Weight
90g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Tiago Apolonia ZLC
Butterfly Tiago Apolonia ZLC is a signature offensive blade crafted in collaboration with Portuguese star Tiago Apolonia. It features an innovative Innerfiber Layer construction that places ZLC fibers closer to the core, cushioned by soft Limba outer veneers. This design delivers a remarkable blend of speed, spin, and control, offering a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to many traditional ZLC blades. Ideal for aggressive, spin-oriented players, it excels in close-to-the-table play, looping, and counter-looping while providing excellent feedback and a forgiving nature for developing techniques.
The 7-ply construction follows a symmetrical pattern: Limba/Limba/ZLC/Ayous (core)/ZLC/Limba/Limba. This 'Innerfiber' design cushions the ZLC layers within the wood structure, which is key to achieving its softer feel and increased dwell time compared to blades with outer fiber placement.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tiago Apolonia ZLC is a clear offensive blade. While not the absolute fastest in its class, it delivers a noticeable and potent increase in speed, especially when you accelerate through the ball. Players report it feels a touch faster than similar inner fiber blades, with the ZLC fibers providing the inherent power for decisive third-ball attacks and powerful drives from mid-distance.
Despite its offensive pedigree, this blade excels in control. The soft Limba outer plies and inner ZLC construction create higher dwell time and a more controlled feel, particularly in passive blocks, short game, and touch shots. Many players find it easy to place the ball with precision even during fast exchanges, making it a forgiving and confidence-inspiring blade for developing a consistent attacking game.
Apolonia ZLC offers a distinctly soft and cushioned feel upon contact, thanks to the Limba outer veneers. It provides clear, crisp feedback without being harsh or overly stiff, delivering a comfortable and communicative sensation that is a signature of the Innerforce blade lineage.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for aggressive, spin-oriented play. This trajectory helps loops clear the net with safety and is ideal for players who rely on heavy topspin in their attacking game.
Dwell time is a standout feature. The combination of soft outer wood and the inner ZLC layer allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer. This significantly aids spin generation on loops and serves, and provides a greater sense of control and connection during brushing strokes.
The blade offers a good degree of flex, which is a key contributor to its high dwell time and spin potential. This flexibility allows players to effectively brush the ball, loading it with spin, while also adding a softer, more controlled character to powerful strokes.
Vibration is generally low to medium. The inner fiber construction effectively dampens excessive shock, resulting in a crisp yet comfortable feel that promotes consistency and reduces player fatigue during long sessions.
Butterfly's renowned craftsmanship is on full display. The Tiago Apolonia ZLC boasts a premium feel with excellent consistency between individual blades. The material selection and finish are top-tier, resulting in a product that feels solid, well-made, and reliable—a hallmark of Butterfly's high-end offerings.
Technology
Tiago Apolonia ZLC utilizes Butterfly's proprietary Innerfiber Layer technology. This design places the Zylon Carbon (ZLC) fiber layers closer to the blade's core, rather than directly beneath the outer plies. Combined with soft Limba outer veneers, this construction significantly enhances dwell time and provides a softer, more controlled feel. The technology aims to merge the spin and control benefits of wood with the precision and power of ZLC, creating a blade that excels in spin generation and passive control without sacrificing offensive capability.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Tiago Apolonia
As the namesake, Portuguese international Tiago Apolonia uses this as his primary blade. His attacking style, which emphasizes powerful spin-oriented play from both wings, aligns perfectly with the blade's blend of speed, control, and enhanced dwell time for heavy looping.
Anton Källberg
Swedish professional Anton Källberg has been associated with using this blade. His dynamic and aggressive playing style, featuring strong loops and attacks from all distances, benefits greatly from the blade's balanced combination of power, spin, and forgiving control.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce ZLC
This is the closest relative, sharing the same Innerfiber ZLC technology and soft Limba outer plies. TTSensei experts note the Tiago Apolonia ZLC is often perceived as slightly faster with a touch more dwell time, while the Innerforce ZLC may feel a bit more balanced. Players who enjoy one will likely appreciate the other's characteristics.
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria represents a different ZLC philosophy with outer ALC layers and a harder Koto surface, resulting in a crisper, faster feel with less dwell time. It's for players who want immediate speed and a direct feedback but are willing to trade some passive control and softness found in the Apolonia ZLC.