Butterfly Jun Mizutani

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.

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!

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.

Excellent blade. It’s amazing with power, looping, and control. The sweet spot is wide. The only con is that the ZL logo erased in the handle…

I have used this bat ever since it was released. In terms of speed, this bat is “fast enough” for an OFF bat. It is definitely fast, but just a step away from being incredibly fast.

Control-wise, this is probably as good as you can get on an OFF bat. You can pretty much place the ball wherever you desire on the table. The grip feels very nice, making the transition from backhand (BH) to forehand (FH) and vice versa extremely smooth and delightful.

Using this blade with two attacking rubbers - Rasanter V47 (BH) and MX-S (FH) - for a relatively defensive play style is like a dream. The control this bat provides, along with its “sufficient” speed, allows you to outplay your opponents. I highly recommend this blade, even though Butterfly no longer manufactures it.

Changed from Innerforce ULC, I’ve also used the DHS HK III, and the TB T5000 before those. Control-wise, it’s almost right up there with the HK, but a bit too stiff to feel safe enough. It’s fast, almost as fast as the T5000, but more consistent and forgiving. I’d come from a medium blade and went into a medium-hard one. I like being in between, but I’m still getting used to the feel. The feedback is good enough, but I’d like to get a bit more vibration from it. It’s a good balance between speed and control. Medium distance and defensive play are the best I’ve had. It just lacks on backhand consistency for my gameplay. I’ll swap my current rubber to a slower one to see how it fares.

True, it takes a few sessions or hours to get used to handling the short game. However, everything else will compensate you for those adaptation practices. Once you have tamed this monster, it is better than Innerforce ZLC, has more energy (and perhaps even faster) than ZJ Super ZLC, and feels greater than any other carbon blades out there. I have tried a few, and smashes are perfect.

Opening loops require your most delicate touch, but what doesn’t, frankly? This is not a sport of crazy straight hitters, and never has been. So, if you want to improve your skills in a way that you do not have to fear reaching the limits of the equipment, just put some Tenergies on this blade and enjoy life.

Speed and control are amazing, allowing for both close-up and long-distance play. Spin and loop capabilities are exceptional, generating high levels of spin. Blocking, pushing, driving, and even smashing are executed flawlessly. This blade perfectly aligns with my playing style, significantly enhancing my performance.

This blade is very impressive, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Despite the high ratings, I personally found the blade to be slower than expected, which is actually a positive for me. Among the available options, I highly recommend the ST handle version.

Very disappointed with its feel. It is very stiff and hard. When attached with medium rubbers, you can’t get any feeling at all and there’s no clicking sound when you loop. Even paired with soft rubbers, I still don’t like it.

Just a few words on JM:

- Expensive (but doesn’t equate to good playing characteristics). - Hard/stiff (poor control). - Excellent build quality and nice-looking. - Not for average players (US rating 2200+ can probably appreciate it more).

I really don’t get what the big deal is about this blade. The control is awful, and the feeling is just weird. With Carbon, ULC, and ALC, there were already enough technologies out there for one to find what flavor they were looking for. To me, ZLC is just a way for Butterfly to make more money.

Good blade, but the Innerforce ZLC is the blade of choice among most players.

This one is not for me. It is a very expensive blade that gives minimal advantage over other blades.

Innerforce users watch out :D.

Nittaku’s Acoustic Carbon Blade, the more flexible cousin to the Acoustic blade, is a very versatile blade that is well-suited for a wide range of play styles. The combination of limba and carbon layers gives the blade a nice balance of power and control, making it a great all-around option for both offensive and defensive players.

The Acoustic Carbon Blade is also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver and control. This is a big advantage for players who like to play a fast-paced, aggressive game. However, the blade is still stiff enough to provide good power and stability, making it a good choice for players who prefer a more controlled style of play.

Overall, the Nittaku Acoustic Carbon Blade is a great all-around blade that is well-suited for a wide range of play styles. It is a good choice for players who are looking for a blade that offers a nice balance of power and control, and it is also a good choice for players who are looking for a lightweight blade that is easy to maneuver and control.

Very similar to the Timo Boll ZLC, the different outer layers don’t make much difference. In my opinion, it’s a masterpiece, although it could do with a bit more feel.

It’s quite heavy and not as fast as rated, it’s just a mid-fast blade. It combines speed and spin due to the ZL plus carbon layers. It’s great for opening spinny loops and has more than enough power for putting away shots. Dwell time is good for service and short play.

The best blade for me is a matter of personal preference. It depends on your playing style, level of skill, and the type of game you want to play. That said, there are some general qualities that you should look for in a good blade. These include a good balance of power, control, and feel. You should also consider the weight and size of the blade, as well as the material it is made from.

Great blade, I’m not experienced, but I can control it quite well.

Absolutely beautiful blade. It easily competes with the best of the best. It is a perfect mix of speed and control. It is a little heavier than the average blade but it helps with the blocking game. The blade has a very soft feel to it. It will be a perfect addition to any player looking to improve their game.

The blade is made of Hinoki wood which is a very light and durable wood. The blade has a 7-ply construction which gives it a good amount of power. The blade is also very well-balanced which makes it easy to control.

The blade is best suited for players who like to play an all-around game. It is also a good choice for players who are looking to improve their blocking game.

Overall, the blade is a great choice for any player looking to improve their game. It is a well-made blade that offers a great combination of speed and control.

I am basing this review upon observation and two hours of use. It is awesome! I don’t have one of these “monsters” but upon observation and slight use, it has it all! Opening loops are awesome! So is driving! Pushes are heaven! I love it. Maybe it will be my future blade if I get better and can afford it!

Those are the cons. First, you have to make adjustments if you are not that good! Second, it is very expensive!

It is said to be a looper’s dream blade, and to a certain extent it is. The limba top ply gives an excellent feeling as compared to its slower and faster hinoki-wrapped relatives. As compared to Amultart, my loops were more consistent, and smashes did not lack very much in the power department.

I am a 2100-2200 level player, and I use legally tuned DHS TG2/3’s on it. I prefer them to T05 for example, since the rubbers keep you more involved in each and every shot although they create certain match-up problems against heavy-spin-oriented players. Conversely, it is a great setup to play against power players.

Blade Overview

The table tennis blade is a critical component that directly influences the overall performance of the player. It determines factors such as speed, spin, control, and overall feel. Blades are typically made from wood, but other materials like carbon fiber or composite materials are also used to enhance their properties. The best table tennis blades offer a combination of speed, spin, and control, allowing players to adapt to various playing styles.

Choosing the Right Blade

Selecting the ideal blade depends on several factors, including the player’s skill level, playing style, and preferred grip. Beginners may opt for slower blades that provide more control, while advanced players often prefer faster blades with higher spin potential. Offensive players seek blades that prioritize speed and spin, whereas defensive players prioritize control and consistency. Grip preferences also influence blade choice, with different blade shapes designed to accommodate various grip styles.

Understanding Blade Construction

Table tennis blades consist of multiple layers of wood, each contributing to the blade’s overall performance. The core layer provides the foundation and determines the blade’s stiffness and weight. Facing the core are two outer layers known as veneers, which influence the blade’s speed and spin characteristics. Carbon layers or other materials can be sandwiched between the wood layers to enhance the blade’s properties further.

Blade Characteristics

The thickness and weight of a blade impact its speed and power. Thicker blades tend to be slower but provide more control, while thinner blades generate more speed but may sacrifice some control. The shape and size of the blade’s surface area also influence its playing characteristics. Larger blades offer greater power and spin potential, while smaller blades prioritize control and maneuverability.

Popular Blade Types

All-around blades: These versatile blades strike a balance between speed, spin, and control, catering to a wide range of playing styles.

Offensive blades: Designed for aggressive play, these blades prioritize speed and spin, enabling powerful shots and high-level spin generation.

Defensive blades: Emphasizing control and consistency, defensive blades provide excellent blocking and counter-attacking capabilities.

Great blade, I use it with Tenergy 05 on the forehand and Tenergy 64 on the backhand. At first, I couldn’t control the speed. Blocks always were as fast as smashes, and if I tried to smash the ball, it would fly out. Don’t use this blade if your technique is not at least semi-advanced. It is great for looping. With my rubber combo, opponents hardly have a chance to react when I smash it. It may take a while to get used to this blade if you are using anything slower than the Butterfly Kong Ling Hui blade, which is all-round.

sHEXY BLADE

The sHEXY blade is a bit heavier than the STIGA Pro Carbon blade and the Tibhar IV-L blade. It weighs 93 grams, which is slightly heavier than the STIGA Pro Carbon blade (90 grams) and the Tibhar IV-L blade (88 grams). However, despite its heavier weight, the sHEXY blade still feels very balanced and easy to control while playing that you will hardly notice its extra 3 grams.

The sHEXY blade is made of 5-ply wood, which is a popular construction for table tennis blades. The 5-ply wood construction gives the blade a good combination of speed, control, and feel. The blade is also very durable, so it can withstand the rigors of everyday play.

The sHEXY blade is a good choice for players of all skill levels. It is a versatile blade that can be used for a variety of playing styles. The blade is also very affordable, making it a great value for the money.

I really can’t complain at all, besides the fact it cost me $307. I have a T05 fh and a bh T05FX which is a killer setup. You won’t believe how fast and good the control is. I have the Hurricane King 655 and 656 and the classic Hurricane King. The speed of the HK seems to take a tiny edge, but the control is no match for the Jun. After all, I can’t really use full force in an HK because it would fly out, but the Jun… you can use full force and have a very accurate landing. Which the speed comes to about equal… Can’t imagine any better.

For the power-spin attacker who plays with spin, speed, and power. One of the best blades I guess. Cons: heavy, very expensive.

This is truly a remarkable blade. I utilize Xiom Asia Max on both my forehand and backhand, and the loops it produces are simply incredible. While smashes can be somewhat challenging to control, overall, I am incredibly satisfied with this blade’s performance.

Great blade. It’s not as fast as I feared; BTY’s rating of 10.0 is too high. However, it still has great speed and an outstanding speed-to-control ratio. It’s easy to spin the ball and block with, and serve return works fine. It has a hard feel close to the table, but a softer, springier feel at mid-distance. I use T05 on the Mizutani.

First, I’ve been into medium-hard all-wood blades for my entire career up to now. I play in the second Bundesliga in Germany and had to switch blades because I was not satisfied anymore since the ban of speed glue. This was quite some time ago, and I have played with a lot of different materials since then, as I am sponsored by an online supplier, which allows me to play all brands.

Now to the Mizutani blade: it offers more than what has been lost with speed glue. There is a very reasonable feeling in the blade, and it has a tremendous catapult effect, probably due to the hyped material Zylon. It is easy to serve and to return with it, as you have a well-defined touch. The blade somehow softens up as you swing or hit harder, leading to a quite long dwell time and an increased throw angle. The looping game is a breeze, smashing is fun again. It’s easy to play with serious amounts of spin, both strong and slow loops are equally manageable.

I can only recommend this blade for more advanced two-winged looping players, though also blocking and more direct shots work out just fine. A very beautiful blade by the way!

This blade excels in all aspects! It offers hardness and touch for short-game play, speed, catapult, and dwell time for looping styles, and a moderate weight. I have noticed a significant improvement in my serve and return consistency and spin with this blade. My loops have improved in both spin and speed, and my passive block play has become more effective.

For an optimal experience, I recommend pairing this blade with Tenergy rubbers. With the right skills to handle a fast blade, you won’t be disappointed.

I play with Mizutani ZL Carbon搭配Tenergy 05 2.1mm on both sides for about a year, and it’s a record considering my EJ syndrome. I don’t want to change this combo because it fits my TT style perfectly. With this combo, my service is very heavy to return, but T05 is the main reason for this.

Looping is nice and easy with this blade. Loops are spiny, fast, and very controllable, allowing you to change the speed and height of your loops during a point very easily. A big reason for this is also the dwell time of this blade (GO ZYLON!!!), which is monstrous. You can also loop at the table or from a mid-distance with no problem because this blade is versatile when it comes to looping.

I would recommend this blade for both-side attacking players who want a combination of speed and feeling in their loops. I would also suggest one more thing: if you want to finish your point in one loop, I would suggest T64, but if you like rallies, you should put T05 on Mizu.

Every second spin I played with T64 on Mizutani ZL Carbon is smooth and dead. That’s why I sold a pair of T64 after one day, but maybe the reason is that I have been playing with T05 for about a year, and it fits my hand better. However, T64 fits better on Mizutani for blocking and smashing games.

This blade cannot be described with words; you should try it! I think and I am claiming that this blade is worth every dollar it costs!!!

Good blade. Not as stiff and hard as it is said by e.g. Butterfly USA. The feeling is amazing in combination with the high amount of speed. Nevertheless, most Mizutanis are a little bit heavier than 88g.

My Mizutani has about 92g (after the sealing!).

All in all, it is really recommendable for both side attacking players who want a combination of speed and feeling.