Butterfly Tenergy is one of the most popular table tennis rubbers in the world with many professionals using it throughout most of their careers. However, it is quite pricey and isn’t for everyone, so in this article I’ll take you through 5 fantastic alternatives to Butterfly Tenergy.
Best Alternatives to Butterfly Tenergy 05
- Donic Bluefire M2
- XIOM Vega Pro
- Yasaka Rakza 9
- XIOM Omega V Tour
- Nittaku Fastarc G-1
Features of Butterfly Tenergy
Tenergy is hugely popular amongst professional and amateur table tennis players, but what makes it so special? Well it’s often described as the perfect rubber for looping due to its springy sponge which gives it a very high throw angle.
The tensor-style rubber has a catapult effect which gives it plenty of speed too. It’s not the fastest rubber on the market but it’s definitely up there.
So if you want an alternative to Butterfly Tenergy 05, then the following features are key:
- Lots of spin
- High throw angle
- Tensor-style rubber
- Medium-hard sponge
- Excels at looping primarily
- Low tackiness
- Excellent durability
Issues with Butterfly Tenergy 05
Price
The main issue that players have with Butterfly Tenergy is that it’s a very expensive rubber. Due to it’s huge reputation, Butterfly have no trouble selling it even with a pretty hefty price tag, so that’s exactly what happens. In the USA, the rubber costs around $80-$90 which makes it one of the most expensive rubbers on the market and it can leave a big hole in your wallet if you are using it on both sides.
Hard to Use
Some players also struggle with the way Tenergy 05 plays. It’s a very bouncy rubber so the ball flies off the paddle making it difficult to control for some players until they properly get used to it. This can make it a bit challenging to drive with it as it’s hard to keep it on the table.
The amount of spin it offers can also make serve returns a little more difficult as the rubber is quite sensitive to incoming spin. It can also be harder to block with unless you’ve mastered the delicate touch.
If Tenergy 05 doesn’t suit your playstyle then you can also look at other rubbers in the Tenergy line-up.
Choosing one of the FX versions which has a softer sponge will slow down the rubber and make it easier for some players. Tenergy 64 is a good alternative if you want a rubber which is a bit weaker for looping but better for blocking. Tenergy 80 is a great option for players who want something a bit more balanced than Tenergy 05.
Donic Bluefire M2
Donic Bluefire M2 is a high speed and spin rubber which feels pretty similar to Tenergy 05 due to its high throw angle making it excellent for looping. The tensor-rubber gives it an excellent catapult effect although it does feel slightly slower compared to Tenergy due to its softer sponge. This rubber will suit players looking for Tenergy 05’s high throw angle but want something a little easier to control.
Advantages:
- Half the price of Tenergy
- Great for looping
Disadvantages:
- Not quite as fast as Tenergy 05
- Not as durable
| Characteristic | Donic Bluefire M2 | Butterfly Tenergy 05 |
| Spin | 4.5 | 5 |
| Speed | 4 | 4.75 |
| Control | 4.5 | 4 |
| Throw Angle | 4 | 5 |
| Durability | 100-120 hours | 120-150 hours |
Here is a link to Donic Bluefire M2 on Amazon.
Image links to Amazon
XIOM Vega Pro
XIOM Vega Pro is a slightly faster rubber than Tenergy 05 but has a lower throw angle, making it a better rubber for driving compared to Tenergy but not as good for looping. XIOM Vega Pro is a very affordable option costing around a third of the price of Tenergy 05. It’s a great option for players who want a similar level of spin to Tenergy but are willing to sacrifice the very high throw angle.
Advantages:
- Very inexpensive rubber
- High spin due to grippy feel
Disadvantages:
- Lower throw angle than Tenergy 05
- Not as bouncy as Tenergy
| Characteristic | XIOM Vega Pro | Butterfly Tenergy 05 |
| Spin | 4.75 | 5 |
| Speed | 4.75 | 4.75 |
| Control | 4.5 | 4 |
| Throw Angle | 3.5 | 5 |
| Durability | 110-140 hours | 120-150 hours |
Here is a link to XIOM Vega Pro on Amazon.
Image links to Amazon
Yasaka Rakza 9
Yasaka Rakza 9 is very similar to Butterfly Tenergy in terms of speed, spin, but it lacks the very high throw angle. The tackiness and sponge hardness is similar though, making it a pretty close match in terms of the feel. It’s main advantages over Tenergy are it’s excellent durability and more affordable price.
Advantages:
- Very durable rubber
- Excellent speed and spin
Disadvantages:
- Lower throw angle than Tenergy 05
- Not the cheapest on the list
| Characteristic | Yasaka Rakza 9 | Butterfly Tenergy 05 |
| Spin | 5 | 5 |
| Speed | 5 | 4.75 |
| Control | 4.5 | 4 |
| Throw Angle | 3 | 5 |
| Durability | 130-160 hours | 120-150 hours |
Here is a link to Yasaka Rakza 9 on Amazon.
Image links to Amazon
XIOM Omega V Tour
XIOM Omega V Tour has the same very bouncy feel to Tenergy 05 to give it a catapult-like effect which is very good for offensive play but can be a little difficult to control when driving, blocking and dealing with incoming spin until you get used to the feel. However, it has a lower throw angle than Tenergy 05 so isn’t as good for players looking for that very high arc.
Advantages:
- High speed rubber
- Great value for money
Disadvantages:
- Lower throw angle than Tenergy 05
- Can be hard to control at first
| Characteristic | XIOM Omega V Tour | Butterfly Tenergy 05 |
| Spin | 5 | 5 |
| Speed | 5 | 4.75 |
| Control | 4 | 4 |
| Throw Angle | 3 | 5 |
| Durability | 120-150 hours | 120-150 hours |
Here is a link to XIOM Omega V Tour on Amazon.
Image links to Amazon
Nittaku Fastarc G-1
Nittaku Fastarc G-1 is an excellent alternative, more affordable alternative to Butterfly Tenergy 05. It is not as bouncy and has a harder feel making it a bit tougher to generate spin. It also has a lower throw angle compared to Tenergy 05. However, G-1 is easier to block with and better for flat hitters and makes it easier to control incoming spin. This rubber is also incredibly durable.
Advantages:
- Very durable rubber
- Better for blocking and flat hitting
Disadvantages:
- Lower throw angle than Tenergy 05
- Not the cheapest on the list
| Characteristic | Nittaku Fastarc G-1 | Butterfly Tenergy 05 |
| Spin | 4.75 | 5 |
| Speed | 4.5 | 4.75 |
| Control | 4.5 | 4 |
| Throw Angle | 3.5 | 5 |
| Durability | 130-160 hours | 120-150 hours |
Here is a link to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 on Amazon.
Image links to Amazon
Check out my comparison between Butterfly Tenergy and Dignics rubbers.