Butterfly Primorac vs Sanwei Nova Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Primorac | Sanwei Nova Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | medium, classic all-wood, long dwell and high control | stiff, linear, direct |
| handle | FL/ST | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5W (all wood) — Limba/Limba/Ayous/Limba/Limba | 5-ply: Hinoki + carbon + Kiri core |
| speed | OFF- | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 6 | 6.2 |
| weight_g | 85 | 90 (plus or minus 5g) |
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Butterfly Primorac and Sanwei Nova Carbon offer different value propositions for intermediate-to-advanced players. Primorac (5-ply all-wood, 85g) is a durable classic delivering long dwell, excellent control, and forgiving feel. Its Limba-Ayous-Limba construction is clean and consistent, works with varied rubber types, and suits a wide range of playing styles. Price is reasonable and availability is reliable.
Sanwei Nova Carbon (5-ply with Hinoki-carbon, approx 90g) is a budget introduction to carbon-composite construction. Its direct, linear feel rewards decisive mid-distance attacks and offers good blocking control. However, high stiffness reduces dwell and punishes brushy spin technique. Weight varies noticeably between units, and it is not suited to heavy loop-dominant or close-table touch styles.
Choose Primorac if you have 1-3 years of experience, value dwell and forgiveness, and want a versatile, all-around blade that will last for years. Choose Nova Carbon if you have 2-3 years of solid technique, attack decisively from mid-distance, and want to explore carbon without flagship prices.
FAQ
Which has more dwell?
Primorac. Its all-wood construction and softer feel provide longer dwell. Nova Carbon is stiff and minimizes dwell by design.
Which is faster?
Nova Carbon edges marginally due to carbon reinforcement. Both are in the OFF range, but Nova Carbon feels quicker on flat hits.
Which is more consistent?
Primorac. Its weight is reliable (85g). Nova Carbon has significant weight variation (90g plus or minus 5g), so individual units feel different.
Which is better for learning?
Primorac. Its dwell and forgiveness suit developing technique. Nova Carbon demands solid fundamentals to exploit its stiff, direct feel.