Weight
89g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Outerforce ZLC
Butterfly Outerforce ZLC is an offensive shakehand blade designed for intermediate players seeking a perfect balance of power and control. Its unique outer-ZLC construction places Zylon Carbon layers directly beneath the Ayous top veneer, creating a responsive yet manageable feel. The combination of Ayous wood and a Kiri core enhances touch and stability, offering moderate speed for powerful mid-distance shots without sacrificing ease of use. This blade serves as an excellent step up from entry-level equipment, providing the performance needed to develop a consistent attacking game.
This 5+2 ply construction features ZLC fiber layers positioned directly beneath the Ayous top veneer in an 'outer-ZLC' configuration. The Ayous top layer and Kiri core work together to enhance control and provide a softer hitting sensation, preventing the excessive elasticity sometimes found in conventional ZLC blades while maintaining power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Outerforce ZLC delivers high speed with a reaction property indicating strong potential, yet remains manageable for its class. Its outer-fiber construction with an Ayous top layer moderates the typical elasticity, creating a fast but controlled response. Our testing shows it's the most powerful blade in the Outerforce series, offering plenty of pace for aggressive shots while staying accessible for intermediate players.
Despite its speed rating, Outerforce ZLC provides excellent control and stability. The Ayous top layer contributes to a softer feel and better ball retention, allowing for precise placement and consistent play even from mid-distance. Players report it's easier to handle than conventional outer-type blades, making it a reliable choice for developing offensive techniques without losing command of the table.
Outerforce ZLC offers a softer hitting sensation thanks to its Ayous top layer and specific ZLC fiber placement. This creates enhanced touch and better ball control compared to stiffer outer-ZLC blades, providing a comfortable feel that helps with dwell time and spin generation.
With its outer ZLC design focused on power and spin, Outerforce ZLC produces a medium-high throw angle that facilitates aggressive topspin shots. This trajectory helps players generate effective arc and penetration on their attacks.
The combination of ZLC elasticity and Ayous wood properties results in good ball retention, allowing players to impart significant spin. This enhanced dwell time supports controlled shots and effective spin-oriented attacks, making it easier to brush the ball with confidence.
This blade strikes a balance between flexibility and stiffness. While ZLC provides power, the overall construction aims for controlled flex rather than extreme rigidity, resulting in a responsive yet manageable feel that supports both power and touch shots.
Outerforce ZLC provides a moderate level of vibration feedback, typical for hybrid blades with composite materials. This gives players a clear sense of ball contact without being overly harsh, offering useful tactile information during play.
As a Butterfly product featuring premium ZLC technology, Outerforce ZLC exhibits excellent build quality and durability. The materials are top-tier, and precise Japanese manufacturing ensures consistent performance over time. TTSensei experts note no common quality concerns, confirming this blade meets the high standards expected from Butterfly's premium lineup.
Technology
Butterfly Outerforce ZLC utilizes an 'outer-fiber' construction philosophy, placing ZL Carbon (ZLC) layers directly beneath the outermost wood veneer. This differs from inner-fiber designs where composites sit closer to the core. The specific implementation here features a 5-wood + 2 ZLC ply structure with an Ayous top layer for softer feel and controllability, followed by ZLC, a Kiri wood core, and additional Ayous and ZLC layers. This unique arrangement delivers ZLC power while mitigating excessive stiffness through strategic wood selection, creating a controlled and comfortable hitting experience that bridges power and touch.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC
Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC shares ZLC material but offers higher speed and a more direct feel, often favored by top professionals. Outerforce ZLC provides more controllability and a softer feel due to its Ayous top layer and outer ZLC placement, making it a better alternative for players who find the Timo Boll ZLC too fast or stiff for their developing game.
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC features inner-fiber ZLC technology with composite layers placed closer to the core, typically offering more control and dwell time with a softer feel. Outerforce ZLC, with its outer ZLC and Ayous top, provides a faster and more direct attacking option while still maintaining enhanced control compared to other outer ZLC blades, appealing to players wanting more immediate power.