Butterfly Primorac vs Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Primorac | Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | medium, classic all-wood, long dwell and high control | medium-hard carbon, controllable, excellent value |
| handle | FL/ST | FL |
| plies | 5W (all wood) — Limba/Limba/Ayous/Limba/Limba | 5 ply wood + 2 ply Carbon (limba/ayous with a carbon layer) |
| speed | OFF- | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 6 | 6 |
| weight_g | 85 | 88 |
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Both blades are rated OFF-, 6 mm thick, and prized for control, but the construction sends them in different directions. The Primorac is pure all-wood with a long, classic dwell and excellent Butterfly durability. The Ma Lin Carbon adds two carbon plies inside, giving a larger sweet spot, a stiffer feel, and speed that climbs higher than expected when you really drive through the ball.
Choose the Primorac for clean all-wood feel, dwell, and a forgiving touch game built to last. Choose the Ma Lin Carbon if you want that carbon kick on smashes and a very forgiving large sweet spot on a tight budget, and you are happy to supply your own power with a full swing.
The Yasaka is the value pick and suits penholders and all-round attackers well, though handle quality and weight vary between units. The Primorac is the safer bet for consistent build and a softer, woodier response.
FAQ
Does the carbon make the Ma Lin Carbon hard to control?
No. It keeps excellent control with a large sweet spot and is very forgiving on short play, blocks, and touch. Some intermediates do find the carbon too much and reach for softer rubbers.
Which is better value?
The Ma Lin Carbon. It is routinely praised as very cheap for its class, while the Primorac sells at standard Butterfly pricing with corresponding build consistency.
Which suits penhold players?
The Ma Lin Carbon is a natural fit for penholders and all-round attackers. The Primorac is more of a versatile all-wood blade that works across many styles.