Victas ZX-GEAR IN

Harder than traditional inner carbon fiber, it is more like a Long 5 with better backhand and slightly worse forehand. It offers very good backhand control.

I’m a ten-year user of 5-ply blades. The ZX Gear In is the first composite blade I really liked. It has a very nice touch and control similar to a fast 5-ply allwood. After a few sessions, I decided to convert to it. It’s easy to loop with, like my beloved YSE, but has the power for counter-looping from a distance.

This blade is suited for control looping, offering power when desired. While looping, it provides speed and spin, while exhibiting controlled bounce outside of those scenarios. As it requires a swinging motion, it is ideal for loopers.

The flexible composite blade construction features two limba layers, followed by a Zexion layer made of zylon/carbon weave, which gives it the “IN” designation. The finish is of exceptional quality, with even thickness and no asymmetries. The FL handle is slightly larger and more squared than the HL5 and weighs around 90g. The blade produces a muted, woody sound during bounce, contributing to its overall sturdy and reliable feel.

Currently, it is equipped with H3 on FH and Rakza7 on BH and provides a high throw angle, a consistent sweet spot, and a wooden feel. While the bounce is consistent, there is a noticeable difference when the ball lands further from the center. Looping generates significant speed and spin, while smashes are not as fast. The zylon/carbon layer appears to activate primarily parallel to the blade, contributing to the “power only when needed” control.

With proper technique, forceful strokes result in the ball consistently going in, especially when playing away from the table. The blade excels at blocking and counter looping, as it absorbs the perpendicular component of the oncoming ball, akin to smashes. It allows for effective over-the-top strokes without the risk of hitting the net. Underspin attacks are also manageable, making over-the-table shots, including FH, significantly easier. Additionally, it facilitates short, low, and spinny pushes.

One observation from a friend who uses the HL5 is that the ZX-IN has less speed when played from further distances. In comparison to the Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon, another inner carbon blade, the ZX-IN offers more dwell and a higher throw angle, allowing for more effective over-the-top strokes.

Victas crafts blades with exceptional quality, and the ZX-Gear In (ZXGi) is a prime example. Every inch of its surface exudes smoothness, even extending to the handle and wings. I suspect the top plies may have received a varnish coating, resulting in an artificial shine and smoothness.

ZXGi synergizes remarkably with Chinese tacky rubbers, unlike previous Victas blades I’ve tested. I paired it with a boosted 40-degree commercial H3 on the forehand, achieving astonishing results. The last composite bladed structure I used was the Hurricane Long 5x, but it proved too fast for my preferences. Controlling HL5x’s aggressive catapult effect was challenging, particularly when blocking strong shots.

In contrast, ZXGi offers a slower pace and a more manageable catapult effect, facilitating precise and consistent blocking. It boasts an extraordinary dwell time, allowing you to generate immense spin on every shot. The high throw angle provides ample safety when playing over the table or initiating attacks against backspin. ZXGi also exhibits decent top gear speed when additional power is applied. I’m continually impressed by how effortlessly it transitions away from the table despite its soft feel and excellent control.

Due to its softer nature compared to outer structure composite blades like Ovtcharov true carbon or Viscaria, ZXGi’s drives and smashes possess less speed and impact. However, this sacrifice is compensated by increased spin and consistency, which I find highly advantageous.

In summary, ZXGi is an ideal blade for loopers. If you find HL5x overly fast, I highly recommend considering ZXGi. It complements both Chinese tacky rubbers and tensor rubbers (I personally use Vega Pro on the backhand).