Weight
89g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
ZX-GEAR IN
Victas ZX-GEAR IN is a premium Japanese-made offensive blade that masterfully balances power and control. Its innovative inner Zexion® carbon construction, integrated directly into the core, creates a unique 'Rebound Effect' for enhanced energy transfer and flexibility. This design delivers fantastic speed and spin for aggressive attacks while maintaining consistently high control and a responsive feel. With a substantial sweet spot and a medium-high throw angle, it's a versatile choice for modern spin-based offensive play, excelling in close-to-table rallies and offering excellent synergy with a variety of rubbers.
The blade features a 7-ply construction with a symmetrical 5-ply wood core. Two layers of Zexion carbon fiber are strategically placed on either side of the central Ayous ply, sandwiched between wood layers. Outer Limba layers provide a responsive hitting surface. This 'inner Zexion carbon' setup is designed to optimize the balance of power and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Victas ZX-GEAR IN is rated OFF+, delivering high speed potential that becomes more pronounced during powerful loops and hits. Its speed is well-controlled and not overwhelming out of the box, allowing for precise, controlled attacks. Players report it feels faster than 5-ply all-wood blades but offers more manageability than many outer carbon designs, making its power accessible and effective for aggressive play.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. The inner carbon construction combined with wood plies provides exceptional feel and precision for blocks, chops, and placement. Even when generating high speed and spin, it maintains a remarkable level of consistency. Many players find it offers a secure, predictable response that builds confidence during fast rallies and technical shots.
Victas ZX-GEAR IN offers a satisfying medium feel with good ball-holding capability. It provides a pleasant, informative wooden feedback despite its composite nature, feeling more controlled and responsive than many stiffer carbon blades. The sensation is neither too soft nor too hard, striking an excellent balance for touch and power.
It features a relatively high throw angle, which helps players clear the net easily with powerful topspin shots. Combined with its dwell time, this creates a higher arc for attacking, adding safety and spin to aggressive loops.
This blade provides significant dwell time, crucial for generating heavy spin on loops and offering a secure feeling during ball contact. The extended contact allows players to impart more spin and precisely control trajectory, especially during aggressive topspin exchanges.
Victas ZX-GEAR IN is a flexible composite blade. This flexibility enhances dwell time and spin generation, allowing the blade to bend with the ball on impact for more powerful, spin-loaded shots. The noticeable flex supports powerful looping strokes and adds a dynamic element to offensive play.
It delivers a medium level of vibration, offering clear, informative feedback without being excessively harsh or buzzy. The Zexion carbon layers help dampen vibration just enough to provide good ball feel while avoiding the numbing sensation some stiffer composites produce.
Victas ZX-GEAR IN is praised for its exceptional build quality and craftsmanship. The materials are perfectly integrated, with a sturdy, well-balanced feel and a premium finish. TTSensei experts note the workmanship rivals top-tier brands, contributing to its reliable performance and durable construction that players can trust.
Technology
Victas ZX-GEAR IN incorporates Dyna-core technology with a unique Zexion® carbon fiber, a highly elastic material distinct from standard carbon. This fiber is woven and placed directly on the core ply, creating its 'inner' designation. This strategic placement, along with specialized adhesives and bonding methods, optimizes energy transfer and flexibility. The result is a characteristic blend of power, control, and dwell time, providing a unique feel and high performance tailored for modern offensive play.
Similar Blades
Victas ZX-GEAR Out
The ZX-GEAR Out is the outer-fiber counterpart, sharing the same Zexion carbon technology but placing it under the top Limba ply. This leads to higher elasticity, a faster and more direct feel, and a larger sweet spot. While the ZX-GEAR In emphasizes control and dwell time, the Out version prioritizes speed and dynamics for aggressive, direct topspin play.
Butterfly Hurricane Long 5 (HL5) / Hurricane Long 5x (HL5x)
Players often compare the ZX-GEAR In to the Butterfly Hurricane Long 5 series. The ZX-GEAR In is generally described as slower, more controlled, and having more dwell time than the HL5x. It offers a more manageable option for players who find the HL5x's speed and catapult effect difficult to control, particularly in blocking, while providing similar backhand control to some 7-ply wood blades.