The Butterfly Centrefold 25 is a premium tournament-grade table tennis table that sets the standard for serious players and clubs.
While its price tag puts it firmly in the professional category, exceptional build quality and innovative center-fold design make it a worthwhile investment for the right buyer.
Our hands-on testing reveals why this ITTF-approved table continues to be a top choice for competitive players worldwide.
It’s a significant investment that delivers professional-grade performance and exceptional durability.
The innovative center-fold design provides both superior playability and compact storage, though the table’s 280-pound weight means it’s best suited for a permanent indoor location.
While recreational players might find better value elsewhere, competitive players will appreciate the professional-grade features and build quality that make this table a standout choice in the premium category.
Ace
- Average RRP: $2,499
- Surface Thickness: 25mm
- Top Material: Wood
- Stand-Alone Halves: No
- Wheels: Yes
- Weight: 280lbs (Heavy)
- Storage Dimensions: Length: 60cm x Width: 19cm x Height: 63cm
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Location: Indoor Only
- ITTF Competition Approved: Yes
The Butterfly Centrefold 25 is an indoor table tennis table with ITTF competition approval. The 25mm wood surface is exactly what you want for consistent ball bounce and that professional feel, although it contributes to the table’s hefty 280 pound weight.
It’s called the ‘centrefold’ because it utilizes an innovative center-fold design that joins the two halves in the middle, preventing any center gap in the playing surface. Plenty of tables have this design, but the centrefold has a particularly narrow ‘centre’ mechanism which results in the table being very compact when folded up.
When folded for storage, the table measures just 60in x 19in x 63in which is a really small footprint thanks to that center-fold design. A huge bonus if you’re limited on storage space.
Some stores will even include a Butterfly Europa net which is also a nice bonus – it’s one of the best nets out there, on par with the popular JOOLA WM, so you won’t need to budget for a replacement (thankfully, considering the premium price point!). The table’s safety features consist of locking mechanisms for both play and storage positions, and it’s easy to move around with built-in wheels.
Butterfly provide a 5-year warranty that covers the playing surface and undercarriage against manufacturing defects. Just remember – this is strictly an indoor table. Given its price point, you’ll want to give it a permanent home indoors where it’s protected from the elements.
Our review is based on the table being used in a local club setting, however the table would be equally suited to a luxury home table tennis setup.
Setup and Assembly
One of the biggest advantages of the Butterfly Centrefold 25 is that it comes fully pre-assembled – a significant benefit considering its premium price point. The only “assembly” required is removing it from its packaging, which requires a box cutter.
However, due to the table’s substantial 280-pound weight, the delivery and positioning process requires careful planning:
- You’ll need 2-3 strong adults to move the table
- Professional delivery to your desired location is strongly recommended
- If stairs are involved (like moving to a basement), additional help or specialized equipment may be necessary
Once you’ve got the table positioned, setup is remarkably simple:
- Roll the table out of the packaging
- Remove the single locking pin
- Unfold the table halves
The net needs to be installed each time you set up the table, as it must be removed for storage. While this adds an extra step to the setup process, it’s much better for extending the life of the net as they can easily be damaged when stored on the table itself.
Each corner features a large adjustable foot that can be easily rotated to level the table on uneven surfaces. This is particularly useful if you’re setting up on slightly uneven basement floors or surfaces that aren’t perfectly flat.
The entire setup process takes less than 1 minute once you’re familiar with the mechanism – making it one of the quickest tables to transition from storage to play-ready condition.
Playing Experience & Surface Quality
Put simply, the Butterfly Centrefold 25’s playing surface delivers professional-grade performance that justifies its premium price point.
The 25mm surface provides exceptional ball bounce consistency across the entire table – a crucial factor that sets tournament-quality tables apart from recreational models.
The surface texture features a matte finish that provides optimal ball grip without being too grabby. While the finish does tend to become slightly shinier with extended use, this can be managed with regular cleaning and doesn’t impact playability. The painted lines are crisp and highly visible, showing impressive durability even after years of intensive use.
Through testing and extended club usage observations, we found:
- No dead spots on the playing surface
- Completely flat surface with no warping or bowing, even after years of use
- Consistent bounce characteristics across the entire table
- Excellent edge uniformity with no separation or damage from impacts
The ITTF tournament approval isn’t just a marketing badge – this table genuinely delivers competition-level play.
The wheel system is particularly well-engineered – even without engaging the brake locks, the table stays firmly in place during play. You actually need to deliberately lift and roll to move the table, which is a great feature preventing accidental movement if you nudge the table during a rally.
For serious players looking to develop their game or clubs needing a competition-worthy table, the playing experience is exactly what you’d expect from a professional-grade table – true, consistent, and reliable.
Build Quality and Durability
The Butterfly Centrefold 25’s build quality is exceptional, living up to its premium price point. After years of intensive club use, several key durability features stand out:
- Frame & Legs: The heavy-duty steel frame and undercarriage show virtually no wear even after years of use. The legs maintain perfect stability with no wobbling – a crucial factor for competitive play.
- Surface Durability: While the playing surface can develop minor scratches and become slightly shinier over time with heavy use, it maintains its playability remarkably well. The paint can chip if hit directly with a paddle, so some care is needed.
- Edge Banding: The edge banding remains firmly attached with no separation issues, which is impressive given how often table edges get bumped during play and storage.
- Wheel System: The four wheels are relatively small but robust, with two featuring brake locks. They roll smoothly even under the table’s substantial weight, though they can’t be height-adjusted like the corner legs can.
Being strictly an indoor table, weather resistance isn’t applicable – and you’ll want to keep it indoors to protect your investment. The most common long-term wear pattern is the surface becoming gradually more glossy, which can be minimized with regular cleaning.
For a table that will see heavy use, the Butterfly Centrefold 25’s build quality and our experience shows it will easily last beyond its 5-year warranty period with proper care.
Storage and Portability
The Butterfly Centrefold 25’s storage system is cleverly designed but requires careful consideration due to its 280-pound weight. When folded, the table occupies a surprisingly compact footprint of 60in x 19in x 63in – significantly smaller than many competing models thanks to its center-fold design.
Key storage features include:
- Single-action folding mechanism that’s smooth and reliable
- Robust safety locks for both play and storage positions
- Four small but sturdy wheels (two with brakes) for movement
- No playback position feature for solo practice
While the table rolls smoothly on its wheels once set up, initial positioning requires 2-3 strong adults due to its weight. This isn’t a table you’ll want to frequently move between rooms or floors. The wheels handle well on flat surfaces but aren’t height-adjustable like the corner legs.
For context: The folded dimensions make it possible to store this professional-grade table against a wall in most basements or garages, taking up about the same space as a large bookshelf.
Value for Money
At an RRP of USD $2,499, the Butterfly Centrefold 25 sits firmly in the premium segment of the table tennis market. While this price point may cause initial sticker shock, several factors justify the investment.
When comparing costs across the market, mid-range tables like the JOOLA Inside and Stiga Advantage typically cost between $600-800. Can the Centrefold 25 justify a 3x higher price?
While the price difference is substantial, the Centrefold 25 isn’t simply a “better” table – it’s in an entirely different category. It’s like comparing a reliable Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Both will get you from A to B, but they serve different purposes.
Professional-grade competitors such as the JOOLA 3000 SC and Stiga Premium Compact are similarly priced to the Centrefold 25, though in my opinion the Butterfly model offers superior build quality and carries the prestigious Butterfly brand name.
The expected lifespan of the Centrefold 25 is impressive under proper conditions. With normal indoor use and maintenance, the table can last in perfect condition for 10-15+ years or more. Professional clubs report their tables lasting 8-10 years under heavy daily use, with the surface typically maintaining tournament-grade playability for 5-7 years before showing any significant wear.
While the initial investment is substantial, the table’s durability, professional-grade performance, and long service life make it a sound value proposition for serious players and clubs. When factoring in the per-year cost over its expected lifespan, the premium price becomes more reasonable – especially compared to (more) frequently replacing lower-quality tables.
However, recreational players or those on a tighter budget might find better value in mid-range options like the JOOLA Inside or Stiga Advantage, which offer good performance at one-third the price, albeit with notably lower build quality and durability.
Alternatives to Butterfly Centrefold 25
Butterfly Club 25
Butterfly’s cheapest 25mm table with similar build quality but lacking the center-fold design, making it less compact for storage.
JOOLA 3000 SC Pro
It offers comparable tournament-level play quality but has a more traditional fold design and slightly less refined build quality.
Killerspin SVR DaVinci
This table prioritizes aesthetics over tournament-level play characteristics compared to the Centrefold 25. Beautiful but expensive.
Check our tool to compare all table tennis tables and find the right one for you.
Final Verdict
The Butterfly Centrefold 25 earns a 4.8/5 rating, standing as one of the finest table tennis tables available for serious players and clubs. Its tournament-grade playing surface, exceptional build quality, and innovative center-fold design justify its premium price point – if you’re in the right buyer category.
The table excels in three key areas: professional-grade playability, long-term durability, and space-efficient storage. The 25mm surface delivers consistent, tournament-quality bounce across the entire playing area, while the center-fold design eliminates any possibility of an uneven seam. Build quality is outstanding, with most tables showing minimal wear even after years of intensive club use.
However, the price tag and 280-pound weight make this table a significant investment that requires careful consideration.
Who Should Buy This?
The Centrefold 25 is ideal for:
- Serious players training for tournament competition
- Table tennis clubs and training facilities
- Luxury home game rooms where space efficiency matters
- Organizations needing a long-term, professional-grade table
Skip this table if:
- You’re a casual player or beginner
- You need a portable table that moves frequently
- You’re working with a limited budget
- You require outdoor functionality
For recreational players, the JOOLA Inside ($600-800) offers better value. But if you’re serious about table tennis and can afford the investment, the Centrefold 25’s professional-grade performance and exceptional durability make it worth every penny. It’s not just a table – it’s a long-term investment in your game that will likely outlast several cheaper alternatives.
Remember: This is strictly an indoor table that requires careful placement due to its weight. But once positioned, it provides a tournament-quality playing experience that few tables can match.
This review was supported by contributions from Racket Insight community member O. Barthelemy. We thank him for making sure this is the most accurate and in-depth review of the Butterfly Centrefold 25 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
