Butterfly Innerforce ZLC vs Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Innerforce ZLC | Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| feel | Soft-medium; woody feel with ZLC carbon layers near the core | Medium and offensive with notable flex and long dwell, crisp but forgiving for a carbon blade |
| handle | AN / FL / ST | FL / ST / AN |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 ZLC carbon (inner ZLC construction) | 5 wood plies plus 2 arylate-carbon outer layers (5W and 2 ALC) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| weight_g | 84 | 87 |
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The Butterfly Innerforce ZLC (discontinued) offers inner ZLC construction’s distinctive woody feel, outstanding balance of speed, spin, and control for an OFF-class blade, with large sweet spot and low vibration paying off for spin-focused technique.
The Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit is a soft, forgiving carbon blade with long dwell time making heavy topspin easy, more forgiving than Viscaria, excellent control for a carbon blade with very good blocking and counterplay, versatile across styles, and aged exceptionally well after twenty years.
Both offer soft feel with good dwell and control. Timo Boll Spirit is notably faster, actively produced, and legendary staying power. Innerforce ZLC is discontinued and expensive on resale. For modern play, Timo Boll Spirit is the clear choice.
FAQ
How do speeds compare?
Both are OFF rated, but Timo Boll Spirit feels faster due to crisp carbon feel. Innerforce ZLC slightly softer—Spirit more immediate. Spirit better for far-table play.
Which is more forgiving?
Timo Boll Spirit is more forgiving than stiffer blades like Viscaria. Both offer soft dwell, but Spirit’s twenty-year proven track record suggests consistency.
Is Spirit worth buying in 2024?
Yes. Legendary staying power, soft feel, excellent control, and proven across elite and amateur styles. Actively produced and reasonably priced.
Should you buy discontinued Innerforce ZLC instead?
No. Timo Boll Spirit offers similar soft feel with faster pace, is actively produced, and costs far less. Spirit is the modern choice for soft-feel carbon.