Weight
85.5g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF
Butterfly Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF is a table tennis blade crafted in collaboration with Japanese star Ai Fukuhara, designed to mirror her aggressive, spin-dominant style. It masterfully blends the sensitive touch of an all-wood blade with the enhanced flexibility and rebound of ZL-Fiber. This 7-ply hybrid construction results in a lightweight blade that excels in control, making it a prime choice for players who thrive on fast, front-line play and heavy spin generation.
The construction features a 5-ply wood core reinforced with two inner layers of ZL-Fiber. This specific layup is designed to provide the sensitive, almost all-wood feel that players love, while the strategically placed fibers enhance speed, flexibility, and spin potential, making it exceptionally suited for fast, attacking play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Designed for offensive play, this blade offers a well-balanced mid-fast speed suitable for front-to-mid-distance engagements. The inner ZL-Fiber construction provides a noticeable catapult effect when power is applied, making aggressive drives and counter-attacks effective. While not the absolute fastest blade available, its speed is perfectly tuned for controlled, spin-oriented offense.
Exceptional control is a hallmark of this blade. The internal placement of ZL-Fiber contributes to a soft, sensitive feel and generous ball dwell time, allowing players to maintain a strong connection with the ball. This high level of manageability makes it incredibly effective for spin-oriented strokes and precise shot placement during fast, close-to-the-table exchanges.
Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF provides a sensitive, medium-soft feel that closely mimics the feedback of an all-wood blade. This soft touch offers excellent ball feedback and is crucial for developing heavy spin and executing delicate, precise shots with confidence.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, creating a pronounced arc on loops and topspin shots. This characteristic is excellent for generating heavy spin with good net clearance, making it easier to land aggressive, spin-laden attacks consistently on the table.
The blade offers a long dwell time, thanks to the synergy between its wood plies and inner ZL-Fiber. This extended contact allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, giving players more time to impart spin and control the trajectory and placement of their shots with great accuracy.
It is a highly flexible blade. The ZL-Fiber layers contribute significant flex, allowing the blade to bend slightly upon impact. This flexibility is a key asset for generating heavy topspin and provides a softer, more forgiving feel that enhances control, particularly for looping and touch play.
This blade transmits a high level of vibration, providing clear, tactile feedback on ball impact. This characteristic helps players with timing and shot execution, offering a lively feel that many find beneficial for sensing their strokes, though players preferring a more dampened experience might note it.
Butterfly's renowned manufacturing standards are evident in the Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF. The use of premium ZL-Fiber and quality wood plies results in a durable, consistently well-constructed blade. Players can expect reliable performance and a stable feel over time, reflecting its position as a premium product in the lineup.
Technology
The Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF utilizes an 'Inner Fiber' design with ZL-Fiber, a lightweight, high-resilience material known for its flexibility. Placing the fiber layers internally is crucial; it allows the blade to 'grab' the ball effectively, providing a satisfying, wood-like feel while enhancing rebound. This technology is engineered to support speedy, front-line play by balancing the tactile sensitivity of wood with the performance boost of modern composites, ideal for spin-focused attackers.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ai Fukuhara
This blade was personally designed and supervised by the celebrated Japanese player Ai Fukuhara, embodying her iconic playing style. Known for her aggressive, spin-based game and exceptional control at the table, the blade was crafted to provide the sensitive touch and spin-generating capabilities she relied on throughout her career, enabling the fast, controlled attacks she executed masterfully close to the net.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Liu Shiwen
Butterfly Liu Shiwen is a frequently recommended alternative, sharing a very similar 5-ply wood core with inner ZL-Fiber construction. Both blades are engineered for offensive, spin-oriented play, offering a sensitive feel and good dwell time. Players who enjoy the Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF's playing experience will likely find a familiar and satisfying performance with the Liu Shiwen.
Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF
Another ZLF blade from Butterfly, the Timo Boll ZLF, is also geared toward offensive players seeking speed and spin. Our testing shows the Fukuhara Ai Pro ZLF generally offers a softer feel and more dwell time, making it a potentially more controllable option for spin-focused play, whereas the Timo Boll ZLF often presents a slightly faster and crisper response.