Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC is a top-class table tennis blade, designed and used by Patrick Franziska, one of the leaders of the German men's national team. Manufactured in Japan, this blade is intended for offensive (OFF) players seeking balanced speed, control, and spin. Its 7-ply Innerfiber construction, consisting of 5 wood layers (limba outer, ayous middle and core) and 2 ZL-Carbon (ZLC) layers placed near the blade core, ensures high speed (~11.5/20), excellent control (~9.0/20), and high spin (~9.7/20).

The blade's rebound characteristics (10.5/10) and vibration properties (9.5/10) provide a soft yet controlled hitting feel with extended ball contact (dwell time), enabling strong topspin strokes, precise backhand flicks, and effective blocks. With a thickness of 5.7 mm and standard blade dimensions (157 x 150 mm), the Franziska Innerforce ZLC offers an outstanding balance of maneuverability and stability. Its weight (~85 g) ensures lightness, while the available handle types—flared (FL), straight (ST), and anatomic (AN)—cater to various playing styles.

Compared to the Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC (~11.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control), the Franziska Innerforce ZLC is lighter (~85 g vs. ~90 g) while maintaining identical characteristics. Online player reviews, including those on TableTennisDB, Revspin, and TTGearLab, highlight that the blade "provides an excellent speed-control balance," "is ideal for topspin strokes and serves," and "offers a unique hitting feel," making it an excellent choice for advanced and professional players seeking power and control.

Key Features:

• Blade type: Offensive (OFF)

• Rebound characteristics (speed): 10.5/10 (~11.5/20 on the general scale)

• Vibration characteristics (hardness): 9.5/10

• Speed: ~9.0/10 (~11.5/20 on the general scale)

• Control: ~9.0/10 (~9.0/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: ~9.7/20 (approximate, based on player feedback)

• Ply composition: 5 wood layers + 2 ZL-Carbon (ZLC) layers (Innerfiber construction)

• Thickness: 5.7 mm

• Blade dimensions: 157 x 150 mm

• Handle dimensions:

  • Flared (FL): 100 x 24 x 34 mm

  • Straight (ST): 100 x 23 x 28 mm

  • Anatomic (AN): 100 x 24 x 34 mm

• Weight: ~85 g

• Manufacturer: Butterfly (Japan)

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Offensive play, topspin strokes, backhand flicks, blocking, short game, attacking smashes

• Player level: Advanced, professional

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

The Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC is an elite offensive blade designed for players who demand high speed (~11.5/20), excellent control (~9.0/20), and high spin (~9.7/20). Its Innerfiber construction, with ZL-Carbon layers placed near the core (between the ayous middle and core layers), ensures longer ball contact (dwell time), enhancing spin and control.

The ZL-Carbon technology, combining carbon and Zylon fibers, provides the blade with high speed and stability while maintaining flexibility to withstand powerful opponent shots. The 5.7 mm thickness offers rigidity suitable for aggressive strokes while delivering a softer feel compared to outer-ZLC blades like the Fan Zhendong ZLC (~12.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control).

The rebound (10.5/10) and vibration (9.5/10) characteristics create a soft yet controlled sensation, ideal for players competing close to the table or at mid-distance. The weight (~85 g) ensures maneuverability, while the unique handle design—featuring a glossy lens with Patrick Franziska's initials ("P & F")—symbolizes the player's dedication to rigorous training.

Optimized for ABS balls, the blade ensures high spin and stable contact, especially when paired with high-tension rubbers like the Dignics or Tenergy series. Player feedback emphasizes that the Franziska Innerforce ZLC "delivers an outstanding speed-control balance," "excels in topspin and flick play," and "provides a unique hitting feel," making it an ideal choice for offensive players seeking power and precision.

Ply Composition:

The Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC consists of 7 plies:

• 5 wood layers (limba outer, ayous middle and core)

• 2 ZL-Carbon (ZLC) layers embedded between the ayous middle and core layers (Innerfiber construction)

The limba outer plies contribute softness and spin potential, while the ZLC layers near the core enhance speed and stability while preserving dwell time. The ayous middle and core provide lightness and balance, ensuring a well-rounded hitting sensation.

Compared to the Innerforce Layer ZLC (~11.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control), the Franziska version is lighter (~85 g vs. ~90 g) but retains identical construction. Against the Fan Zhendong ZLC (~12.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control), it is slower but offers better control due to its Innerfiber design.

Players note that the construction "delivers an exceptional spin-control combination," "is perfect for topspin play and serves," and "ensures stability in blocking," making it suitable for offensive players seeking versatility.

Trajectory and Hitting Feel:

The Franziska Innerforce ZLC features a medium-high trajectory (~8.0/10), ideal for topspin strokes, backhand flicks, and attacking smashes. The 5.7 mm thickness and Innerfiber ZLC layers ensure extended ball contact, amplifying spin—particularly in topspin strokes and serves.

The vibration properties (9.5/10) provide a softer feel compared to outer-ZLC blades, allowing precise ball placement during aggressive shots. The blade remains forgiving on off-center hits, making it suitable for players refining their technique, though solid fundamentals are still required in high-intensity rallies.

Players highlight that the blade "offers a soft yet powerful sensation," "facilitates effortless spin generation in topspin play," and "has a stable trajectory," making it an excellent choice for attackers playing close to or at mid-distance.

Control:

The Franziska Innerforce ZLC offers excellent control (~9.0/20) for its category, particularly in topspin strokes, backhand flicks, blocks, and short play. The Innerfiber ZLC layers and limba outer plies provide a softer touch compared to outer-ZLC blades, enabling precise ball control in fast exchanges.

Compared to the Fan Zhendong ZLC (~8.5/20 control), it delivers superior control due to longer dwell time. Against the Innerforce Layer ALC (~9.5/20 control), it is faster but slightly less controlled due to the ZLC layers.

Players note that the blade "is highly manageable in topspin rallies" and "allows precise ball placement in short play," making it ideal for offensive players prioritizing control.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (~9.0/10, ~11.5/20): High speed, suited for topspins, flicks, blocks, and smashes near or mid-distance. Slower than the Fan Zhendong ZLC (~12.5/20).

• Control (~9.0/10, ~9.0/20): Excellent control, especially in topspins, blocks, and attacks. Slightly less than the Innerforce Layer ALC (~9.5/20) but faster.

• Spin (~9.7/20): High spin potential, ideal for topspins, serves, and flicks, aided by extended dwell time.

• Rebound (10.5/10): Ensures dynamic ball bounce, perfect for offensive play.

• Vibration (9.5/10): Delivers a soft, controlled feel with reduced vibration.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin strokes: 9.3/10 – Highly effective, especially on the forehand, with exceptional spin and control.

• Backspin strokes: 8.6/10 – Stable chops, suitable for occasional defensive play.

• Blocking: 9.1/10 – Stable against topspins, thanks to Innerfiber ZLC and limba outer plies.

• Push strokes: 8.8/10 – Precise in short play, with excellent control.

• Chopping: 8.5/10 – Effective backspin strokes for all-round players.

• Counter-hitting: 9.0/10 – Stable counters with superb speed-control balance.

• Smashing: 8.9/10 – Powerful finishes for quick point termination.

• Serves & receives: 9.3/10 – Effective serve returns and spin generation.

• Flicks: 9.2/10 – Highly effective backhand flicks in short play.

Rubber Compatibility:

The Franziska Innerforce ZLC pairs exceptionally with high-tension rubbers that complement its speed, spin, and control:

• Butterfly Dignics 09C (~18.0/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~17.5/20 spin): Ideal for spin-focused topspin play.

• Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~19.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~17.0/20 spin): Maximizes speed and spin for aggressive attackers.

• Butterfly Tenergy 19 (~17.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~16.0/20 spin): Balances control and spin for all-rounders.

• Butterfly Rozena (~17.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin): A transitional rubber for players adapting to high-tension rubbers.

• DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~16.5/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~17.0/20 spin): Offers strong spin and control for forehand play.

For optimal performance, pair the Franziska Innerforce ZLC with Dignics 09C or Tenergy 05 on the forehand for maximum spin/speed, or Tenergy 19/Rozena on the backhand for added control.

Additional Notes:

The Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC is a premium offensive blade for players prioritizing speed (~11.5/20), control (~9.0/20), and spin (~9.7/20). Its Innerfiber ZLC technology distinguishes it by offering extended dwell time and a softer feel compared to outer-ZLC blades.

Against the Fan Zhendong ZLC, it is slower but provides better control and spin. Compared to the Innerforce Layer ALC, it is faster while maintaining excellent control.

Players praise its "exceptional speed-control balance," "effectiveness in topspin and flick play," and "unique hitting feel." The weight (~85 g) and balanced construction make it ideal for players seeking a lightweight yet stable racket.

For enhanced grip, consider Butterfly Soft Grip Tape, and use edge tape to protect the blade from table impacts. With its power, control, and value, the Franziska Innerforce ZLC is a top-tier choice for advanced/professional players aiming to dominate at the table or mid-distance!

Who Should Use the Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC?

This blade is designed for offensive and all-round players who:

• Are advanced (3–7 years of experience) seeking a fast, controllable blade with superb speed-spin balance.

• Are professionals relying on topspins, flicks, blocks, and smashes.

• Prioritize spin and control, favoring precise, spin-heavy attacks.

• Play close to the table or mid-distance, optimizing topspin play and quick counters.

Advantages:

• Speed (11.5/20): Ideal for aggressive topspins, flicks, and smashes.

• Control (9.0/20): Exceptional in fast rallies and precise placements.

• Spin (9.7/20): High spin potential for serves and loops.

• Trajectory (8.0/10): Medium-high arc for spin-heavy attacks.

• Innerfiber ZLC tech: Enhances dwell time and stability.

• Lightweight (~85 g): Ensures maneuverability.

• Durability: High-quality materials guarantee longevity.

• ITTF-approved: Legal for tournament play.

Final Verdict:

The Butterfly Franziska Innerforce ZLC is an elite offensive blade merging speed, spin, and control through Innerfiber ZLC technology. It empowers players to refine attacking techniques and dominate at the table or mid-distance, making it a premier choice for advanced and professional competitors.

Franziska Innerforce ZLC

Franziska Innerforce ZLC

Franziska Innerforce ZLC