The Butterfly Aspire series offers four indoor rollaway tables built around the same core design philosophy: club-level performance in a portable, foldable format.
With playing surfaces ranging from 16 mm to 25 mm, the Aspire range covers everything from heavy-duty home use through to serious club and tournament practice.
All four models share Butterfly’s signature curved steel legs, dual-fold rollaway design, and safety latch system. The differences come down to playing surface thickness, frame reinforcement, wheel size, and price.
This review breaks down the entire range to help you choose the right table for your needs and budget. If you’re still wondering which table to buy, you can also check out our guide to the best table tennis tables, or compare against other tables.
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Aspire Series Comparison & Specs
FeatureAspire 16Aspire 19Aspire 22Aspire 25Surface Thickness16 mm19 mm22 mm25 mmWeight168 lb190 lb201 lb203 lbSteel Rails1⅜″ × 1⅞″1⅜″ × 1⅞″1⅜″ × 2⅛″1⅜″ × 2⅛″Legs⅞″ × 1⅞″⅞″ × 1⅞″1″ × 1⅞″1″ × 2″Wheels8 × 3″ (2 locking)8 × 3″ (2 locking)8 × 7″ (all locking)8 × 7″ (all locking)Typical Price$1,100 – $1,300$1,200 – $1,400$1,400 – $1,600$1,600 – $1,800Best ForHome recreationalIntermediate homeAdvanced home/small clubsClubs/serious training
In practical terms, the Aspire stores at about 60 by 66 by 48 inches, so it fits into most garages or club cupboards. At 203 pounds you will roll it rather than lift it, but that’s where Butterfly’s design shines.
The Aspire 25 (which we tested) rides on eight massive 7 inch locking casters that glide smoothly across floors and handle small thresholds without snagging. It’s one of the easiest heavy tables to move around.
The 25 mm MDF top with melamine finish delivers the crisp, repeatable bounce you expect at a club. Coming from a 16 or 19 mm table, you will immediately feel more energy return and far fewer odd bounces near the edges.
The underframe stands out visually and functionally. Butterfly uses thick steel rails paired with their signature curved square legs that arc outward for stability. It’s a distinctive look, and more importantly, it keeps the table rock solid when knocked. Plus, the height adjustable feet let you level out imperfect floors easily.
Day to day handling is simple and safe. Each half locks securely when folded, and with brakes on all eight wheels, the table stays planted during play. One person can genuinely set it up and pack it away, which matters whether you’re running a busy club night or just want to clear the garage.
Specifications
- Average RRP:$1,100 – $2,000 USD
- Surface Thickness:16mm, 19mm, 22mm, or 25mm
- Top Material:MDF wood‑composite top with melamine finish
- Stand-Alone Halves:Yes
- Wheels:Yes
- Weight:~168lb (76 kg) – 203 lb (92 kg)
- Storage Dimensions:60″ × 66″ × 48″
- Warranty:1 Year
- Location:Indoor Only
- ITTF Competition Approved:Yes
Setup and Assembly
Setup is straightforward across all Aspire models. Each table arrives with two preassembled halves, so you’re mainly attaching the caster wheels and clamping on the net. Most people finish in about 15 minutes with basic tools, and you can do it solo.
The safety pin system that locks and releases each half works the same way on all four models. Pull the pin, guide the half upright, and it locks into the folded position. To unfold, release the safety catch and lower it back down. One person can handle it safely, even on the heavier 22 and 25 models.
The main assembly difference is wheel installation. The Aspire 16 and 19 use eight smaller 3 inch wheels, while the 22 and 25 come with eight oversized 7 inch casters. The larger wheels take slightly longer to attach but make a significant difference in rolling smoothness once you’re done.
A club owner who’s run the Aspire 25 for five years told us “it’s very manageable by one person – just pull the safety pin, fold up, and lock it in place.” That two-halves independence makes storage and repositioning far easier than you’d expect, even on the 203-pound flagship model.
Playing Experience & Surface Quality
The 16 mm and 19 mm models offer decent bounce for home recreational play. The ball comes back reliably, and shots behave predictably enough for learning technique and playing casual matches. The melamine surface finish plays reasonably fast, though you’ll notice less energy return compared to thicker tables.
Dead spots are minimal on both models, and the line markings stay clear under typical home lighting. If you’re upgrading from a cheap department store table, even the Aspire 16 will feel like a significant step up.
Both tables work fine for family play and intermediate practice, but serious players will eventually notice the limitations when playing fast loops or training specific shot placement.
The Aspire 22 is Where Serious Performance Starts
The 22 mm model is where bounce quality takes a clear jump. The surface delivers a crisp, consistent rebound with noticeably better energy return. Shots land predictably across the entire top with virtually no dead spots, and the table handles hard rallies without the slight dampening you feel on thinner surfaces.
The melamine finish plays fast and smooth. Line markings stay sharp with minimal glare, and the edge banding resists chipping even with regular club use. Advanced home players report the Aspire 22 feels close to what they experience at their local club, which makes it excellent for consistent training.
Aspire 25: Tournament-Level Bounce
The 25 mm flagship delivers bounce quality that sits very close to tournament tables like the Butterfly Centrefold 25 or JOOLA 3000 SC. The surface gives excellent energy return with a crisp, fast rebound that serious players immediately recognize.
Shots land exactly where you expect them across the entire top. There are no surprises, no dead spots, and no uneven rebounds even after years of heavy use. The melamine surface plays fast without being slippery, and it suits both aggressive loopers and defensive players who rely on control and placement.
One thing our club testers consistently noted was how stable the surface feels during robot sessions. The bounce stays “extremely consistent” even after hundreds of balls, which matters when you’re drilling specific patterns or working on placement.
If you’ve been playing on thinner recreational tables, the difference is immediate. The ball comes back with more pace and spin, and you can trust the bounce when you’re pushing hard in rallies. For clubs, serious players, and robot users, the 25 mm surface justifies its premium price.
Build Quality and Durability
Butterfly’s construction quality is excellent across all Aspire models. Every table features their distinctive curved square steel legs that arc outward for stability, giving the range a recognizable visual identity. The frame design keeps tables rigid during play with minimal vibration.
The Aspire 16 and 19 use lighter steel rails (1⅜″ × 1⅞″) and thinner legs (⅞″ × 1⅞″). This keeps the weight manageable while still providing good stability for home recreational play. The frame maintains alignment well over time, and these lighter models handle regular family use without issues.
The Aspire 22 and 25 step up to heavier reinforcement. Rails increase to 1⅜″ × 2⅛″, and the legs get thicker (1″ on the 22, up to 1″ × 2″ on the 25). The result is noticeably better stability.
Surface Durability
All four models use MDF with a melamine coating that resists moisture and scratching better than cheaper finishes. Long-term club users report minor cosmetic marks after years of heavy use, which is expected wear rather than a defect.
One club owner who’s run an Aspire 25 for five years mentioned scratches and a broken safety release after constant play, but both are reasonable given the high-traffic environment.
The melamine surface on all models wipes clean easily and maintains its playing characteristics over time.
All Aspire tables are strictly for indoor use. Moisture will damage the MDF core and warp the surface. In indoor club or gym settings, they withstand serious long-term use as long as you store them in a dry space.
The expected lifespan easily exceeds a decade under proper conditions.
Storage and Portability
All Aspire models use the same dual-fold rollaway design where each half can be moved independently. This makes repositioning or storing straightforward even in smaller spaces, but the weight and wheel differences matter significantly.
The Aspire 16 at 168 pounds is the most manageable for frequent moves. The Aspire 19 at 190 pounds is still reasonable. Both use smaller 3 inch wheels that work fine on smooth, hard floors but can struggle with thresholds or uneven surfaces.
The Aspire 22 (201 lb) and 25 (203 lb) are noticeably heavier, but their oversized 7 inch casters compensate well. These wheels glide smoothly across any indoor surface, handle small thresholds without catching, and make rolling easier than you’d expect given the weight. If you’re moving the table regularly between rooms or storage, the wheel upgrade on the heavier models is a genuine advantage.
Folding and Storage
The safety latch system works identically across all four models. One person can fold each side securely without help, which is a significant improvement over older rollaway mechanisms.
Pull the safety pin, guide the half upright, and it locks into position.
When folded, all Aspire tables measure roughly 60 by 66 by 48 inches, compact enough for most garages or club storage rooms. The weight difference means the lighter 16 and 19 models are easier to maneuver into tight storage spaces, while the 22 and 25 benefit from those larger wheels when rolling.
None of the Aspire models include built-in storage for paddles or balls. You’ll need a separate rack or bag. Otherwise, portability and design are excellent for tables in this weight class.
Value For Money
Pricing Across the Range
The Aspire series spans from around $1,100 to $1,800 USD depending on the model and promotions. Here’s how they typically break down:
- Aspire 16: $1,100–$1,300
- Aspire 19: $1,200–$1,400
- Aspire 22: $1,400–$1,600
- Aspire 25: $1,800–$2,000
All four models include the same three-year warranty.
Value Assessment by Model
Aspire 16 and 19: These offer solid value for home recreational players who want a durable table that won’t fall apart after a few years. You’re paying more than basic department store tables, but the build quality and bounce consistency justify the premium. The 19 mm model is worth the modest price jump if you practice regularly and want better feedback.
Aspire 22: This sits in an interesting value position. It delivers near tournament-level bounce and heavier construction for $200–$400 less than the flagship 25 mm model. For advanced home players or small clubs on a budget, it’s the sweet spot in the range. You get most of the performance benefits without the top-tier price.
Aspire 25: At $1,600–$1,800, it’s not cheap. But when you compare it to one-piece tournament tables like Butterfly’s Centrefold 25 (often $2,500+) or fixed club tables, the value makes sense. You’re getting genuine club-level performance in a foldable format, which is rare at this price point. It sits in line with other premium foldable 25 mm tables like the JOOLA Tour 2500 and Cornilleau 500 Indoor.
Long-Term Value
The expected lifespan easily exceeds a decade under home or light club use, which brings the cost per year down significantly. Cheaper tables may look similar in photos, but they rarely match the Aspire’s consistency and durability over years of use.
For serious players upgrading from recreational tables or clubs that need reliable practice equipment, the Aspire 22 and 25 sit in the right value bracket. You’re paying for genuine performance without committing to a non-foldable tournament table that costs twice as much and demands permanent space.
If budget is tight and you mainly need a solid home table for family play, the Aspire 16 or 19 deliver better long-term value than cheaper alternatives that need replacing every few years.
Alternatives to a Butterfly Aspire 25
Final Verdict
The Butterfly Aspire series succeeds because it offers genuine options rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all choice. Whether you need a solid home table or club-level equipment, there’s probably an Aspire model that makes sense.
The Aspire 16 and 19 are honest recreational tables built to last. They won’t deliver tournament bounce, but they’re leagues ahead of cheap alternatives and will serve families and intermediate players well for years.
The Aspire 22 is where serious performance starts. It delivers near tournament-level bounce in a portable format at a price that undercuts the flagship model by several hundred dollars. For advanced home players and smaller clubs, it’s the sweet spot in the range.
The Aspire 25 justifies its premium price if you need genuine club-level play. The 25 mm surface, heavy frame, and oversized wheels make it one of the best rollaway tables you can buy. It’s built for players who care about how the ball plays, not flashy features or extras.
Across the range, Butterfly’s engineering shows. The curved steel legs, safety latch system, and thoughtful wheel choices make these tables feel well designed rather than just well marketed. They’re long-term investments that will outlast cheaper alternatives by years.
Who Should Buy This?
Choose the Aspire 16 if:
- You want a reliable home table for family play and casual matches
- Budget is a priority but you still want better quality than department store tables
- You’re teaching kids or beginners who need a decent surface to learn on
- Weight and easy maneuverability matter more than tournament-level bounce
Choose the Aspire 19 if:
- You’re an intermediate player who practices regularly at home
- You want noticeably better bounce than the 16 without paying club-level prices
- You’ve outgrown basic tables but aren’t ready for serious competition equipment
Choose the Aspire 22 if:
- You’re an advanced home player training for league or tournament play
- You run a small club or school program and need reliable, near tournament-level tables
- You want most of the benefits of the flagship 25 mm model but need to save $200–$400
- You value serious bounce quality but don’t need absolute top-tier performance
Choose the Aspire 25 if:
- You run a club or school program that demands tournament-like bounce
- You’re a serious player who trains regularly with a robot or practice partner
- You want the best rollaway table available and can justify the premium price
- Bounce consistency and frame stability matter more than cost
Avoid the Aspire range if:
- You need an outdoor table (all Aspire models are strictly indoor)
- You want built-in storage for paddles and balls
- You need a lightweight table that’s easy to lift and carry frequently
- Budget is very tight and a basic recreational table would serve your needs
Check Latest Price at a Local Seller
Find out how much the Butterfly Aspire costs on a localised Table Tennis store.
This review was supported by contributions from Racket Insight community member A. Adame. We thank them for making sure this is the most accurate and in-depth review of the Butterfly Aspire table available anywhere.
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
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