Weight
87g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zebarate
Yasaka Zebarate is a 7-ply hybrid blade built for offensive players who want carbon power without sacrificing wood-like touch. Its unique 5+2 construction sandwiches two inner layers of proprietary PB Carbon between wood plies, creating an 'Inner Force' design. This setup delivers high repulsion and stability for aggressive shots while maintaining a softer, more connected feel that excels at ball gripping and spin generation. It's a versatile choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a balanced blend of modern speed and classic control.
The blade uses a symmetrical 7-ply build. It starts with Limba outer layers for feel and responsiveness, followed by another Limba layer. Then come the two proprietary PB Carbon fiber layers, sandwiching a Kiri wood core. This 'inner force' structure places the carbon away from the hitting surface to soften the feel and improve control while still boosting speed and stability from within.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zebarate delivers solid offensive speed, rated highly for its category. The inner PB Carbon layers provide a strong repulsion effect that powers through drives and smashes effectively. While it may not match the explosive pace of some outer carbon blades, players report it feels 'fast enough' for most attacking styles, offering a very usable blend of power and manageability that supports an aggressive game without being overwhelming.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The inner carbon placement and wood-dominated feel create exceptional ball feedback and predictability. You get a clear sense of contact, making precise placement, controlled blocks, and consistent looping remarkably easy. This high level of control gives players the confidence to play aggressively while maintaining accuracy, a rare and valuable combination in an offensive blade.
Zebarate offers a distinctly soft and connected feel, especially notable for a carbon blade. The ball seems to dwell on the surface longer, providing a comfortable, tactile feedback that many describe as wood-like. This medium-soft sensation enhances control and allows for a great sense of touch during short play and brush-looping strokes.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for offensive play. This trajectory helps loops clear the net comfortably and land deep on the table, facilitating aggressive, high-arcing attacks that are both safe and threatening.
Dwell time is a strong point, rated highly due to the blade's ability to grip the ball firmly. This extended contact period is perfect for loading the ball with heavy spin, making it highly effective for loopers and players who rely on spin variation to win points.
The blade finds a sweet spot in flexibility. It has enough stiffness from the carbon for direct power on hits, yet sufficient flex from the wood core to aid in spin generation and provide a catapult effect on loops. This moderate flexibility supports a versatile stroke repertoire.
Vibration feedback is moderate and well-balanced. The inner carbon and wood plies work together to absorb some of the harsher frequencies, resulting in a sensation that is neither too stiff and buzzy nor overly dampened and dead. This contributes positively to the overall feeling of control and connection.
Crafted in Japan, the Zebarate exhibits excellent build quality. The wood selection is premium, the PB Carbon layers are integrated seamlessly, and the overall finish is precise and durable. Players appreciate its solid construction and consistent performance, noting it feels like a high-end product designed to last through rigorous play.
Technology
Yasaka Zebarate employs an 'Inner Force' construction technology. This design philosophy strategically places the composite materials—in this case, two layers of proprietary PB Carbon—closer to the blade's core rather than on the outer surfaces. PB Carbon itself is a blend of lightweight PB fiber and high-resilience carbon fiber. The goal is to harness the speed, stability, and repulsion of carbon while insulating the player from a harsh, direct feel. By keeping the outer layers wood, the technology aims to preserve the softer touch, enhanced ball grip, and tactile feedback of an all-wood blade, creating a unique hybrid that feels wood-like but performs with carbon-enhanced power.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC / Apolonia ZLC
Many players find the Zebarate offers a very similar playing experience to Butterfly's Innerforce ZLC series. The construction philosophy and material placement are comparable, resulting in a akin blend of inner-carbon power with a controlled, connected feel. The Zebarate is often viewed as a compelling alternative that delivers comparable performance characteristics.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
For players who find the Timo Boll ALC a bit too fast or direct, the Zebarate serves as an excellent alternative. Our testing shows the Zebarate provides more dwell time, a softer feel, and greater emphasis on control, while still offering plenty of speed for offensive play. It's a popular choice for those seeking a slightly less aggressive and more feeling-oriented carbon blade.