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Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce Super ZLC
Blade description:
The Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce Super ZLC blade presents a unique fusion of cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship, designed for players seeking high-speed performance without sacrificing control. This seven-ply blade is composed of a precise arrangement featuring limba and ayous woods, interlaced with ZLC (Zylon Carbon) materials. The integration of these advanced composites results in a blade that not only excels in speed, rated at an impressive 9/10, but also offers commendable control with a score of 8.7/10.
Weighing in at 91 grams and measuring 6.2 mm in thickness, the Harimoto Super ZLC is positioned as a medium-weight blade, providing a balanced feel in hand. Its moderate flexibility, rated at 5.6 in stiffness, allows for an engaging playing experience, where the blade can absorb energy during strokes while still repaying it with speed. Players have noted the Super ZLC’s responsiveness in quick exchanges and its capability to support various offensive styles, making it well-suited for aggressive play.
For those considering alternatives, the Harimoto Super ZLC competes closely with blades such as the Butterfly Viscaria and other ZLC models, offering distinct advantages in terms of spin and touch. However, some players may find that it requires careful selection of rubbers; for optimal performance, it has been suggested to pair it with slower, more controlled rubbers, as faster sheets can compromise its generally excellent dwell time. Whether you are looping, flicking, or engaging in counter-attacking play, this blade promises a sophisticated experience that combines beauty, agility, and advanced technology in table tennis.
Recent Reviews
#1 — August 2021
Nice blade; I’ve used many Inner-fiber SZLC blades. I’m using Tibhar Evolution MX-S Max on both sides. This combination offers a very nice touch and feel for ball placement with great blocking. It offers accelerated speed when the need arises. It’s good for looping, flicks, opening up, counter attacking, and everything else.
If you want a nice quality blade and the price doesn’t matter, give this one a try and you won’t be disappointed. This gorgeous-looking blade is well designed with quality craftsmanship. The head size is a little larger, and the weight is perfect for the modern table tennis game. The flared handle is almost perfect in every way and feels great. Give it a try.
#2 — August 2020
First, I will be honest here…I haven’t tried this blade. So I gave no ratings to it. Although I did some research into this composite materials that are used to justify a senseless price for a blade. First, you should know that none of this fibers are originally designed for table tennis. Their applications include bullet proof vests and thermal insulators given their high decomposition temperature. Zylon particularly is thermically stable until nearly 650°C.
Second: we get all discussion about which fiber is the best ALC, Aramid, Kevlar, etc…Here is where it gets even better. Doing my research I found out that Aramid is a general name for a class of fibers in which Kevlar itself is included. Then I went for ALC which would be Arylate Carbon. What I found out is that the name Arylate comes from the chemical group “Aryl” which is present in all Aramid fibers… so Arylate Carbon is an even more general name and precisely speaking Aramid is also an Arylate Carbon. Actually, even Zylon is an Arylate type of polymer. So what are the conclusions?
First: These fibers were not (buy any extent of imagination) developed for table tennis. Anyway….brands makes use of them and makes everyone believe that they were specially thought for table tennis. Second: given the lack of knowledge about these fibers, they are used to justify high prices. Third: The names they give is a part of their marketing.
Also from butterfly description of the “Super” ZLC technology, they are a blend of ZLC fibers and carbon (not Zylon type — which are actually less expensive) that is heated in an oven. This heating process is a common procedure even in textile manufacturers and the mainly function is to diminish tension strength which prevents the fibers yarns to curl in any mechanical process during the manufacturing. So you pay an extra 2 hundred for this.
Finally but not less interesting, with 400 dollars you can get online about 70 square meters of Zylon fiber…Excludes shipping.
#3 — June 2020
As compared to the JZK SZLC, I have a relatively different style, but here goes. I have both setups with MXP50. The Harimoto SZLC is softer and holds the ball more. It is slightly slower, and loops are more spinny. However, it is also more affected by incoming spin. Control is good.
The JZK has more power and speed. Punch blocks are better with the JZK rather than the Harimoto. Long pips on both are similar, but the Harimoto takes more spin, while the long pips on the JZK are relatively insensitive to incoming spin.