Innerforce ZLC

Innerforce Layer ZLC offers significant offensive speed, especially when you commit to powerful strokes where the ZLC fibers engage fully. It provides a lively response without being uncontrollably fast on softer touches, creating a useful gradient between controlled placement and explosive attacks. Our testing shows it delivers ample power for winners while maintaining a manageable feel for building rallies, making it suitable for players who want speed without sacrificing all feeling for the ball.

Control is where this blade truly shines. The inner fiber design and softer feel provide outstanding stability and precision, allowing for confident shot placement even under pressure. Players report a forgiving nature that helps minimize errors, particularly in blocking and short game exchanges. This high level of control, combined with its speed, makes it exceptionally reliable for executing complex strategies and maintaining consistency during intense rallies.

Innerforce Layer ZLC provides a distinctly softer, woodier sensation than outer-carbon blades, especially on controlled strokes and touch play. You feel the ball sink into the surface, creating a comfortable, holding effect. During powerful hits, the ZLC layers activate with a crisp, responsive kick, blending soft initial contact with explosive follow-through for a dynamic and informative playing experience.

It produces a pronounced, arcing trajectory, especially on topspin loops, helping shots clear the net with safety and land deep on the table. This higher throw is excellent for creating aggressive angles and dipping balls, making it effective for offensive players who want to loop with margin and pressure opponents with heavy spin.

A standout feature is its extended dwell time, which allows the rubber to grip the ball longer for enhanced spin generation. This characteristic makes looping and brushing techniques particularly effective, giving players more time to impart rotation and control the ball's trajectory. The feeling of holding the ball contributes significantly to its controlled offensive profile.

The blade exhibits a responsive flex that becomes noticeable during looping strokes, where it bends slightly to pocket the ball before releasing it with energy. This flexibility, combined with the ZLC, creates a effective catapult effect when you accelerate, while maintaining a stable feel for blocking and driving. It's responsive without being overly stiff, supporting both touch and power play.

Vibration transmission is moderate and well-balanced. The wood plies and inner construction dampen excessive shock, providing clear feedback without being harsh. On powerful shots, you may notice a characteristic composite sound and feel from the ZLC, but it remains informative rather than uncomfortable, offering good tactile connection to your strokes.

Butterfly's craftsmanship is evident in the Innerforce Layer ZLC, with excellent build quality, durable construction, and consistent performance across production batches. The blade has a premium finish and reliable feel that instills confidence. While minor variations in individual blade characteristics can occur—as with any high-performance equipment—the overall manufacturing standard is exceptionally high, ensuring a professional-grade tool that withstands rigorous play.