Butterfly Maze Advance vs Nittaku Violin: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Maze Advance | Nittaku Violin | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | soft, controlled, slightly stiff for an all-wood blade | Soft, warm and flexible with long dwell, premium hand-crafted Japanese all-wood feedback |
| handle | FL | FL |
| plies | 5W (all wood) | 5-ply all wood (Kiri core with White Ash outer plies) |
| speed | ALL+ | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 6.7 | 5.3 |
| type | — | ALL+ |
| weight_g | 85 | 86 |
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Both are all-wood blades rated ALL+ and built for control, but they target slightly different players. The Maze Advance is a lightweight, controllable blade around 82 to 85 grams that is coach-recommended as a first proper blade, with low vibration and a clean touch for short play and blocking. The Violin offers premium Made in Japan craftsmanship and a warm, soft, flexible feel with long dwell that comes alive with Tensor rubbers for looping and close-to-mid all-round play.
In feel they diverge. The Maze Advance is soft and controlled but plays slightly stiff for an all-wood blade thanks to its thicker 6.7mm build, and some owners find it too firm. The Violin is thinner at 5.3mm, softer and warmer with long dwell, but it is relatively stiff when new and benefits from a break-in period, and it needs harder or tackier rubbers to reach its full potential.
Pick the Maze Advance if you are stepping up from a pre-made paddle and want an affordable, light, forgiving blade for all-around offence and defence with reliable short play. Pick the Violin if you want premium craftsmanship and a refined warm touch for spin and looping, and you are ready to break it in and pair it well. The Violin rates 8.4 to the Maze Advance’s 8.2.
FAQ
Which is the better beginner blade?
The Maze Advance is coach-recommended as a first proper blade and is lightweight and controllable, making it ideal for players moving up from a pre-made paddle. The Violin is more of a first custom blade for intermediates leaving fast carbon setups.
How do they feel different despite both being ALL+?
The Maze Advance is soft and controlled but plays slightly stiff because of its thicker 6.7mm build, with some owners finding it firm. The Violin is thinner at 5.3mm and feels soft, warm and flexible with long dwell, though it stiffens less only after a break-in period.
Which is lighter?
They are very close. The Maze Advance is around 82 to 85 grams and the Violin is listed at 86 grams, so both are easy to handle.
Does either need special rubbers?
The Violin needs harder or tackier rubbers to reach its full potential and comes alive with Tensor rubbers. The Maze Advance generates good spin without requiring very tacky rubber.