Weight
88g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Franziska Innerforce ZLC
Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC is a premium offensive blade developed with German star Patrick Franziska. Its Innerfiber construction places ZL Carbon layers near the core, creating a unique blend of high reaction, extended dwell time, and a forgiving feel. This design facilitates powerful attacks while maintaining excellent passive control, making it ideal for players who demand both speed and precision. The blade offers a satisfying 'holding' sensation, enabling heavy spin and stable shots. Its aesthetic features a simple colored grip and shiny lens, reflecting the dedication of its namesake.
This 7-ply construction features an inner fiber placement with ZL Carbon layers sandwiching the core Ayous wood, flanked by two Limba outer plies. This configuration provides a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to outer-fiber blades, while still offering significant speed and power from the ZL Carbon. Limba outer plies contribute to the blade's overall feel and spin-friendliness.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Franziska Innerforce ZLC offers high speed potential, largely due to its ZL Carbon composition. While not as overtly fast as some outer-carbon blades, it provides ample power for aggressive attacks. The inner fiber placement contributes to a more controlled speed, allowing effective transitions between fast attacks and controlled rallies. The blade's speed is particularly noticeable when hitting the ball strongly, providing an extra kick that supports offensive play.
Control is a significant strength of this blade. The inner fiber construction and ZL Carbon placement contribute to substantial dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball and maintain control during rallies. This is evident in short game play, blocking, and counter-topspin exchanges. The blade offers high predictability, making it easier to place the ball accurately even when executing powerful strokes, providing a stable platform for all-around play.
Franziska Innerforce ZLC offers a unique feel that blends the inherent softness of inner-fiber blades with the lively characteristics of ZL Carbon. Players experience a 'holding' sensation on the ball, providing good feedback and control during spin-oriented shots. While distinct, some find it offers a more natural feel than other inner-fiber blades, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
The combination of ZL Carbon and inner fiber construction typically results in a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic benefits looping and attacking play, allowing the ball to clear the net effectively and land deep on the opponent's side with significant spin, ideal for offensive strategies.
The inner placement of ZL Carbon fibers combined with wood construction significantly enhances dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade longer, providing more time to impart spin and execute precise shots. Extended dwell time is a key factor in the blade's excellent control and spin-generating capabilities.
Franziska Innerforce ZLC offers medium flexibility. It's not overly stiff, which aids feel and control in softer shots and short game play. However, it's also not excessively flexible, allowing good power generation when committing to strong strokes, benefiting from ZL Carbon's inherent properties for a balanced response.
This blade exhibits a moderate level of vibration. While ZL Carbon provides responsiveness, the inner fiber construction and wood plies help absorb excess vibration, leading to a comfortable playing experience. This balance prevents excessive hand-shock while still allowing players to feel the ball's impact clearly.
Butterfly is renowned for meticulous manufacturing standards, and the Franziska Innerforce ZLC exemplifies this commitment. The combination of premium wood plies and advanced ZL Carbon fibers results in a blade that is high-performing, exceptionally durable, and well-crafted. Attention to detail in construction, from precise layering to handle finishing, reflects the premium quality players expect from Butterfly equipment.
Technology
Franziska Innerforce ZLC utilizes Butterfly's Innerfiber technology, which strategically places high-performance carbon layers inside the wood construction, closer to the core. This design provides the speed and power associated with carbon materials while retaining softer feel, increased dwell time, and superior control characteristic of traditional wood blades. ZL Carbon fibers offer exceptional strength, lightness, flexibility, and ability to generate high reaction and spin. Combined with carefully selected wood plies, this creates a unique 'holding' sensation that bridges the gap between pure wood and outer-carbon blades for versatile offensive performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Patrick Franziska
Patrick Franziska, a prominent German table tennis player and key national team member, uses this signature blade developed for him. Its characteristics align well with his aggressive style that emphasizes powerful attacks and precise control. The blade's speed, spin-generating ability, and 'holding' feel support his dynamic approach, allowing decisive forehand and backhand shots from various court positions. He has used this blade in major international tournaments including WTT Champions events.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC
Franziska Innerforce ZLC is very closely related to Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC, often described as identical in construction except for weight and graphic design. The Franziska model is generally lighter. Players seeking a similar playing experience with a slightly lighter feel might prefer Franziska Innerforce ZLC, while those who don't mind more weight or prefer the original design might opt for Innerforce Layer ZLC. Both blades offer the characteristic Innerforce ZLC blend of speed, control, and dwell time.
Butterfly Apolonia ZLC
Apolonia ZLC is another ZLC blade sharing some similarities but differing in speed and feel. While Franziska Innerforce ZLC often has a softer feel and is more controllable close to the table due to its lighter weight, Apolonia ZLC is typically heavier, faster, and offers more penetration power suited for mid-to-far distance play. Shot trajectory can also differ, with Apolonia ZLC potentially offering a higher arc compared to Franziska.