The combination of ZL and Carbon fibers result in increased speed and vibration property of blades using ZLC. The direct touch supports precise and offensive gameplay. ZLC blades have become very popular and are also used in professional table tennis, utilized by players looking for precision and power.
ZLC — New generation of offense.
Zylon-Carbon (ZLC) is the most direct and powerful fibre category in the Butterfly range. The ZL fibre (Zylon/PBO) is 1.6 times stronger than ALC and stiffer than steel — the result is a blade with a high reaction value, direct touch, and precise offensive character. ZLC blades are aimed at experienced players who want to extract the maximum speed and directness from their technique.
Zylon meets Carbon — stiffer than steel.
The ZL fibre (PBO/Polyphenylene Benzobisoxazole) is a high-performance material from the aerospace and protective equipment industry. With 5.8 GPa tensile strength and a Young's modulus of 270 GPa, it is stiffer than steel. Combined with carbon, it creates a fibre that unites high reaction, elasticity and lightness.
Frequently asked questions about ZLC blades
What is ZLC and what does the ZL fibre mean?
ZLC stands for Zylon-Carbon. The ZL fibre (Zylon/PBO) is a high-performance material with 5.8 GPa tensile strength — 1.6 times stronger than ALC and stiffer than steel. Combined with carbon, it creates blades with very high speed and direct, precise stroke behaviour.
What distinguishes ZLC from ALC and Super ALC?
ALC is the most balanced fibre with plenty of ball feel and moderate speed. Super ALC is faster but retains the Arylate feel. ZLC is the most direct and fastest — shorter ball contact time, higher vibration, immediate reaction. ZLC is less forgiving than ALC or Super ALC and requires clean stroke technique.
Which playing styles suit ZLC blades?
ZLC blades suit experienced offensive players with fast topspin sequences and explosive attacking play. Players who play slowly with high rotation are better served by ALC or Super ALC. ZLC requires a well-established stroke technique.
Which rubbers pair best with ZLC blades?
Tenergy 05 is the classic combination. Professionals combine ZLC with Dignics 05 or Dignics 09c. Those new to ZLC should first try Tenergy 05 FX or Tenergy 80.
ZLC or Super ZLC — what is the difference?
ZLC becomes very direct and hard under strong strokes — maximum speed on flat hits. Super ZLC addresses this with a denser weaving pattern for more ball contact time even under hard impact. Super ZLC is the more modern evolution with better controllability under hard strikes.