Arthur ASIA ZLC

Loki Arthur ASIA ZLC earns a high speed rating, solidifying its role as an offensive powerhouse. The integrated ZLC carbon layers are the primary drivers, providing exceptional rebound and acceleration for powerful drives and smashes. This blade is built for players who want to dictate the pace of rallies and finish points with authority, offering the explosive speed needed for modern attacking play.

Despite its offensive nature, Arthur ASIA ZLC maintains impressive control. The integration of ZLC fiber is engineered to preserve precision, allowing for accurate shot placement even during high-speed exchanges. The Hinoki outer plies contribute significantly to this, offering a softer touch and clearer ball feedback that helps players maintain consistency and confidence in their strokes.

Arthur ASIA ZLC delivers a medium-hard feel that strikes a balance between crispness and feedback. The ZLC carbon provides a firm, direct response upon impact, while the Hinoki outer wood layers add a layer of softness and tactile sensation. This creates a playing experience that is communicative without being overly harsh, suitable for players who appreciate clear feedback on their strokes.

Players report a medium-high throw angle, which produces a pronounced arc on loops and topspin shots. This characteristic is excellent for generating heavy spin and ensuring the ball clears the net comfortably before dipping sharply onto the opponent's side, making it highly effective for aggressive looping strategies.

The blade provides a moderate dwell time. The Hinoki outer plies help the ball sink into the blade slightly, aiding in spin generation and brush-looping techniques. However, the presence of the ZLC layers means the dwell is typically shorter than on a pure all-wood blade, resulting in a quicker, more direct rebound that favors fast attacks.

This is a relatively stiff blade. The 7-ply construction reinforced with ZLC carbon fibers creates a stable, low-flex platform. This stiffness is ideal for powerful, direct shots like drives and blocks, providing a solid feel and minimizing unwanted bending that can affect control during high-impact exchanges.

Vibration levels are moderate. The ZLC carbon layers dampen some of the raw wood feedback, but a noticeable amount of sensation is still transmitted to the hand. This level of vibration is useful for players who rely on tactile feedback to judge the quality of ball contact and make micro-adjustments during play.

Build quality is considered very good for its price point. Our testing shows it offers solid construction and reliable durability, presenting a strong value proposition compared to more premium brands. While the finishing might not reach the absolute top tier, the blade is well-made and performs consistently, making it a smart choice for players seeking high-end features without the highest cost.