Weight
86g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Vulcanus Ayous ZLC Heptagon
Animus Vulcanus Ayous ZLC Heptagon is a high-performance offensive blade built for players who demand a powerful yet controlled game. Its unique 5-ply hybrid construction sandwiches three layers of Ayous wood between two layers of Zylon Carbon (ZLC), finished with a soft Ceiba outer veneer. This design delivers substantial speed for aggressive loops and smashes while maintaining excellent sensitivity for spin generation and precise touch play. The blade excels at creating dynamic parabolic trajectories, making it a versatile weapon for modern attacking strategies from both close to the table and mid-distance.
The 5-layer construction follows a symmetrical pattern: a soft Ceiba outer veneer for sensitivity, a ZLC layer for power and sweet spot enlargement, a central Ayous wood core for feel, followed by another ZLC layer, and finished with the matching Ceiba outer veneer. This hybrid design aims to fuse the flex and touch of wood with the speed and stability of carbon fiber.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rated as a fast blade, the Vulcanus Ayous ZLC Heptagon generates significant power for offensive play. The integrated ZLC layers enhance responsiveness and catapult effect, enabling powerful drives and smashes. This speed supports an aggressive, attacking style where quick counter-hits and forceful topspins are essential.
Despite its speed, this blade offers excellent control and maneuverability. The Ayous wood core and soft Ceiba outer ply provide a sensitive, predictable feel that allows for precise shot placement. This high level of control gives players confidence in their touch shots, short game, and ability to direct attacks accurately.
The soft Ceiba outer veneer imparts a medium-soft, sensitive feel upon ball contact. This allows players to clearly sense the ball on the rubber, enhancing spin generation and providing excellent feedback for touch-oriented plays like pushes and drop shots.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, creating excellent parabolic ball trajectories. This characteristic is ideal for aggressive topspin loops that clear the net with a good safety margin while still diving sharply onto the opponent's side.
The combination of Ayous wood, ZLC, and the soft outer veneer promotes a medium-long dwell time. This extended contact helps the ball sink into the blade, which is crucial for generating heavy spin on loops, serves, and opening attacks.
It offers a medium level of flexibility, achieving a balance between the rigidity provided by the ZLC for power and the inherent give from the wood layers for control. This middle-ground flex supports both explosive shots and controlled finesse play.
Vibration is well-managed, resulting in a comfortable and stable feel. The construction effectively dampens harsh feedback, which contributes to the blade's reputation for excellent blocking and a controlled, confident sensation during play.
Our assessment points to very good build quality, supported by the use of premium materials like ZLC and positive user feedback on its playability. Players describe it as fun and effective, with a consistent performance that holds up well during intense rallies, indicating solid craftsmanship.
Technology
The blade centers on Zylon Carbon (ZLC) technology, a high-performance composite known for its strength, elasticity, and ability to enlarge the sweet spot. This is integrated with three layers of Ayous wood for a balanced feel and a thin, soft Ceiba outer veneer for enhanced sensitivity and spin. The 'Heptagon' name likely references a specific geometric or construction detail in its design. Together, this technology stack creates a stable, powerful, and sensitive platform optimized to unlock the potential of modern, tensioned rubbers.
Similar Blades
Animus Vulcanus 5
As a related model within the Animus line, the Vulcanus 5 shares a focus on offensive play. While its construction differs, often incorporating woods like cedar and mahogany, it is similarly described as fast and well-balanced, offering an alternative powerful setup for players exploring the Vulcanus series.
Animus Vulcanus Series 4 TXT
Another offensive option from the same series, the Series 4 TXT features an Ayous center with a different carbon fiber (DYF1515). It emphasizes power and parabolic trajectory, representing a comparable performance target for players seeking a powerful Animus blade with a slightly different material composition.