Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC Offensive Shakehand Blade

An offensive blade where ZL Carbon delivers a light, lively bounce.

The Timo Boll ZLC is an offensive shakehand blade combining 5 wood plies with 2 layers of ZL Carbon. Its reaction property (a guide to how much bounce the blade has) of 11.7 and vibration property (a measure of vibration frequency — the higher the number, the firmer the feel) of 10.8 are both on the higher side among the offensive shakehand blades we carry. It suits players who want to attack by using speed.

Features

• The blade is built from 5 wood plies layered with 2 sheets of ZL Carbon.
• Reaction property 11.7 and vibration property 10.8 are both on the higher side among the offensive shakehand blades we carry.
• At 5.5 mm, the blade thickness is slightly thinner than our median of 5.8 mm.
• The average weight of 85 g is slightly light among the offensive shakehand blades we carry.
• You can choose between an FL (Flared) or ST (Straight) grip.

Recommended for

• Players who want an attacking game built around speed
• Those looking for a slightly thin, lightweight carbon-fiber blade
• Players who want to attack with good tempo from close to mid-distance from the table

Pros and things to consider

Pros

• Both reaction and vibration properties are on the higher side among our offensive shakehand blades, making it easier to produce powerful shots.
• At 5.5 mm thick and 85 g on average, it is slightly thinner and lighter than the median for our offensive shakehand blades.
• Made in Japan, a good fit for players who want a Japanese-made blade.

Things to consider

• Because the reaction property is on the higher side, beginners may find the ball tends to float.
• If you sand the grip to adjust its shape, the ZL Carbon fibers may fray.
• 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. Which is better, the FL or ST grip?

A. The FL (Flared) grip widens toward the end, at 24 mm thick and 34 mm across the end. The ST (Straight) grip is straight and slightly slimmer, at 22 mm thick and 27.5 mm across the end. Choose based on which feels better in your hand.

Q. How thick is the blade?

A. The blade thickness is 5.5 mm, slightly thinner than the median (5.8 mm) for the offensive shakehand blades we carry.

Q. How many plies does the blade have?

A. It combines 5 wood plies with 2 layers of ZL Carbon.

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.