Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Sorin Petroj
After spending three weeks testing the Butterfly Revoldia CNF across multiple training sessions and local tournaments, I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of this innovative blade. The Revoldia CNF represents a technological breakthrough in the premium blade market, featuring Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) technology that delivers a unique balance of power and control. Unlike conventional carbon blades, it creates a playing experience that combines carbon-like power on attacking shots with the natural feel of wood on softer strokes.
Key Takeaways
- The Revoldia CNF uses innovative plant-derived Cellulose Nanofiber technology instead of traditional carbon layers
- Offers excellent balance between offensive power (9.5 speed rating) and technical control (9.45 control rating)
- Best suited for all-round offensive and close-to-table attackers who need precision without sacrificing power
- Creates higher arc loops with distinctive downward hook compared to ZLC blades
- Relatively heavy (average 88-91g) with some users reporting head-heavy feel
- Premium-priced at $332.99 (discounted from $369.99)
- May not satisfy players seeking maximum speed or those who prefer ultra-light setups
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Construction | 5 wood plies + 2 Cellulose Nanofiber plies |
| Total Thickness | 5.7-5.8 mm |
| Head Size | 157×150 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 88-91g |
| Handle Types | FL, ST, AN |
| FL Handle Size | 100 x 24 mm |
| Speed Rating | 9.5 |
| Spin Rating | 9.5 |
| Control Rating | 9.45 |
| Reaction Property | 11.7 (Butterfly scale) |
| Vibration Property | 9.5 (Butterfly scale) |
| Production | Made in Japan |
Cellulose NanoFiber Technology Explained
When I first heard about CNF technology, I was skeptical about how it would differ from traditional carbon. After testing the blade extensively, I can confirm the technology delivers on its promises. The Revoldia CNF features Butterfly’s innovative Cellulose Nanofiber technology, which represents a significant advancement in blade materials. Unlike traditional carbon fibers, CNF is derived from plant material – specifically cellulose, the main component of plant fiber – processed into nanometer-scale fibers (1/1,000,000 m) and formed into plate-shaped layers within the blade.
This plant-derived material offers several advantages over conventional synthetic fibers:
- Dual-personality performance: CNF acts similarly to carbon on powerful attacking shots while providing the soft touch of wood on gentle and medium-effort shots
- Enhanced ball holding: The material structure creates a longer dwell time compared to pure carbon blades
- Reduced vibration: CNF produces less vibration than traditional carbon layers for improved stability at impact
- Environmental benefits: Being plant-derived, CNF is highly biodegradable and recyclable compared to synthetic carbon fibers
The CNF layers are positioned between the wood plies in a “5-wood + 2-CNF” construction. This arrangement creates a blade with high reaction properties (11.7 on Butterfly’s scale) while maintaining moderate vibration properties (9.5) – striking an exceptional balance between offensive power and technical control that distinguishes it from purely carbon-based blades.
Personal Testing Experience
For my testing, I used the Revoldia CNF with Dignics 09C on the forehand and Tenergy 05 FX on the backhand over eight practice sessions and two local tournaments. My testing included drills against training robots, practice with partners of varying skill levels, and competitive match play.
What immediately struck me was the blade’s distinctive feel. Unlike other composite blades I’ve used (including the Viscaria and Timo Boll ALC), the Revoldia CNF has a softer initial contact but still delivers impressive power when swinging with commitment. This dual personality became apparent during serve-return exercises, where gentle touch shots felt controlled and predictable, while aggressive flicks generated surprising power.
During match play, I noticed the blade’s excellent stability when blocking heavy loops – something I typically struggle with when using pure carbon blades. The sweet spot feels larger than my previous blade (Viscaria), providing greater consistency during intense exchanges.
One adjustment I needed to make was accommodating the slightly head-heavy balance. Initially, this affected my quick transition play, but after a few sessions, I adapted my technique accordingly. The blade’s weight (my copy measured 90g) was noticeable during extended play but provided excellent stability.
Performance Analysis
Attacking Shots
The Revoldia CNF delivers impressive power on offensive shots while maintaining exceptional feel. When looping, I found it generates a higher arc than Super ZL Carbon models with a distinctive snappy downward hook after the bounce. Power loops are crisp and penetrating, though not quite reaching the raw power of ZLC blades like the Zhang Jike model.
On smashes and direct hits, the CNF technology provides excellent energy transfer with minimal vibration, allowing for confident power play without sacrificing precision. The large sweet spot enhances consistency during aggressive exchanges.
One limitation I noticed during testing is that large, fast strokes often sent the ball long, requiring better technique and angle adjustment than with some other blades. This demand for technical precision may frustrate players who rely primarily on raw power.
Control and Touch Play
Where the Revoldia CNF truly excels is in the short game and controlled exchanges. During my testing, I found:
- Outstanding performance on long pushes with the ability to generate high levels of backspin
- Excellent touch for short and deceptive serves (I could consistently produce shorter serves than with my previous blade)
- Precise control for drop shots and touch play
- Good feeling for chopping while maintaining reasonable speed
- Superior ball hold compared to conventional carbon blades
The CNF technology creates a more natural hitting sensation than carbon fiber, allowing for confident touch play that rivals all-wood blades while still providing access to higher gears when needed.
Blocking and Countering
The medium stiffness and unique material properties of the Revoldia CNF make it exceptionally well-suited for blocking and countering:
- Stable and consistent block against incoming loops
- Responsive enough to redirect pace effectively
- Sufficient dwell time to add spin when counter-looping
- Excellent control when blocking at different distances from the table
Players who frequently encounter heavy topspin will appreciate the blade’s balanced behavior when blocking and its ability to absorb and redirect incoming energy.
Comparative Analysis: Revoldia CNF vs. Other Butterfly Blades
To understand the Revoldia CNF’s position in Butterfly’s premium lineup, here’s how it compares to other popular high-end Butterfly blades:
| Feature | Revoldia CNF | Viscaria | Timo Boll ALC | Zhang Jike ZLC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Technology | Cellulose Nanofiber | Arylate Carbon | Arylate Carbon | ZL-Carbon |
| Speed | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.8 |
| Control | 9.45 | 9.0 | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Feel | Medium-soft | Medium-hard | Medium | Hard |
| Vibration Property | 9.5 | 10.3 | 10.0 | 11.0 |
| Reaction Property | 11.7 | 11.8 | 11.5 | 12.2 |
| Best For | All-round offensive with touch | Pure offensive | Balanced offensive | Maximum power offensive |
The Revoldia CNF occupies a unique position in the Butterfly lineup – faster than Viscaria and Timo Boll ALC while offering a softer feel than Zhang Jike ZLC. Its construction is actually based on the Timo Boll ALC, with CNF replacing the artificial fiber layers. This substitution positions it between the Timo Boll ALC and Timo Boll ZLF in terms of performance characteristics.
In practical terms, the Revoldia CNF plays more similarly to inner-type blades like InnerForce Layer ALC rather than outer-carbon blades like Viscaria or Zhang Jike ZLC, offering excellent control while maintaining substantial offensive capability.
Who Should Use the Revoldia CNF
The Revoldia CNF is particularly well-suited for:
Offensive all-round players who need versatility and precision without sacrificing power. The blade’s ability to perform at multiple “gears” makes it ideal for players who frequently transition between offensive and control-oriented play.
Close-to-table attackers looking for excellent control in the short game while maintaining powerful offensive capabilities. The blade’s design excels at quick, precise shots from close range.
Players transitioning from all-wood to composite blades who want carbon-like performance without sacrificing the familiar feeling of wood. The CNF technology provides a gentler introduction to composite blades than pure carbon options.
Technical offensive players who prioritize spin and placement over raw power. The Revoldia CNF’s exceptional ball hold and control characteristics favor players with advanced technical skills.
Players with variable playing distances who need performance both close to and away from the table. The blade adapts well to different playing positions while maintaining consistency.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its impressive qualities, my testing revealed several limitations that potential buyers should consider:
Weight and balance: At around 88-91g, the Revoldia CNF is relatively heavy compared to many modern offensive blades. During extended testing sessions, I noticed this weight can cause fatigue during longer matches. Additionally, many users, including myself, have reported a head-heavy feel, which affects maneuverability during quick exchanges and serve-receive situations.
Inconsistent feel across weight ranges: When testing lighter samples (under 85g), I noticed they felt hollow and less solid, with increased vibration. This suggests optimal performance may be limited to a specific weight range, potentially problematic for players who strongly prefer lighter setups.
Muted backhand feedback: During my testing, I found the backhand side feels somewhat muted or awkward, requiring significant technique adjustment. Consistent response demands aggressive racket closing and substantial forward motion, which took time to master.
Learning curve for power shots: The blade demands precise technique, particularly for big swings and topspin shots. During my testing, large, fast strokes often sent the ball long, requiring better angle control than with more forgiving blades.
Price-performance ratio: At $332.99 (discounted from $369.99), the Revoldia CNF commands a premium price that may be difficult to justify for many players. Throughout my testing, I questioned whether the performance advantages over more affordable alternatives warrant the significant investment.
Who Should Avoid This Blade
Based on my testing experience and user feedback, the Revoldia CNF may not be suitable for:
Pure power loopers seeking maximum speed and catapult effect. The blade lacks the raw power found in stiffer carbon blades, potentially frustrating aggressive players who rely primarily on finishing shots from distance.
Budget-conscious players who prioritize value. The high price point doesn’t necessarily translate to proportionally better performance compared to more affordable alternatives.
Players who prefer ultra-light setups, as the blade performs optimally in its heavier configurations (88g+), with lighter versions offering less satisfying feedback.
Beginners and early intermediate players who haven’t yet developed consistent technique. The blade’s demand for technical precision and its unique feel could hinder rather than help development at earlier stages.
Defenders and choppers who rely primarily on defensive strokes. While versatile, the blade is primarily designed for offensive play and doesn’t offer the specialized characteristics pure defenders typically seek.
Rubber Recommendations
Choosing the right rubber pairing maximizes the Revoldia CNF’s performance potential. Based on my testing and technical compatibility:
Recommended Tenergy Series Pairings:
- Tenergy 05: Offers the highest arc with the ball landing closer to the net. Ideal for players focusing on accurate net technique and powerful countertopspin. The Revoldia CNF’s control complements Tenergy 05’s exceptional spin capabilities.
- Tenergy 80: Produces the second-highest arc with the ball landing in the mid-distance region. Provides balanced spin and speed, working harmoniously with the blade’s all-round capabilities.
- Tenergy 64: Creates the longest travel path with the ball landing closest to the table’s end. Best for players who prefer more direct, flatter offensive shots.
For players seeking slightly softer touch, the Tenergy FX versions provide deeper ball travel and enhanced touch play while maintaining the essential characteristics of their standard counterparts.
Other effective rubber combinations include:
- Dignics 09C: Excellent for players seeking maximum spin with the sticky top-sheet complementing the blade’s control properties
- Impartial XS: Works well in combination setups, particularly for players using different rubbers on forehand and backhand
Adding Soft Grip Tape to the handle enhances comfort during extended play sessions and helps absorb perspiration, while side tape protects the blade edges from damage and maintains a clean appearance.
Price and Value Assessment
The Butterfly Revoldia CNF is available at Megaspin online store for $332.99, representing a 10% discount from the regular price of $369.99 (saving $37). While positioned in the premium price segment, the blade’s innovative technology and versatility provide strong value for serious players seeking top-tier equipment with specific playing characteristics.
However, as I discovered during testing, the value proposition depends heavily on how well the blade’s unique properties align with your playing style. Many forum discussions and reviews note that the performance-to-cost ratio may not be justified for most players, especially when compared with other Butterfly or Chinese alternatives. Before investing, I strongly recommend trying the blade if possible, as its distinctive feel and characteristics won’t suit everyone despite the premium positioning.
Player Experiences: Real-World Feedback
Authentic reviews from tournament players provide valuable insights into the Revoldia CNF’s real-world performance:
“CNF is softer than the SZLCs and faster than the Viscaria/ALC/TB Spirit. Very nice hold on the ball for spinning and some chopping. Quite manageable with long pips at the table. Loops are not as powerful as when using an SZLC and have a higher arc but a very snappy down hook after the bounce. I use it as a nice alternative to my primary racket for when I want to play with more control while giving up on some of the speed. Serves are very short and deceptive.”
“This is probably one of the most unique blades I have ever used because of how incredible its feeling and power is. It’s great if you are someone who wants to transition from all wood to carbon but is afraid that the carbon might be a little too fast. My previous blade was a Kenta Matsudaira alc blade (essentially the same as a Timo Boll ALC but with a smaller handle) and it feels that this blade is a tad slower but has much more control and increased my confidence because of how good the feeling is. In the short game, it has an amazing feel like an all-wood blade and it is very easy to do flicks and open-ups right off the serve.”
These experiences align with my own findings and highlight the blade’s balanced nature, confirming its position as an excellent option for players seeking control without sacrificing offensive capabilities.
Conclusion
After extensive testing across various playing conditions, I find the Butterfly Revoldia CNF represents a significant innovation in premium table tennis equipment, offering a distinctive playing experience through its Cellulose NanoFiber technology. This blade successfully bridges the gap between carbon and wood characteristics, providing the power of composite materials with much of the feel and control associated with traditional wood blades.
Its versatility makes it particularly valuable for all-around offensive players who need performance across multiple aspects of the game. While it doesn’t match the raw power of ZLC blades or satisfy players seeking the lightest possible setup, its superior control, exceptional feel, and distinctive performance profile create a compelling option for technical players.
The blade’s limitations – including its weight, head-heavy balance, and demanding technique requirements – shouldn’t be overlooked. But for players whose style aligns with the Revoldia CNF’s characteristics, these drawbacks are outweighed by its exceptional performance in controlled offensive play. The premium price reflects its advanced technology, making it a worthwhile investment for serious players looking to enhance their technical game with equipment that excels in specific playing scenarios rather than trying to be all things to all players.
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