Weight
86.5g
Thickness
5.3mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Innerforce Layer ZLF
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLF is a hybrid table tennis blade designed for attacking players who value control and spin. Its 7-ply construction integrates ZL Fiber layers near the core, creating a softer, more responsive feel than traditional carbon blades. This design enhances dwell time and provides a larger sweet spot, making it forgiving and excellent for spin generation. The thin, lightweight profile offers great maneuverability for close-to-mid-distance play. It delivers a balanced mix of mid-fast speed and high control, ideal for intermediate to advanced players focusing on spin-based offense and precise placement.
The 7-layer construction features an Ayous core, Limba mid-layers, and ZL Fiber layers positioned beneath the outer Limba plies. This innerfiber design places the fiber deeper within the blade, aiming to preserve a wood-like feel while enhancing dwell time and sweet spot size.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Innerforce Layer ZLF delivers a mid-fast speed, fitting the OFF- to OFF category. It provides enough pace for aggressive close-table play without sacrificing control. The ZL Fiber contributes to a more controlled, predictable speed rather than explosive power, making it ideal for players who rely on placement and spin over raw force.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The exceptional dwell time and softer feel allow for precise ball manipulation, making placement shots, spin handling, and short game management highly effective. Even during offensive strokes, the blade offers predictable feedback and ease of use, giving players confidence in their execution.
Innerforce Layer ZLF offers a distinct wood-like feel despite its fiber integration. The softer, more flexible ZL Fiber creates a gentle impact and enhanced sensitivity, letting players feel the ball deeply for better spin and control.
Innerforce Layer ZLF typically produces a medium-high throw angle, especially when paired with spinny rubbers. This contributes to powerful, arching loops and effective topspin shots.
ZL Fiber and the blade's construction significantly extend dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the surface longer. This gives players ample opportunity to impart maximum spin, crucial for heavy topspins and controlled short-game play.
ZL Fiber's inherent flexibility gives the blade an elastic response. This flexibility aids in dwell time and spin generation, allowing the blade to flex and 'pocket' the ball for a catapult effect that balances power with control.
The blade exhibits a moderate level of vibration, providing tactile feedback during impact. This characteristic helps players sense the ball's trajectory and spin, adding to the overall playing experience.
Manufactured in Japan, the Innerforce Layer ZLF exhibits premium craftsmanship and durable construction. Players consistently praise its great wood feeling and the quality of materials, including the integrated ZL Fiber. Consistent performance across units underscores its high build standards and reliability.
Technology
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLF employs 'Innerfiber' technology, placing ZL Fiber layers closer to the core rather than the outer plies. ZL Fiber is softer, lighter, and more flexible than traditional carbon, aiming to provide fiber benefits like an enlarged sweet spot, increased stability, and enhanced dwell time while retaining a natural, wood-like feel. This design philosophy supports high spin generation and exceptional control, even during aggressive attacking shots.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Timo Boll ZLF
Timo Boll ZLF also uses ZL Fiber but typically in an outer-fiber configuration, resulting in a crisper feel and more direct power. Innerforce Layer ZLF, as an inner-fiber blade, offers a softer touch, greater dwell time, and enhanced control, making it more accessible for players prioritizing spin and touch over sheer speed.
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
Innerforce Layer ALC shares the innerfiber concept but uses Arylate Carbon (ALC), leading to a faster, stiffer blade. While both provide good control and spin, the ALC version suits a more direct and powerful offensive style, whereas the ZLF emphasizes dwell time and spin generation with a softer, more forgiving feel.