R&D
Innovation driven
by players’ desires
Advancements
in simulation
and measurement
By leveraging computer-based simulation, Butterfly was able to recreate the impact between ball and rubber in a virtual environment, significantly reducing the burdens for physical prototyping. This led to the early conclusion that “the key to high performance lies in short-profile pimples.” Moreover, improvements in measurement techniques have brought testing conditions closer to actual gameplay. As a result, efficiency increased, and the overall development timeline was shortened.
Based on
the voices of the players
After narrowing down the product specifications through simulations and mechanical testing, we turned to Butterfly’s proud lineup of world-class players for playtesting, to verify performance in real-game conditions. Some players highly rated the rubber from the early stages, while others found the new feel unfamiliar and even perceived a drop in performance. Taking all this feedback into account, the team refined the design and ultimately opted for a sponge with a hardness of 44. This meticulous design, guided by the insights of top players, is what brought out the rubber’s high performance.
Merging data
with feel
In the past, equipment was evaluated under a single set of conditions. Today, diverse playing scenarios can be simulated and analyzed, allowing the results to align more closely with players’ actual experience. Interviews with Butterfly players revealed the key preference; “the ball doesn’t drop easily in counter attacks.” Zyre 03 was designed in response to these needs, with enhanced grip performance during counter attacks.
Even when the numbers suggest a rubber is high - performing, players may not respond positively if the feel differs too much from what they’re used to. Therefore, while maintaining core specifications, slight adjustments, such as to sponge hardness, are made to fine-tune feel. In many cases, once players adapt to the new feel, the rubber’s true potential emerges, eventually earning their full endorsement. As performance evaluation methods become more reliable, Butterfly can now prioritize numerical data over subjective impressions when necessary — ultimately delivering performance that truly serves players.
Even when the numbers suggest a rubber is high-performing, players may not respond positively if the feel differs too much from what they’re used to. Therefore, while maintaining core specifications, slight adjustments — such as to sponge hardness — are made to fine-tune feel. In many cases, once players adapt to the new feel, the rubber’s true potential emerges, eventually earning their full endorsement. As performance evaluation methods become more reliable, Butterfly can now prioritize numerical data over subjective impressions when necessary — ultimately delivering performance that truly serves players.
Fulfilling players’ desires
and inspiring new ones
As rubber craftsmen with deep love for table tennis, our drive comes from a pure passion; to create what has never existed, to stay ahead on the world stage, and to empower players with rubbers that lead them to victory.
This unwavering commitment hasn’t changed from pioneering High Tension technology, to the revolutionary focus on sponge design, and now in the engineering of Zyre 03.
As rubbers evolve, so does a player’s technique and the sport itself. Players seek greater leaps in performance and develop new expectations for equipment. Butterfly, in turn, responds to these desires with even more advanced rubbers. This continuous cycle of challenge and response between players and Butterfly has made table tennis more dynamic, more creative, and more fascinating than ever. As we look forward to the transformation Zyre 03 brings to the game, we continue to pursue the next-generation rubbers — to inspire new desires in players and help shape the future of table tennis.
