Weight
87g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
165x155
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Koji Matsushita ZC
Victas Koji Matsushita ZC is a premium, high-speed defensive blade engineered for modern defenders with an offensive game. Developed with Japanese legend Koji Matsushita, it features innovative Zexion® carbon fiber placed directly on the core ply. This construction enhances stability and control for defensive maneuvers while generating significant explosiveness for attacks. Representing a new high-end model in the Matsushita series, it offers an unrivaled combination of features with distinctive VICTAS design. Meticulously hand-made in Japan, it reflects a commitment to quality and performance for discerning players seeking a blend of defense and power.
The 5+2 ply construction features Zexion® carbon fiber placed directly on the core ply. This inner placement of the carbon layers aims to provide stability and control while allowing for a more direct feel compared to outer carbon placements. The outer Koto and inner Ayous plies contribute to the blade's feel and ball-gripping characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Victas Koji Matsushita ZC is characterized as a high-speed blade capable of powerful offensive actions. The Zexion® carbon fiber contributes significantly to its speed potential, allowing for aggressive attacks and fast counter-hits. While primarily a defensive blade, its speed rating reflects its ability to generate power comparable to some attacking blades when used with appropriate rubbers, drawing stable trajectories when cutting and creating power in hitting balls.
Despite its speed, Koji Matsushita ZC excels in control. The inner Zexion® carbon and carefully selected wood plies provide excellent stability, especially for defensive strokes like chopping. This allows for precise placement and spin generation. The blade's design emphasizes maintaining control even during critical situations and aggressive play, offering maximum stability.
Players report a feel that is on the stiffer side compared to the regular Victas Koji Matsushita version, yet still offers mild flex with no vibration. It delivers a pleasant, feedback-rich playing style where the inner carbon placement provides a good feeling of grasping the ball. Some mention a hollow feel, but generally it's perceived as controlled and responsive.
The ZC variant offers a slightly higher throw angle than some of its predecessors, which aids in lifting the ball for powerful loops. This higher trajectory is beneficial for offensive play, while still maintaining control for defensive shots.
The blade's construction, particularly the inner carbon and wood plies, promotes good dwell time. This allows players to impart significant spin on the ball, crucial for both defensive chops and offensive loops. The extended dwell time contributes to the blade's controlled feel and spin-generating capabilities, making it easy to draw arcs and fit the ball firmly on the base.
While described as stiffer than its all-wood counterparts due to the carbon, the blade still possesses a degree of flexibility. This balance allows for effective defensive play requiring flex for spin, while also being stiff enough to generate power for attacking strokes. The perfectly adjusted structure provides for great control with mild flex.
Koji Matsushita ZC is noted for having very low vibration. The combination of materials and construction effectively dampens unwanted vibrations, allowing for a cleaner feel of the ball and reducing player fatigue during long matches. Players can feel mild flex with essentially no vibration.
Victas blades are renowned for their quality, and Koji Matsushita ZC is no exception. Being hand-made in Japan with carefully selected veneers and innovative materials like Zexion® carbon fiber, it offers exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and a premium feel. It represents genuine handicraft and next-level craftsmanship from Japanese blade workshops.
Technology
Victas Koji Matsushita ZC incorporates innovative Zexion® carbon fiber, a high-tech synthetic material placed directly on the core ply. This 'inner fiber' construction enhances the blade's stability and control, particularly during defensive actions, while also contributing to offensive power. The Zexion® carbon's properties provide a stiffer feel and larger sweet spot compared to all-wood constructions, but its inner placement ensures it doesn't feel overly rigid, retaining good flex and feedback. This technology bridges the gap between pure defensive and offensive blades, offering a unique playing experience for modern defenders.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Koji Matsushita
Koji Matsushita is a legendary Japanese table tennis player renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and innovative playing style. He was instrumental in developing this blade series, with the ZC variant being a modern iteration of his preferred defensive equipment enhanced with offensive capabilities. The blade embodies his philosophy of controlled defense with the ability to launch powerful attacks, suiting his strategic and dynamic play.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Special
Victas Koji Matsushita Special is a close relative, also featuring a 5+2 ply construction but incorporating carbon differently. It serves as a similar option for players who appreciate the Matsushita line but seek slight variations in feel or performance characteristics, offering a comparable balance of defense and attack.
Butterfly Defence Pro
Butterfly Defence Pro is another well-regarded defensive blade known for its quality and control. Our testing shows the Victas Koji Matsushita ZC may be slightly lighter and potentially faster, while the Defence Pro might offer more substance and a different feel, making them comparable alternatives for dedicated defenders.