ZLC Inner

Weight

86.5g

Thickness

5.9mm

Plies

7-ply

Head Size

158x152

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Stuor

ZLC Inner

China

Stuor ZLC Inner is engineered for advanced players seeking a perfect blend of speed, control, and exceptional feel. Its inner carbon fiber placement creates a softer touch and enhanced dwell time compared to outer fiber blades, facilitating superior spin generation and ball pocketing. This construction is ideal for players who rely on heavy topspin and controlled offensive play, offering a unique experience that bridges traditional wood and modern composite blades. The design delivers a lively yet manageable response, enabling creative shot-making and consistent performance in all situations.

7-Ply Construction

This 5 wood + 2 ZLC inner fiber construction is designed to offer enhanced dwell time and a softer feel while retaining speed. The Koto outer plies provide a crisp initial contact, the inner ZLC layers add elasticity and expand the sweet spot, and the Kiri core contributes to overall lightness and a responsive flex.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.6

Stuor ZLC Inner is highly regarded for its impressive speed, capable of generating fast attacks and heavy topspins. The inclusion of ZLC fibers in an inner configuration provides a significant boost in pace compared to all-wood blades, giving offensive players the power they need for decisive shots.

Control
7.2

Despite its high speed, this blade offers outstanding control, largely thanks to its inner fiber construction. This design enhances dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball deeply and execute precise shots with confidence, from delicate controlled pushes to firm blocks.

Feel
Medium-Soft
SoftMedium-SoftHard

The inner ZLC construction imparts a softer, more elastic feel compared to outer fiber blades. This creates a pleasant 'holding the ball' sensation that provides excellent feedback and significantly aids in spin generation during play.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

The synergy of ZLC and wood plies produces a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is perfectly suited for aggressive looping and sustained offensive play, helping to lift the ball over the net with heavy spin.

Dwell Time
8.5

The inner placement of ZLC fibers, combined with the specific wood plies, contributes to a longer dwell time. This allows for increased ball contact, giving players more time to impart heavy spin and control the trajectory of their shots.

Flexibility
6.5

The combination of wood and ZLC fibers in an inner configuration creates a blade that is moderately flexible. This offers an ideal balance between the stiffness needed for direct power and the flex beneficial for generating spin on loops and serves.

Vibration
3.0

While some vibration is inherent in composite blades, the inner fiber design and wood construction work together to dampen excessive feedback. This results in a more comfortable and controlled feel upon impact, reducing player fatigue.

Quality
8.5

For its price point, Stuor ZLC Inner offers very good build quality. Players report that it feels well-constructed and durable, presenting a compelling high-value proposition that stands up well in play compared to more expensive branded alternatives.

Technology

Stuor ZLC Inner utilizes an 'inner fiber' construction, where Zylon Carbon (ZLC) material is placed closer to the blade's core, sandwiched between wood plies. This contrasts with 'outer fiber' designs where carbon sits directly beneath the top veneer. The inner placement is engineered to deliver a softer feel, increased dwell time, and a larger sweet spot, while still harnessing the speed and structural stiffness of ZLC. This approach aims to create a blade that is more forgiving and controllable than typical outer-fiber composites, making it exceptionally versatile for a wide spectrum of modern offensive techniques.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC

Stuor ZLC Inner is frequently noted as a very close performance match to the Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC. Both blades feature an inner fiber construction with ZLC material, targeting a similar ideal balance of speed, control, and dwell time. They are excellent choices for players who prefer a softer feel and exceptional spin-generating capabilities in their offensive game.

Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC

Many players find the Stuor ZLC Inner delivers a playing experience remarkably similar to the Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC in terms of feel, speed, and control. It is designed to emulate the performance characteristics of that high-end, fast, and spin-oriented blade, offering a comparable platform for aggressive, spin-focused play.