Butterfly Innershield Layer ZLF Defensive Shakehand Blade

A defensive, cut-oriented blade with ZL Fiber built in.

The Innershield Layer ZLF is a defensive (cut) shakehand blade with 2 layers of ZL Fiber placed inside 5 wood plies. Its reaction property (a guide to how much bounce the blade has) of 5.5 and vibration property (a measure of vibration frequency — the higher the number, the firmer the feel) of 4.9 are especially low among the shakehand blades we carry. It suits players who want to play a cut-centered game.

Features

• 2 sheets of ZL Fiber are built into 5 wood plies using Inner Fiber construction, which places the special material toward the inside of the blade.
• The reaction property of 5.5 is especially low among all the shakehand blades we carry.
• The vibration property of 4.9 is also especially low among all our shakehand blades, indicating a softer feel on paper.
• The blade size is a Semi-Large 166×155 mm.
• You can choose between an FL (Flared) or ST (Straight) grip.

Recommended for

• Players who want a defensive game centered on cutting
• Those who want to control the ball with a blade that keeps bounce in check
• Players who want to try a Semi-Large blade size

Pros and things to consider

Pros

• Both reaction and vibration properties are especially low among our shakehand blades, which tends to make it easier to keep the ball's speed in check.
• The blade size is a Semi-Large 166×155 mm, giving it a generous hitting surface.
• Made in Japan, a good fit for players who want a Japanese-made blade.

Things to consider

• Because both the reaction and vibration properties are low, players who want to attack with powerful shots may find it lacking.
• As a blade built for cutting, it is not well suited to drive-centered attacking play.
• As a wood blade, there is some natural variation in weight and dimensions from piece to piece.

Specifications

Figures are the manufacturer's published values. Speed, spin, arc, sponge hardness, reaction property and vibration property are Butterfly's own indices.

FAQ

Q. What kind of racket is a cut-type shakehand blade?

A. It is a shakehand blade for players who mainly use cuts (a defensive stroke that returns the ball with backspin). This blade has a reaction property of 5.5 and a vibration property of 4.9, making it built to keep bounce especially low among the shakehand blades we carry.

Q. Is the blade size different from Regular?

A. Yes. At 166×155 mm, it is a Semi-Large size, larger than Regular.

Q. Does this come with rubber?

A. No, this product is the blade only. Please choose 2 sheets of rubber for both sides, plus glue and side tape, separately.

Before you buy

• This item is ordered from our supplier after you place your order, then shipped from Japan.
• If it is out of stock at the manufacturer or supplier, delivery may take longer. If a restock is not expected, we may cancel your order. We will contact you by email in either case.
• Ships from Osaka, Japan by Japan Post. We ship this item to the United States, Australia and Brazil. Shipping fees are shown at checkout.
• United States: we prepay the US import duty. It is included in the shipping fee shown at checkout, so there is nothing to pay on delivery.
• Australia: no import duty or GST for orders of A$1,000 or less.
• Brazil: import taxes (about 93–100% of the order value including shipping) are paid by the recipient on delivery. Your CPF number is required for customs; we will ask for it by email after you order.
• Rubbers are sold separately. Please also choose two rubbers, glue and edge tape.
• The average weight is a guide. Because the blade is made of wood, weight and grain vary from blade to blade.
• Images are for illustration. Colors may look different depending on your screen.
• Specifications and design may change without notice.