
Maze at USD 66 beats Septear’s USD 100-120 price, though Septear’s craftsmanship and versatility justify the premium for serious players.