Weight
88.5g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Innerforce Layer ZLC
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC is a high-performance offensive blade that masterfully blends power, control, and spin. Its innovative innerfiber construction places Zylon Carbon layers near the core, creating a uniquely soft feel without sacrificing the lightness and speed of ZLC. This design delivers a forgiving playing experience with a pronounced 'ball holding' sensation, enabling precise shot-making and potent offensive capabilities. It's an ideal choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a dynamic and reliable tool to elevate their game.
The construction features Limba outer plies, two layers of Zylon Carbon (ZLC) fiber placed closer to the core, and Ayous wood for the inner plies. This 'innerfiber' design is central to the blade's softer feel and enhanced dwell time while retaining the speed and lightness characteristic of ZLC materials.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Innerforce Layer ZLC offers significant speed, especially when generating powerful strokes. While the manufacturer's rating suggests high reactivity, player experiences indicate it's not overwhelmingly fast in all situations, providing an excellent balance. It excels at generating speed with hard swings for offensive play, yet maintains control for softer shots, making it a versatile and effective blade.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. The inner ZLC construction provides a superior 'holding the ball' feel, allowing for precise placement and excellent touch, particularly in the short game. This high level of control is maintained even during powerful offensive shots, making it a remarkably reliable and consistent choice for players who prioritize accuracy.
The blade offers a distinctively soft feel due to its inner ZLC construction, which places the carbon closer to the core. This provides excellent feedback and a pronounced 'holding the ball' sensation. Compared to many outer-carbon blades, it feels softer and more responsive, offering a great balance of touch and power.
The blade typically produces a medium to medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for generating powerful topspin loops that dip sharply onto the opponent's side. This trajectory is highly effective for offensive play, allowing for aggressive and precise attacks.
The innerfiber construction and ZLC layers contribute to a significantly longer dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade before release. This enhanced dwell is crucial for generating high amounts of spin on serves and loops, giving players more control and a satisfying, connected feel on contact.
This blade offers a good degree of flexibility, which contributes to its dwell time and spin-generating capabilities. The combination of wood and ZLC layers allows for a controlled flex that enhances the 'holding the ball' effect, making it particularly beneficial for looping and controlling incoming spin.
Innerforce Layer ZLC has a moderate vibration level. It offers clear feedback without being excessively jarring, striking a good balance between transmitting ball impact and providing a comfortable playing experience. The inner construction helps dampen some of the harsher vibrations often found in carbon blades.
Butterfly is renowned for its high manufacturing standards, and the Innerforce Layer ZLC exemplifies this. The blade exhibits excellent build quality with precise layering and a durable finish. The top-tier materials contribute to consistent performance and longevity, making it a valuable and premium-feeling investment for serious players.
Technology
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC utilizes proprietary ZL Carbon (ZLC) technology in an innerfiber construction. ZLC is a composite known for exceptional lightness, strength, and elasticity. By placing the ZLC layers closer to the core rather than on the outer plies, Butterfly achieves a blade that feels softer and provides enhanced dwell time, offering superior control and spin generation. This 'innerfiber' design is a key innovation, allowing players to experience the benefits of carbon reinforcement without the harshness of outer-carbon blades, creating a unique balance of power, feel, and control.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Sofia Polcanova
Sofia Polcanova's powerful and dynamic playing style, characterized by aggressive topspin attacks from mid to far distances, benefits from the blade's excellent speed, spin, and control. The Innerforce Layer ZLC's ability to generate significant spin and provide a solid platform for powerful shots aligns perfectly with her offensive game.
Diya Chitale
Diya Chitale's strategic game, which focuses heavily on spin and precise placement, is well-supported by the Innerforce Layer ZLC. The blade's superior dwell time and control enable her to execute accurate shots and generate substantial spin, which are crucial elements in her competitive matches.
Miyu Kato
Miyu Kato's playing style benefits from the blade's balanced characteristics, which offer enough power for offensive maneuvers while maintaining the high level of control required for intricate play, including effective serves and returns.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
Innerforce Layer ALC shares the same innerfiber construction philosophy but uses Arylate-Carbon instead of Zylon Carbon. TTSensei experts note it's a direct alternative for players seeking a similar feel with slightly different characteristics. The ALC version is generally considered a bit softer and slower, offering enhanced control and dwell, making it a great option for players who prioritize spin and touch over raw power.
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is a popular outer-carbon blade often compared to the Innerforce Layer ZLC. While Viscaria is known for its speed and direct feel, Innerforce Layer ZLC offers a softer, more controlled experience with greater dwell time due to its inner construction. Many players find the transition to Innerforce Layer ZLC beneficial for a more forgiving and spin-oriented game if they find the Viscaria too fast or harsh.