The Octet 25 offers the perfect balance of performance, portability, and space efficiency. This is a table that provides tournament-level bounce but will fit perfectly in any home or space. We provide a complete Butterfly Octet 25 review, to give the lowdown of this Butterfly favorite.
Please note that this is definitely considered a table tennis table that sits in the upper price region. We’ve reviewed some more affordable tables here.
Specifications
| Top thickness | 25mm |
| Assemble time | Requires considerable assembly |
| Weight | 275lbs. |
| Dimensions | 9ft x 5ft |
| Playback-mode | Yes |
| Storage | Compact folding system |
| Height levelers | Adjusters on each leg |
| Net system | National League net |
| Price | $$ |
Who is it for? | Who is it not for? |
More serious players looking for a high-grade, consistent bounce with the added bonus of efficient portability. | More casual players that don't necessarily need a heavier, professional-level table in their smaller spaces. |
For the review, we’ll focus on the main components of any table and how this table rates in functionality, storage, transport, and performance. These are the key features we will talk about:
- Tabletop
- Assemble time
- Storage
- Playback functionality
- Wheels
- Height levelers
- Net system
- The brand
If interested, we’ve written a full table tennis table buyers guide here, which may help you in determining which table suits your home the best.
Tabletop
A 25mm (1 inch) tabletop provides consistent, professional-grade bounce. Players who have used this table absolutely love the bounce on this table and they’ve compared it to some of Butterfly’s finest, such as the Europa 25.
The tabletop is protected by a 2″ x 3/4″ steel rim which gives the exposed parts of the tabletop the necessary cover.
The Octet 25 is an ITTF approved table, meaning this table could be used for competitive leagues, and we have no doubt that it would definitely be good enough for any competition.
This tabletop is without a doubt more ideal for serious players who want the best out of their shots. So, if you’re a serious bunch – add the Octet 25 to your list of tables to look at.
Assemble time
Unfortunately, the Octet 25 does not come pre-assembled. This means that there is considerable time needed in order to set the table up. Some players have complained about the difficulty in setting the Octet 25 up, while others have said it’s not a problem at all.
The bottom line is, you’ll only have to engage in the process once, as once it’s set up, it’s ready to be played on or stored at any point.
The assembly process may take a few hours, but Butterfly provides clear and concise instructions for getting it done.
Storage
The Octet 25’s two-piece construction allows for comfortable storage in a compact space. Clubs often turn to the Octet 25, as they are able to store multiple tables in tight, compact areas.
Having a table that folds and stores in smaller spaces is absolutely crucial, especially in homey spaces, and the Octet 25 ticks all the right boxes here.
Playback functionality
Another neat bonus of the Octet 25 is the offering of playback functionality. Folding up one-half of the table enables players to practice their strokes and work on certain areas of their game, getting them ready for the next fixture.
Some of Butterfly’s other higher-tier tables don’t offer this feature, but the Octet 25 has this one covered.
Wheels
Two sets of 4-inch rubber wheels on each half of the table means greater portability and movability of the Octet 25. This means that adjustments for playing position can be made whenever necessary.
Easier transport while in the playing position is a great feature to have and makes for comfortable storage as well. There are however more stationary options, such as the Europa 25, which is better for stadiums or arenas.
Height levelers
The Octet 25 has height adjusters on each leg, giving the table versatility when it comes to the playing field. Stationary tables require a perfectly flat playing surface, but adjusters give the Octet 25 a bit more room for error when finding a place to get a game going.
One can easily adjust the legs in order to create a perfectly flat playing surface, leading to a perfectly even bounce and a fair game of table tennis.
Net system
The Octer 25 includes a National League net set from Butterfly. This clamp-on net system was developed decades ago by Butterfly, but remains one of the most effective and stable net systems out there for recreational play.
Having a stable, secure net greatly improves the flow and speed of any game, and the National League net set has proven itself for many years.
The National League net system has become the go-to net for Butterfly’s tables, as its solidity and stability is equal to the best.
The brand
Butterfly is without a doubt one of the biggest names in table tennis. They have sponsored some of the best players in the sport and continue to develop equipment that competes with the best out there.
Butterfly’s recreational and professional tables are extremely durable and consistent which has led them to become arguably the most successful in the industry.
General Overview
We’ve listed some of the major pros and cons for the Octet 25:
Conclusion
Butterfly’s Octet 25 is one of their most versatile and portable higher-end tables. This table would be the perfect fit for any home, club, or facility for that matter. We recommend this table to more serious players who want the best in bounce and durability.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, but still like Butterfly, go ahead and check out the Space Saver 22.
