Weight
89g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
ZL Koto
XVT ZL Koto is a hybrid table tennis blade engineered for aggressive, offensive play. Its 7-layer construction combines five wood plies with two layers of ZL carbon fiber, topped with a Koto surface. This design delivers a potent blend of speed, spin, and control, making it ideal for players who rely on powerful attacks and consistent looping. The blade offers a competitive edge at a more accessible price point, appealing to those seeking professional-level performance without the premium cost.
This 7-layer construction combines the hardness and feel of Koto outer plies with the speed and stiffness provided by ZL carbon layers. The Kiri core offers a lightweight element, contributing to the blade's overall balance. This hybrid structure is designed to enhance speed and power for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
XVT ZL Koto is widely regarded as a very fast blade. The combination of Koto outer plies and ZL carbon contributes to a stiff and powerful hitting surface, enabling aggressive attacking shots and fast-paced rallies. This makes it ideal for players who thrive on speed.
While rated as very fast, control ratings are more varied. The stiff nature of the blade can offer precision for powerful shots, but may require skilled players to manage spin and placement during less aggressive play. The ZL carbon's elasticity might offer some dampening for control.
XVT ZL Koto is consistently described as hard and stiff, with a crisp feeling from the Koto outer plies. This provides direct feedback for powerful shots, though some players might find it lacks a softer touch for delicate play or feel at very low impact speeds.
The combination of speed-oriented materials and a stiff construction generally results in a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for generating aggressive topspin with good arc, allowing the ball to clear the net with pace and dip effectively on the opponent's side.
Given its stiffness and focus on speed, the dwell time is moderate. The hard Koto surface and ZL carbon layers tend to produce a quicker ball release compared to softer, all-wood blades, allowing for faster attacks but potentially reducing spin generation time at lower speeds.
XVT ZL Koto is characterized as a stiff blade. The inclusion of ZL carbon and the hard Koto outer plies result in minimal flex, which is typical for blades designed for maximum speed and direct power transfer rather than a flexible, dwell-heavy feel.
The ZL carbon layers and stiff construction suggest a moderate to high level of vibration feedback. This can enhance the feeling of power and speed, though some players might find it a bit too much for sensitive hands.
Reviews generally praise the build quality of XVT ZL Koto, especially considering its affordable price. The finishing and materials are often described as good to excellent, comparable to much more expensive blades, suggesting solid manufacturing standards for its price bracket.
Technology
XVT ZL Koto blade incorporates ZL (Zylon) carbon fiber technology, known for its high elasticity and strength, layered within the wood construction. Combined with a hard Koto outer veneer, this technology aims to enhance the blade's speed and stiffness while maintaining a degree of resilience. The construction involves a 5+2 ply setup with a Kiri core and Koto outer plies, designed to create a fast and powerful playing surface optimized for offensive strategies. Some models also feature a distinctive metal plate on the handle for improved balance and aesthetics.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC
Many players find XVT ZL Koto's construction and performance similar to the Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC. Both blades feature a 5+2 ply structure with ZL carbon and are designed for offensive play, offering high speed and spin. XVT ZL Koto is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the premium Butterfly model.