Butterfly doesn’t release new flagship rubbers often. When they do, the table tennis world pays attention.
The Zyre 03 represents Butterfly’s first major departure from high-tension design since Tenergy launched in 2008. Instead of following the established formula, they’ve gone in the opposite direction: an ultra-thin topsheet paired with their thickest Spring Sponge X ever made.
It’s a gamble. Thin topsheets typically sacrifice durability. Thick sponges can feel detached from the blade. Butterfly is betting they’ve solved both problems with what they’re calling “Ricosheet Technology.”
After twenty hours with the 2.5 mm sheet on my Sanwei Nova Carbon, I wanted to find out if this new direction is evolution or experiment.
BUTTERFLY ZYRE 03 REVIEW SUMMARY
The Butterfly Zyre 03 is Butterfly’s newest flagship rubber, featuring Ricosheet Technology that pairs an ultra-thin topsheet with their thickest Spring Sponge X yet. Released in late 2025, it targets advanced offensive players who prioritize spin-heavy, aggressive looping.
After hours of testing, Zyre 03 transformed my counterlooping game. The combination of extreme grip, high arc, and powerful catapult gave me confidence to attack from positions I’d normally defend. Mid-distance rallies became hunting grounds rather than survival zones.
The rubber excels at counterlooping (both close and mid-distance), opening loops against backspin, and generating heavy spin at all speeds. The high trajectory provides exceptional safety margins, while the grip ensures the ball never slips even on thin brushes. Durability appears excellent with no visible wear after roughly twenty hours.
However, Zyre 03 demands commitment. Half-hearted strokes produce inconsistent results. Passive blocking is genuinely difficult. The short game requires precision and adjustment. This isn’t a forgiving rubber for developing players or those who value touch above power.
For intermediate to advanced offensive players seeking to dominate with spin and aggression, Zyre 03 delivers. For those prioritizing control, touch, or passive play, look elsewhere.
Perfect for: Advanced loopers who thrive on spin pressure and continuous attack. Not for: Passive players, or those still refining timing and touch.
Playing Experience & Surface
Build Quality & Durability
Benefits
Exceptional spin generation at all speeds
Predictable, high-arc trajectory for safety and precision
Excellent mid-distance power and stability
Easier to access than D09C for non-tacky users
Drawbacks
Sensitive to touch in the short game
Less forgiving on passive blocks or half-strokes
Premium price even above Dignics series
Demands consistent engagement for best results
About the Reviewer
David brings 20 years experience as a player, with 10 of those coaching players of all ages and standards. His style is The All-Rounder
About the Review
Blade Used: Sanwei Nova Carbon
Rubber Thickness: 2.5mm
Hours Tested: 20+
Test Levels: Intense training & match play vs. intermediate–advanced opponents
Zyre 03 represents Butterfly’s first major departure from high-tension design since Tenergy launched in 2008. They’ve inverted the traditional formula: ultra-thin topsheet over the thickest Spring Sponge X ever made.
Theyâ€ve called it “Ricosheet Technologyâ€.
The topsheet uses extremely low, dense pimples that (in theory) let the ball sink deeper into the rubber surface, with the intention that you get immediate contact with the high-energy sponge layer while the topsheet still grips long enough for control.
Beneath sits 2.5mm or 2.7mm of Spring Sponge X at 44 degrees hardness. This combination would normally create problems. Thick sponges feel detached from the blade. Hard sponges prevent proper compression. Together, they should feel mushy and unresponsive.
Butterfly claims their porous cell structure solves this. The large, uniform cells are designed to compress efficiently despite the firmness, providing what they call “elastic stability.” The theory suggests you should get the gearing of hard rubber without the typical dead feel.
The thin topsheet should maximise the sponge’s catapult effect. Butterfly’s testing indicates the arc apex sits roughly 3cm higher than Dignics 05, with balls landing 20cm deeper.
They also claim 40% better impact resistance, as the thin topsheet flexes rather than tears under point impacts. As this distributes impact across a wider area, you should see less performance degradation than other rubbers.
If it works as designed, Zyre 03 would combine Dignics 09C’s spin and control with Tenergy 05’s speed and trajectory. A solution to the long-standing problem of maximising energy transfer without sacrificing durability or feel.
Letâ€s get it out of the packet and stuck on a carbon blade (Sanwei’s Nova Carbon) to find out if itâ€s worked.
At the time of writing, Zyre 03 is available in two sponge thicknesses: 2.5mm and 2.7mm (sometimes listed as MAX). Both come in black and red topsheets.
Specifications
Summary: The Butterfly Zyre 03 represents a bold departure from traditional high-tension design, combining extreme spin generation with a confidence-inspiring high arc. Exceptional for counterlooping and mid-distance rallies, though it demands active technique and punishes passive play. Not suited for beginners or players prioritizing touch and blocking, but transformative for intermediate to advanced offensive players who want to dominate rallies with aggressive, spin-heavy loops.
We recommend the Butterfly Zyre 03 to advanced offensive players who want to dominate rallies with aggressive, spin-heavy loops and counterloops.
Out of the packet, the Zyre 03 feels dense yet balanced. Once glued to the Nova Carbon, it delivered immediate liveliness. On soft hits the ball sank into the sponge, rebounding predictably. The first drives felt crisp with a sharp “clack” rather than the muted feel of tackier rubbers.
Within a few minutes of looping, I noticed the throw was significantly higher than Dignics 05. The ball cleared the net comfortably and dipped late, giving a feeling of security even when mistiming slightly.
Against 09C, the difference was immediate: where 09C’s tackiness creates a sticky dwell, Zyre 03 felt cleaner through the contact. Less adhesive grip, more mechanical bite. Yet it still grabbed heavy backspin confidently, suggesting the thin topsheet was doing its job.
The rubber demands commitment from the first stroke.
Half-hearted swings produce inconsistent results. The sponge needs proper activation to deliver its qualities, and I quickly discovered that tentative contact leaves you wondering where the ball will land.
This threshold became clear during my first session. Loops landing deeper than expected weren’t mistimings, they were under-committed strokes where I expected the rubber to do more work. Once I engaged the sponge properly with full body rotation, the trajectory became predictable.
Zyre 03 very clearly doesn’t forgive lazy technique, but it rewards proper execution immediately. Considering Iâ€m a lazy player, I was forced to dial-in and play shots very intentionally when using the Zyre.
Serving with the Zyre 03 demands fine brush contact. The topsheet has excellent mechanical grip but does not cling to the ball like 09C.
When executed well, spin levels are extremely high. With proper technique, I could load serves with as much spin as 09C, though the faster rebound meant I had to be more precise with my contact.
The ball comes off faster, which means you need a lighter touch to keep serves short. With a good brushing action, I could produce very heavy sidespin and underspin, but the margin for error is smaller. My half-long serves were particularly effective, biting the table and kicking forward hard.
During receive, the high arc becomes your friend. Banana flicks felt natural and confident because the topsheet grips so consistently.
On touch receives, pushes require relaxation and a gentle touch. The hard sponge won’t activate on gentle contact, which helps, but if you’re stiff or contact too thickly the ball will travel long. Once dialed in, pushes stay low with good control. After a few sessions, I could manage depth easily, but beginners might find it lively.
Overall, the short game sits between Dignics 09C and Tenergy 05 in control. It is less forgiving than 09C but offers more security than 05 once you learn to judge the required touch.
Opening loops are where the Zyre 03 truly excels. The combination of topsheet grip and sponge rebound lifts underspin effortlessly. Even from a static position, brushing through heavy backspin felt smooth and predictable.
The difference from Dignics 09C is striking. Where 09C requires you to compress a hard, tacky surface and drive deep into the sponge, Zyre 03’s catapult does more of the work. You still need to commit to the stroke fully, but proper technique produces more result for the same effort. This efficiency lets you focus on placement and spin variation without grinding through each opening.
Slow spin-loaded open-ups land deep and kick forward with authority. When you increase acceleration, the trajectory rises higher but still dips sharply, producing a ball that bites into the opponent’s side of the table.
Against strong pushers, I could vary pace easily, alternating between slow, heavy openers and fast loop drives without losing consistency.
On the Nova Carbon, the feedback through the handle was clear. I never felt the ball slip, even on thin brushes. This predictability builds confidence and encourages aggressive play.
Counterlooping with Zyre 03 changed how I approach rally play entirely.
This rubber gave me a level of confidence in aggressive counterattacking that I’ve never experienced before. Iâ€m not kidding when I say that mid-distance rallies became my hunting ground rather than a defensive position.
The Zyre 03 produces exceptional power with minimal effort. Counterloops off heavy topspin carry a heavy, arcing trajectory that accelerates after the bounce, forcing weak returns even from strong opponents.
Playing from mid-distance felt effortless. The high arc cleared the net with room to spare, yet the ball still arced quickly and landed deep on the table. Even when pushed back three metres from the table, I could generate enough spin and pace to keep opponents under pressure. Every counter felt dangerous.
Close to the table is where Zyre 03 truly shines though. Yes, you need to close the racket angle slightly to account for the catapult, but once adjusted, counterlooping becomes almost automatic. The combination of grip, arc, and power means you can redirect heavy topspin with authority. Compact counter-topspins felt natural and devastatingly effective. The ball shoots forward with pace and dips sharply onto the table.
I found myself taking on shots I would normally block or push. The rubber’s feedback is so clear and the margin for error so generous (thanks to the high arc) that aggressive counterattacking became my default response. Players who rely on quick exchanges will find Zyre 03 is excellent for their rally game.
The only caution is that the rubber expects you to stay active. If you hesitate or relax during the stroke, the catapult engages late and the ball can sail long. This behaviour is typical of high-performance offensive rubbers and should not surprise experienced players, but it separates Zyre 03 from easier options like Rozena.
Blocking with Zyre 03 rewards the same aggressive mindset that makes counterlooping so effective. Passive blocking is genuinely difficult with this rubber. On the Nova Carbon, simply putting the bat in front of the ball sends it long. The catapult doesn’t care about your intentions.
But active blocks? Exceptionally good. The topsheet grips cleanly, so you can redirect pace and add light topspin that keeps the ball low. It feels like a controlled counter more than a block, which perfectly suits the rubber’s character.
The grip and arc mean you can take the ball early and punch it back with authority. Where softer rubbers absorb and dampen, Zyre 03 redirects with added venom. For those who like to block aggressively or punch through the ball, this is a weapon. Players who rely on passive control will need time to adjust or may prefer something slower.
A note on blade pairing: the blocking difficulty I experienced stems partly from using the Nova Carbon, a fast OFF carbon blade that amplifies the rubber’s catapult. Players who prioritize blocking and passive control could pair Zyre 03 with a slower, softer blade (ALL to OFF-) to tame the spring effect. The trade-off is reduced attacking power, but for players who value defensive stability, a softer blade pairing could make Zyre 03 more versatile.
Butterfly claims Zyre 03 improves impact resistance by around forty percent compared with D05. My experience roughly supports this, but without enough evidence yet. After twenty hours of drills and matches, there were no visible surface tears or marks. The grip remained consistent and cleaning was simple, just a damp sponge after a training session.
Weâ€ll see how that holds up over a few months and update this review!
Unlike tacky rubbers, Zyre 03 does not require constant protective film or frequent boosting. The surface does not attract dust easily, and the performance feels stable week to week.
Both rubbers share high spin potential, but the experience is different. D09C’s tackiness creates a longer dwell and a heavier feel at impact. It excels in the short game and in controlled spin exchanges. Zyre 03 removes the stickiness and replaces it with a more dynamic, springy feel.
In practice, Zyre 03 is faster and easier to use for continuous looping. It lifts underspin with less effort and generates a deeper ball.
D09C still wins in touch shots and delicate receives where minimal catapult is preferred. Players who hit hard and stay in rallies will find Zyre 03 the more aggressive option.
Read our Dignics 09C review for more detail.
D05 shares the same 44° hardness rating but feels firmer due to its stiffer topsheet. Where Zyre 03’s thin topsheet flexes and creates dwell, D05 is more direct and immediate. Zyre 03 produces more spin and a higher arc, which translates into greater safety on counterloops.
The key difference lies in their strengths: D05 excels at blocking and close-to-table control with its firm, stable feel. Zyre 03 dominates in open rallies and counterlooping with its grip and arc. D05 rewards precise placement and tight angles. Zyre 03 rewards commitment and continuous aggression.
If you value control and play mostly at the table, D05 remains a steady performer. If you like to open up from mid-distance and dominate with heavy spin, Zyre 03 clearly outperforms it.
Read our Dignics 05 review for more detail.
Tenergy 05 represents a different offensive philosophy. Where Zyre 03 emphasizes grip and arc for safety, T05 relies on elasticity and speed for directness. The Tenergy’s arc is flatter, and its topsheet grip is weaker on slow brushes. Zyre 03 keeps the spin level high even on low-impact contacts.
T05 feels bouncier and more reactive, which some players find easier for generating pace with minimal effort. Others find this same quality makes the short game and blocking more difficult.
Zyre 03 requires more commitment on each stroke but offers better grip and a more forgiving arc once you adapt to its character. For players seeking maximum spin and rally dominance, Zyre 03 offers a better offensive package.
Read our Tenergy 05 review for more detail.
Butterfly Dignics 09C
The tacky predecessor that offers similar spin with more dwell time and better short game control. Slightly slower but more forgiving on delicate touches.
Read our Dignics 09C review.
Andro Rasanter C53
A hard hybrid rubber that matches Zyre’s counterlooping excellence with similar high throw and grip. Slightly less forgiving but one of the best for close-to-table counters.
Read our Andro Rasanter C53 review.
Nittaku Fastarc G-1
A more affordable high-arc option with similar trajectory but less power. Better value and easier to control for intermediate players still developing their technique.
Read our Nittaku Fastarc G-1 review.
After multiple sessions with the Zyre 03, I can comfortably say that it changed the way I play. Perhaps “forced” is the right word for it, but I absolutely loved it.
The counterlooping confidence this rubber gave me was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Mid-distance rallies that used to feel defensive became opportunities to attack. The high arc made aggressive play feel safe. The grip made heavy spin feel automatic. The feedback made commitment feel natural.
Yes, it demands proper technique. Yes, it punishes half-hearted strokes. Yes, it costs more than Dignics. However, for players who want to dominate rallies with spin-heavy, aggressive loops, Zyre 03 delivers in ways that justify both the learning curve and the price.
This isn’t a rubber for everyone. If you rely on passive blocking or delicate short game above all else, look elsewhere. If you’re still developing basic stroke mechanics, wait. However, if you’re an intermediate to advanced player who wants to loop aggressively and counterattack with authority, Zyre 03 might transform your game the way it transformed mine.
Butterfly set out to create something revolutionary with Ricosheet Technology. They succeeded. This is the most complete offensive rubber I’ve tested for the modern looping game.
David’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 12, earning his first coaching license in 2012. He’s played in national team & individual competitions, although he prefers the more relaxed nature of a local league match! After earning his umpiring qualification in England, David moved to Australia and started Racket Insight to share information about the sport he loves.
Blade: Stiga WRB Offensive Classic | Forehand: Calibra LT | Backhand: Xiom Musa
Playstyle: The All-Rounder
Oct 23, 2025, 04:29 AM ETThe 'Under the Lights' edition of the Puma Orbita Ultimate…
The WWE King of the Ring is a menâ€s professional wrestling tournament organized periodically by…
Hulk Hogan died in July 2025, ending the life of one of the most influential…
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode…
Adam Pearce sent a chilling response to a WWE star who called him a bald-headed…
David Tomasek, Adam Henrique, Andrew Mangiapane, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also scored for the…
This website uses cookies.