Butterfly Hadraw SR Review: Premium 7-Ply All-Wood Offensive Blade

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · blade

The Butterfly Hadraw SR occupies an unusual position in the table tennis blade market: it is a 7-ply all-wood blade rated at OFF+ speed, which typically is the territory of carbon or composite constructions. Introduced in 2015 and made in Japan, the Hadraw SR was part of Butterfly’s Hadraw series — a lineup built around pure natural wood and premium timber selection, with no synthetic fiber layers anywhere in the construction. The outer veneers are wenge, a tropical hardwood prized among woodworkers and now among table tennis engineers for its exceptional hardness combined with surprising elasticity. The result is a blade that feels fast and powerful at contact, yet still retains the characteristic dwell time that distinguishes wood blades from their carbon-layered counterparts. The SR sits at the fast end of the Hadraw family, designed for attackers who refuse to sacrifice wood feedback in pursuit of more speed.

Performance

In play, the Hadraw SR lives up to its billing as a high-speed all-wood blade. Flat hitting with the blade produces a firm, crisp sensation — the wenge outer veneers transfer energy efficiently into the ball, generating the kind of pop that players usually associate with carbon-fiber layers rather than pure wood. Yet the all-wood construction means the ball spends slightly longer on the surface than it would with a composite blade at the same speed rating, giving players a window to apply topspin that faster carbon blades can make difficult.

Looping is where the Hadraw SR tends to polarize players. Those who match it with softer rubbers — in the range of Tenergy 05-FX or similar medium-soft sheets — report excellent spin generation and a ball that sits comfortably on the rubber long enough to load the stroke. Players who mount hard rubber or extra-thick sponge consistently report the opposite experience: the stiff wenge veneers combined with hard rubber create a setup where the ball bounces off before spin can develop, leading to a floaty, uncontrolled feeling. This rubber dependency is perhaps the most important caveat for prospective buyers.

Directional control, when the blade is properly paired, receives positive marks. The firm center core — composed of three equally thick wood plies — provides a stable, predictable platform that guides the ball consistently to the intended target. Several reviewers note that despite the blade’s speed, they could place the ball well and felt confident in its directional accuracy. Blocking and counter-driving also benefit from this stability, with no discernible vibration reported through the handle during fast exchanges.

At the table, the Hadraw SR handles short game play reasonably well for an OFF+ rated blade. Its wood construction preserves some of the touch and sensitivity that carbon blades can strip away, making flicks and drop shots more manageable than they might be on a similarly fast composite. However, players accustomed to 5-ply or softer blades will need an adjustment period, as the 7-ply stiffness does reduce the margin for error on delicate shots.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Across Revspin, Tabletennis Reference, and the broader community, the Hadraw SR averages around 7.3 to 8.0 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive but not universally loved reception. The consensus positives center on its unique combination of wood feel and high speed, its Japanese manufacturing quality, and the aesthetic appeal of the wenge grain. The main source of disagreement is rubber compatibility: players who found the right pairing — typically medium-soft rubbers — rate it highly, while those who tested it with harder or thicker rubbers experienced control issues and gave it significantly lower marks. A smaller minority of reviewers simply found the 7-ply construction too firm for their game, preferring the softer arc of a 5-ply blade. The professional association with Jon Persson and HU Melek lends credibility to the blade’s quality ceiling, even if everyday players find it more demanding to unlock.

Who Should Buy It

The Hadraw SR is best suited to advanced or intermediate-advanced players who already have experience with fast, stiff blades and understand how to select rubber pairings that complement blade characteristics. Players who grew up on all-wood blades and want to push into OFF+ territory without moving to carbon will find the Hadraw SR the most natural progression. Loopers who generate their own spin and prefer to feel the ball on the blade will appreciate the dwell the all-wood construction retains even at this speed. Conversely, beginners, intermediate players still developing technique, and anyone who prefers a soft, forgiving setup should look at something slower and more flexible. Players who already rely on hard rubber sheets would need to reconsider their rubber choice before purchasing this blade.

FAQ

Is the Butterfly Hadraw SR a carbon blade?

No. The Hadraw SR is a 7-ply all-wood blade with no carbon, arylate, or any synthetic fiber layers. All seven plies are natural wood, with wenge species used for the outer veneers.

What speed class is the Hadraw SR?

The Hadraw SR is rated at OFF+ speed by most reviewers and retailers. Tabletennis Reference assigns it a speed rating of 10.8 on their scale, placing it firmly in the offensive-plus category.

What rubbers work best with the Hadraw SR?

Soft to medium-soft tensor or tacky rubbers work best. Multiple reviewers specifically warn against hard or extra-thick sponge rubbers, which cause the ball to fly away before spin develops. Sheets like Tenergy 05-FX or medium-hardness variants of Tenergy are frequently recommended.

Is the Hadraw SR still in production?

No. The Hadraw SR is discontinued by Butterfly and is no longer listed as a current product. It can still be found through secondary-market sellers and specialty table tennis retailers who carry remaining stock.

How thick is the Hadraw SR?

The blade measures 6.6 mm thick and weighs approximately 91 g, which is in the normal range for a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade.

Who are the professional players associated with the Hadraw SR?

The blade has been associated with Jon Persson, the Swedish international, and HU Melek, both of whom have been linked to the Hadraw SR in Butterfly promotional and retail materials.