Weight
89g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
ZLC Carbon
XVT ZLC Carbon is engineered for aggressive offensive players seeking a powerful yet controlled weapon. It combines ZL Carbon fiber technology with quality wood layers to deliver a dynamic blend of speed, spin, and precision. This blade offers a significant speed advantage for powerful drives and loops while maintaining a good level of control for accurate shot placement. Its lively feel and substantial sweet spot make it ideal for players who rely on consistent attacking play and need a blade that can perform in high-level competition.
The 7-ply construction follows a symmetrical KOTO-Wood-ZLC-Spruce-ZLC-Wood-KOTO sequence. KOTO outer plies provide a crisp surface for spin, while the central spruce core adds power and a solid base. The two ZL Carbon layers are strategically placed to enhance speed, elasticity, and significantly expand the sweet spot, creating an optimal balance for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
XVT ZLC Carbon is a very fast blade, with performance reaching the higher end of the scale. The ZL Carbon construction is the primary driver, providing exceptional pace on drives and loops. This makes it a top choice for aggressive attackers who want to overwhelm opponents with powerful shots and quick counter-attacks.
While built for speed, this blade retains a very good level of control. The inclusion of wood layers, particularly in the outer plies, provides a more forgiving and manageable feel compared to pure composite blades. This allows for strategic shot placement and maneuverability, ensuring the offensive power doesn't come at the complete expense of precision.
Players report a crisp, woodish feel with a firm sensation on impact. The ZL Carbon contributes to a lively and responsive touch, but the overall character leans towards the stiffer, more direct side, providing clear feedback during powerful strokes.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for aggressive looping and driving. This trajectory helps the ball clear the net with a good arc, allowing for heavy topspin and effective attacks from mid-distance.
The hybrid construction offers a moderate dwell time. It allows for sufficient ball grip to generate effective spin, especially on loops, but is shorter than a full wood blade, facilitating quicker rebounds and faster rally exchanges.
This is a stiff blade. The ZLC carbon layers provide a firm, direct response that excels in power transfer and speed. This stiffness offers less forgiveness on off-center hits and touch shots compared to more flexible blades, favoring players with precise, compact strokes.
Vibration is present but generally well-managed. Some players note a bit of vibration on very hard shots, but the ZLC fiber helps dampen it compared to stiffer carbon blades, resulting in a more muted and comfortable feedback through the handle.
Player feedback consistently highlights excellent value, with many noting the build quality and finish rival more expensive brands. The materials and construction are described as reliable and well-executed, offering a premium feel at a more accessible price point, making it a standout for its category.
Technology
XVT ZLC Carbon utilizes ZL Carbon fiber technology, a composite that weaves Zylon fibers with carbon fibers. Zylon is known for its high strength and elasticity, contributing to controlled power and enhanced spin generation. The carbon fibers add stiffness and raw speed. This material is integrated into a 5-wood, 2-ZLC ply structure, often with KOTO or Hinoki outer layers, creating a hybrid construction optimized for a dynamic balance of offensive power and a responsive, lively feel.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC
Many players find the XVT ZLC Carbon's structure and playing characteristics very similar to the Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC. It offers comparable speed, feel, and spin potential, making it a compelling and more budget-friendly alternative for those seeking that high-performance ZLC profile.
Butterfly Amultart
Our testing shows the XVT Hinoki ZL Carbon variant performs very close to the Butterfly Amultart. It delivers similar levels of speed, control, and that distinctive Hinoki feel, representing excellent value for players drawn to that specific performance signature.