Butterfly Innershield ZLF
Blade description:
This defensive-oriented blade features a 3+2 construction incorporating Zylon Fiber (ZLF) layers. It is defined by a distinct, highly flexible composition that produces significant vibration and a soft, dampened feel upon contact. While it maintains a slow base speed suited for traditional chopping, the blade possesses a unique gear system that allows for surprisingly effective counter-attacks when paired with the correct rubber setup.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Feedback: The blade provides a soft, “mushy” sensation rather than a crisp or direct feel. High levels of flex contribute to an extended dwell time, which assists in generating spin on controlled strokes.
- Defensive Utility: It is highly effective at absorbing incoming kinetic energy, making it suitable for absorbing heavy topspin during chops and blocks. Passive blocking may result in balls landing shorter than expected, necessitating active, spin-oriented strokes to get the most out of the blade’s performance.
- Stiffness and Vibration: Despite the presence of Zylon Fiber, the blade is characterized by notable vibration. While some users appreciate this for feedback, others find it excessive. The combination of high flex and high vibration requires a deliberate, active playing style to remain effective.
- Construction Notes: The handle is designed to be relatively thin, which may impact grip preference for some users. Due to the specific fiber and wood composition, finding the optimal rubber combination—particularly for the forehand—can be a challenge, as the blade’s performance profile varies significantly depending on the sponged rubber applied.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — June 2021
A soft feeling but a stiff blade! ZLF layers add stiffness to this blade, but it has a very soft feel, which is great. In my humble opinion, Innershield ZLF is suited to long pimples with sponge, at least 0.5mm, and a medium to hard backside.
My personal setup is Grass D-Tecs (0.5mm) and Hurricane 3 Neo (orange sponge). I managed to solve the equation of the plastic ball, which was hard as hell and led me to try so many materials. The search ended with this blade and those rubbers.
This is one of my favorite blades ever, although it’s on the expensive side.
#2 — July 2017
Very nice blade for chops and lobs. It has a slow speed with lots of flex. Due to its strong deadening effect, the ZLF doesn’t play passive shots very well. It requires active, spin-based strokes to truly excel. Blocks go back shorter than imagined, making it unsuitable for power blockers.
Despite its limitations, the ZLF offers several gears and can attack relatively well. It’s primarily designed for spinning the ball rather than smashing it. However, even loop drives can feel somewhat flimsy due to the blade’s high flex and “give.” The lack of a crisp sensation is noticeable compared to harder, more attacking blades like the Joo Se Hyuk.
The Innershield ZLF generates significant vibrations, reminiscent of a tuning fork. This can be problematic for players who experience carpal tunnel syndrome.
While the ZLF is a capable defensive blade for choppers, it falls short of being the best. There are better pure chopping blades and blades that excel at both chopping and attacking.
#3 — May 2016
I do not know why many people looked down on this blade. I have tried it with T05 and TSP Spectol. My first impression is that it is a slow blade, quite like a Def+ blade. However, its flex is really high. It can generate the power of an All+ OFF- blade when needed. The dwell time is very high, and I feel that I can generate massive spin on it. The one small thing that I dislike about it is that its handle is quite thin for me, even though I am an average-sized Southeast Asian guy.
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