Butterfly Garaydia ZLC
Blade description:
The Butterfly Garaydia ZLC is a high-performance composite blade designed for aggressive, spin-oriented play. It features a 3+2 construction utilizing thick Kiso Hinoki outer plies, Zylon-Carbon (ZLC) layers, and a Kiri wood core. The combination of thick Hinoki and ZLC results in an “airy” yet powerful feel that provides a unique balance between high-end speed and unexpected touch in the short game.
Performance Characteristics
- Spin and Dwell: The blade is highly regarded for its ability to generate heavy, loaded spin. The dwell time provided by the thick Hinoki surface allows players to grip the ball effectively during loops, making it particularly capable at attacking underspin.
- Speed and Power: Categorized as an OFF+ blade, it offers significant “kick” and power for mid-to-far distance counterattacks. While highly effective for looping and offensive rallies, some users note it is less suited for flat, hard smashing.
- Feel and Control: The blade provides a soft, dampened sensation with minimal vibration. While fast, the construction allows for precise ball placement and delicate short-game control, such as backhand flicks and soft blocks. It requires a high level of technical proficiency to fully harness its performance, with many noting a learning curve before the “true” control becomes apparent.
Design and Build
- Craftsmanship: Known for its premium aesthetics and construction, the blade includes distinct design elements like a jade-colored lens in the handle.
- Weight Distribution: Despite its overall thickness, the blade is noted for being lightweight, which aids in maneuverability during quick exchanges and table-side play.
- Suitability: The Garaydia ZLC is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who prefer an aggressive, fast-paced style but require enough dwell time to facilitate heavy topspin play.
Submit a Review
Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2021
Review:
The blade is perfect with Digincs 05 on both sides. It excels at all aspects of table tennis, providing excellent quality for every shot. Flicks are exceptionally lethal.
I have experimented with different rubbers, and D05 remains the best choice. Tenergy 05 and 09c lack the desired shot quality, while ESN rubbers lack sufficient grip.
The only potential downside is the blade’s thickness, but this is a minor issue given its overall exceptional performance.
#2 — May 2020
I own many awesome blades and this one sits there at the top along with my Donic Waldner World Champion '89 blade (both with different characteristics but with the same results). Paired the blade with Tibhar Evolution FX-P MAX on both sides.
Very powerful when hitting hard and the sound is music to the ears. Great combination for blocking and ball placement. Very nice control with a medium trajectory as long as proper technique is used.
The blade is well constructed with thick Japanese Hinoki outer plies, ZLC, and Kiri center ply. The blade without rubber weighed 91 grams and when the rubber and side tape was added the total weight is 186 grams (perfect) using 2 digital scales for accuracy and both had equal numbers.
When comparing the Garaydia ZLC to the Donic Otvcharov Carbospeed blade with the same origin and make-up they almost sound identical with the same great characteristics and playing ability. The one feature I do like with the Garaydia ZLC is how well the flared handle sits in my hand (very comfortable). Great looking blade, give it a try. Five-star blade with a 10.
#3 — December 2019
I use the T5000, and I recently purchased a ZLC after the Garaydia model was discontinued. I don’t believe there will be another Butterfly model with such thick Hinoki on the outer leaf.
When compared, both blades are similar - they are both rated as OFF +. The ZLC is slightly slower with a slightly higher arc. However, due to the ZLC, the control and block on the table are much better, and the contact time with the topspin ball is longer. This allows me to attack underspin services with ease. My services have more effect as well.
Overall, the ZLC model is undoubtedly better. The energy dispersion of the ZLC material on the topspin blocks is incredible. In such fast wood, it is easy to block aggressively but also to perform a soft block with the ball bouncing two or more times on the opponent’s side.
In short, the ZLC is an OFF + blade with very thick, good quality Hinoki wood in the outer sheet. This produces surprisingly good control in the block and in the short game. I currently use the ZLC with Tenergy 05 (FH) and 05FX (BH), and my game is still fast and aggressive, but I have better control.
Get Notified of New Equipment and Reviews
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ No spam or other useless stuff. We plan to send out some newsletters from time to time with the latest reviews and project updates. Feel free to unsubscribe at any time.