Butterfly Garaydia ZLC

≈ 88 grams ≈ 1869 Hz

Blade description:

The Butterfly Garaydia ZLC is a highly regarded table tennis blade that embodies a fusion of advanced technology and top-quality craftsmanship. This blade is constructed with five plies, prominently featuring thick hinoki outer plies that provide a superb feel and excellent vibration dampening. The inclusion of ZL Carbon adds significant power and speed to the blade, positioning it in the “OFF+” category, making it an exceptional choice for aggressive players looking to dominate from both close and mid-distance play.

Weighing in at approximately 89g with a thickness of 7.1mm, the Garaydia ZLC strikes a good balance between being lightweight and providing substantial power. Its composition allows for a remarkable level of flexibility and control, rated at an impressive 13, ensuring that players can execute precise shots while still benefitting from the blade’s fast nature. The blade’s stiffness at 4.7 contributes to its dynamic performance, which many players noted helped them improve their game across various categories.

In terms of alternatives, players looking for similar characteristics may consider the Butterfly Viscaria or the Innerforce Layer ALC, both renowned for their balance of speed and control. However, the ZLC’s unique features, such as its exceptional spin potential and comfortable flared handle, set it apart. Many users have praised its performance, especially in looping and aggressive play, though some caution that its speed may be challenging for less experienced players. Ultimately, for those seeking a powerful and responsive blade, the Butterfly Garaydia ZLC is a worthy investment that can elevate any serious tabletop competitor’s style.

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.