Weight
85g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Z3
Friendship Z3 is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade built for loopers who dominate from mid-distance. Its White Ash outer plies and two deep-set soft carbon layers create a unique synergy, offering a blend of explosive power and remarkable control. This construction provides a medium-soft feel with excellent dwell time, making it a top choice for players who rely on heavy spin and sustained offensive pressure.
The blade uses a symmetrical 7-ply build. It starts with a White Ash outer layer, followed by a soft carbon layer, three wood plies (specific types not specified) forming the core and inner layers, another soft carbon layer, and finishes with a White Ash outer layer.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Z3 delivers solid offensive speed, perfect for powerful loop drives. The carbon layers provide a noticeable kick, though the overall feel remains controlled rather than explosively fast, making it manageable for developing attackers.
Control is where this blade truly shines. Despite its speed rating, it offers exceptional precision and predictability. The wood-carbon composition and flexible feel give players outstanding ball feedback, allowing for confident placement and spin variation.
Z3 offers a medium-soft, communicative feel. The White Ash outer ply provides a crisp initial touch, while the deep carbon layers add a slight cushioning effect, resulting in excellent ball feedback and dwell sensation.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, perfect for aggressive looping. The arc helps ensure good net clearance on heavy topspin shots, making it effective in open rallies.
Dwell time is a standout feature. The flexible construction and material synergy allow the ball to stay on the racket face longer, which is ideal for loading the ball with spin and feeling connected during brushing loops.
The blade has a noticeable, beneficial flexibility. This comes from the soft carbon layers and the overall ply construction, helping to absorb pace and catapult the ball with a pronounced dwell and spin effect.
Vibration is moderate. The carbon layers filter out some of the raw wood vibration, providing a clean, informative feedback without being harsh or numb, which aids in stroke adjustment.
Friendship Z3 demonstrates very good build quality with consistent layering and finish. The materials are well-integrated, resulting in a blade that feels solid and reliable during intense rallies, living up to its performance promises.
Technology
The core technology of the Friendship Z3 is its 5+2 ply construction with deep-layer carbon integration. The outer White Ash layer provides a crisp feel and good dwell, while two soft carbon layers are placed strategically within the inner plies. This design aims to expand the sweet spot and increase rebound speed without creating a stiff, uncontrollable feel. The carbon acts as a power amplifier while the wood core maintains flexibility, creating a blade optimized for spin generation and controlled power in offensive rallies.