Butterfly Jun Mizutani
Blade description:
This offensive-rated blade features a 5+2 construction, utilizing Limba outer plies in combination with Zylon-Carbon composite layers. Designed for advanced, two-winged attacking players, it balances speed and dwell time to produce high-spin loops and accurate, aggressive attacking shots.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Dwell Time: The blade is noted for a unique, soft, and “dwelly” feel, attributed to the elastic properties of the Zylon-Carbon composition. This creates a longer contact time with the ball, which aids in generating significant spin and managing high-arc loops.
- Stiffness and Speed: While often characterized as an offensive blade with substantial power, it is generally considered more controllable than extreme speed-focused carbon blades. It performs effectively in both close-to-the-table play and mid-distance rallies. The blade exhibits a linear response, where it feels precise during delicate short-game play, yet offers a pronounced catapult effect when engaging the Zylon-Carbon layers during high-intensity swings.
- Versatility: Beyond looping, the blade is capable of consistent blocking and driving. Because of the wide sweet spot, it remains forgiving even during high-impact shots.
Handling and Construction
- Physical Properties: The blade typically weighs between 88g and 92g. Some users find the handle design to be relatively slim compared to other professional blades.
- Skill Requirements: Due to its speed and responsiveness, the blade is best suited for advanced players (typically recommended for those at a competitive level) who have developed the technique necessary to manage its performance characteristics. Beginners may find the speed difficult to control, particularly during the short game or aggressive smashes.
Submit a Review
Recent Reviews
#1 — October 2022
I’m reviewing this blade as a former Harimoto Innerforce ZLC user. This blade is said to be the middle ground among the five ZLC Brothers. It’s a bit faster than the Harimoto ZLC, but slower than the FZD and ZJK ZLC. Since I’ve never used the regular Innerforce ZLC, it’s not included in this comparison.
I paired it with an Hxer grip on the forehand (FH) and a RHYZEN 48 on the backhand (BH). It’s a decent setup, but I don’t think many people will enjoy it. I didn’t like it very much, so I gave it to a training buddy. I may adjust the phrasing slightly for clarity.
#2 — December 2020
I’m using Tenergy 80 for forehand and backhand with this blade, and it’s awesome. It offers full control; the speed and spin are good enough to win points. Looping is very consistent, strong, and powerful.
Update: I’ve since changed the rubbers for FH and BH to Xiom Vega Pro for FH and Rakza 7 for BH, and it’s amazing. Humblebear was right; it’s the perfect combo for me. After a week, it feels like a beast!
#3 — November 2019
My blade weighs 88g at a thickness of 5.65mm. Similar to the second edition Mizutani ZLC, it plays almost identically, except for a slight increase in speed. This blade is ideal for offensive play, providing excellent feel and control while still being fast enough to end points efficiently.
Despite its OFF speed rating, it borders on OFF+. A unique characteristic of this blade is its soft feel, with a lot of dwell time for a carbon blade attributed to the elastic zylon composition added by Butterfly. This allows for immense spin generation and a pleasing arc. The blade momentarily grips the ball, enabling precise placement and super spinny loops and underspin flicks.
While I also own the Super ZLC version, I prefer this blade as it feels more controllable on defense. It retains a similar playing style but is slower, slightly softer, and offers more control. Its speed is notable but not excessive, surpassing the Freitas ALC yet falling just short of the TB T5000 and MJ SZLC.
While the FL handle is smaller than I prefer, like the ZJK, the softer limba top veneer, as opposed to the koto used in the ZJK, makes this my current favorite blade.
To summarize my review: Speed=9.35; Control=9.5; Spin=9.5; Feel=9.5 (ideal, dwelly, precise, cushy); Flick=easy+; Flex=6.5; Hardness=4; Balance=good; FL grip=smaller; Dwell=exc; Smash, flat hit, block, and Drive=exc; Loop=exc; throw=avg; Serve=exc; Sweetspot=huge; touch shot=good; push=good+; Sound=loud pop; Overall=9.7.
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