Weight
90g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
LEX (-S918) ZL Carbon
XVT LEX (-S918) ZL Carbon is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade built for players who demand a potent mix of power, control, and spin. Its construction pairs outer Limba wood with internal ZL Carbon layers and an Ayous core, creating a dynamic feel that excels in aggressive play. Designed for looping, driving, and fast attacking strokes, it delivers significant pace while maintaining the precision needed for strategic shot placement, making it a formidable weapon for modern offensive styles.
This 7-ply construction starts with an outer Limba layer for touch, followed by an unspecified fiber layer, ZL Carbon for speed, an Ayous wood core, then another ZL Carbon layer, another unspecified fiber, and finishes with Limba. The design aims to blend the power of carbon with the feel and control of wood.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade earns a high speed rating, a direct result of its ZL Carbon composition tailored for offensive play. It generates significant pace for powerful shots and fast rallies, allowing players to dictate the tempo with aggressive strokes. The carbon layers provide a crisp, direct response that translates effort into ball velocity effectively.
Despite its potent speed, the blade scores remarkably high in control. The wood layers and thoughtful construction work to manage vibrations and provide a stable, predictable feel. This allows for precise shot placement and reliable defensive maneuvers, giving players confidence to play aggressively without sacrificing accuracy.
The feel is characterized by a noticeable stiffness and hardness, with some players reporting a top-heavy sensation and vibration. This medium-hard feel is typical for ZL Carbon blades, providing clear feedback on power shots while potentially requiring a slight adjustment for delicate touch play.
Given its offensive DNA and ZL Carbon composition, the blade is expected to produce a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for creating aggressive, arcing shots, especially on forehand loops, helping the ball clear the net with margin and dive onto the table.
The blade likely offers a medium dwell time. The combination of ZL Carbon and wood layers creates a balance that allows the rubber to grip the ball effectively for spin generation without holding it excessively, which is ideal for modern spin-oriented offensive play.
Rated with a medium level of stiffness, the blade finds a balance between flexibility for spin generation and rigidity for power transfer. This allows for a good connection with the ball, particularly beneficial during brushing loops and controlled attacking strokes.
Vibration is moderate. While the ZL Carbon can contribute to feedback, the wood layers help manage it. Players will experience some sensation on harder strokes, which can enhance feel for the ball but may be a consideration for those who prefer a heavily dampened blade.
While specific user ratings are limited, the use of ZL Carbon and its similarity to high-end models suggest good manufacturing quality. XVT is recognized for offering solid value, and this blade's construction points toward a well-made product with a good finish and durability suitable for consistent, competitive play.
Technology
The XVT LEX (-S918) ZL Carbon utilizes advanced composite technology by integrating High-Elastic ZL Carbon Fiber. This material is known for its exceptional elasticity and tensile strength, which contributes to increased rebound speed and a wider effective sweet spot. The construction carefully pairs this with select wood layers—Limba on the outer plies for touch and an Ayous core for stability—to balance the carbon's stiffness with a controlled feel and superior spin potential. This synergy aims to create a powerful yet manageable offensive tool.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane Long 5
The manufacturer states the XVT LEX (-S918) ZL Carbon shares the same structure and materials as the DHS Hurricane Long 5. This positions it as a direct performance alternative, designed to replicate the well-regarded speed, spin, and control characteristics of that offensive blade, potentially offering a similar feel at a different price point.