Butterfly Innerforce ZLC

The Butterfly Innerforce ZLC is an offensive-rated blade featuring a 5+2 construction. By placing the Zylon Carbon (ZLC) composite layers beneath the outer veneers—as opposed to directly under the top ply—the blade maintains a more traditional, wood-like feel while benefiting from the increased speed and enlarged sweet spot characteristic of composite materials.

Playing Characteristics

• Feel and Dwell: The blade is widely praised for its “woody” and intuitive touch. The combination of the Limba outer veneers and the internal Zylon Carbon provides generous dwell time, which facilitates high-spin production and looping.
• Speed and Power: While not categorized as an ultra-fast “cannon,” the blade offers substantial power that scales with the intensity of the player’s stroke. It is frequently described as having multiple gears, providing stability and control during short-game play, blocks, and pushes, yet transitioning to a high-speed offensive tool when attacking with full, aggressive strokes.
• Control and Stability: Users consistently highlight its high level of control, noting that the ball trajectory is predictable and accurate. Its stability makes it particularly effective for counter-attacking and blocking.

Considerations

• Weight Distribution: Due to the slightly larger blade face, some players may find the setup becomes head-heavy, depending on the weight and thickness of the rubbers applied. Reported weights for the bare blade typically fall between 79g and 93g.
• Maintenance: The handle material and design are noted for being prone to accumulating dirt or moisture over time, and the surface requires careful cleaning when removing water-based glues.
• Skill Level: While often recommended for intermediate players looking to advance their game, it is a high-performance offensive blade that rewards consistent technique and proper stroke mechanics.