Weight
89g
Thickness
5.85mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
ZX-GEAR OUT
Victas ZX-GEAR OUT is a premium offensive blade engineered in Japan to deliver explosive power and stability. Its innovative Zexion® carbon fiber layer, positioned directly beneath the outer ply, enhances energy transfer and creates a large sweet spot. This construction yields a dynamic, precise, and powerful playing experience perfect for aggressive topspin players. It masterfully balances high elasticity with a comfortable feel, making it a formidable tool for amplifying any attacking game.
ZX-GEAR OUT features a 5-ply wood construction augmented by two layers of Z-Carbon (Zexion fiber and Carbon fiber) placed directly beneath the outer Limba plies. This 'outer' fiber placement enhances elasticity and power, contributing to a faster, more direct feel. The use of Ayous for the inner plies provides a stable core.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
ZX-GEAR OUT delivers high speed, driven by its outer Z-Carbon layers that boost impact energy and provide a significant rebound effect. Designed for aggressive attacking play, it offers explosive power and quick shots, particularly excelling for drive-focused players and strong topspin attacks executed close to the table.
Despite its high speed, ZX-GEAR OUT offers commendable control. The soft and elastic Zexion fiber contributes to a deeper ball-holding sensation than typical stiff outer carbon blades. This allows for controlled execution of shots, including delicate touches and consistent topspin loops, even when applying significant power.
The primary feel is softer than many traditional outer fiber blades, offering a good degree of woodiness and significant ball-holding. While vibration to the index finger can be sharp, the overall sensation is one of direct feedback and a solid, yet not overly stiff, connection with the ball.
The combination of speed and dwell time results in a medium-high throw angle, particularly noticeable on topspin shots. This arc helps clear the net comfortably and increases the margin for error, especially for players who generate significant spin.
The inclusion of soft and elastic Zexion fiber contributes to a notable dwell time. This allows players to feel the ball more deeply in the racket, which is beneficial for imparting heavy spin on serves and topspin shots, especially during full swings.
ZX-GEAR OUT has moderate to high flexibility for a carbon blade, largely due to the Zexion fiber. This flexibility aids in generating spin and absorbing pace, offering a good balance between direct power and the ability to loop with a significant arc.
While the blade offers good ball feel, some users report a sharp sensation transmitted to the index finger through the wing, indicating a medium level of vibration. This characteristic provides direct feedback but may be a consideration for players extremely sensitive to vibration.
Manufactured in Japan, Victas ZX-GEAR OUT is consistently praised for its excellent build quality and finish. The attention to detail in construction, including precise material placement and smooth sanding of surfaces and handles, reflects the high manufacturing standards associated with Japanese table tennis equipment.
Technology
The Victas ZX-GEAR series utilizes the innovative 'Zexion®' fiber, a soft and highly elastic LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) fiber. In the ZX-GEAR OUT, Zexion® is combined with carbon fiber to create 'Z-Carbon,' placed directly under the outer Limba ply. This 'outer' placement of Z-Carbon layers is engineered to maximize elasticity, power, and ball-grabbing feel while providing stability and a large sweet spot. Victas developed new adhesives and bonding methods for manufacturing, aiming for unique performance characteristics under their 'Dyna-shell' technology designation for this outer fiber construction.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Koki Iwabuchi
Koki Iwabuchi, a professional Japanese player, has been associated with Victas and reportedly used the ZX-GEAR OUT. The blade's emphasis on speed, power, and direct attacking aligns well with his modern offensive style, allowing him to generate powerful shots and maintain aggressive pressure.
Seiya Kishikawa
Seiya Kishikawa, another Japanese professional, has also been linked to this blade. His playing style, which involves aggressive topspin and powerful drives, benefits from the blade's high elasticity and speed, enabling him to execute offensive maneuvers with precision and force.
Shodai Sakane
Shodai Sakane, a Japanese table tennis player, is also mentioned in relation to the ZX-GEAR OUT. The blade's characteristics of high speed, good ball-holding for spin generation, and stability in aggressive play make it a suitable choice for players like Sakane who engage in dynamic, offensive rallies.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Victas ZX-GEAR OUT is frequently compared to Butterfly's Viscaria, as both are popular outer carbon blades offering high speed and offensive capabilities. While the Viscaria is known for its speed and direct feel, our testing shows the ZX-GEAR OUT often has a slightly softer feel and better ball dwell, making it more forgiving and spin-friendly for some players, despite similar speed potential.
Butterfly Freitas ALC
Similar to the Viscaria, ZX-GEAR OUT is also compared to the Butterfly Freitas ALC. Both blades utilize an outer fiber construction to enhance speed and spin. However, the ZX-GEAR OUT's unique Zexion fiber offers a distinct feel and elasticity profile, differentiating it from the ALC composite. Players report the ZX-GEAR OUT can offer a slightly softer touch and better ball-holding sensation.