Butterfly Innerforce ZLC vs Sanwei Nova Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Innerforce ZLC | Sanwei Nova Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | Soft-medium; woody feel with ZLC carbon layers near the core | stiff, linear, direct |
| handle | AN / FL / ST | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 ZLC carbon (inner ZLC construction) | 5-ply: Hinoki + carbon + Kiri core |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| weight_g | 84 | 90 (plus or minus 5g) |
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The Butterfly Innerforce ZLC and Sanwei Nova Carbon are both carbon blades, but at different price tiers and for different players. The ZLC is a premium inner-carbon blade for advanced players seeking versatility and touch. The Nova is a budget Hinoki-carbon blade for intermediate attackers who want decisive, linear feel without premium pricing.
The ZLC maintains dwell and versatility across all strokes. The Nova delivers stiff, direct feedback optimized for aggressive mid-distance attacks and flat drives. The ZLC is more adaptable; the Nova is more demanding. The Nova’s high stiffness reduces dwell, making heavy topspin and close-table touch difficult. The Nova offers genuine value for intermediate attackers, but the ZLC is more complete. Build quality also differs; the ZLC is premium while the Nova shows noticeable weight variation. If you want a complete, versatile blade, the ZLC. If you attack decisively from mid-distance and want to experience Hinoki-carbon on a tight budget, the Nova is a reasonable entry point.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
Both rate OFF, but the ZLC has more consistent power. The Nova feels faster in isolated smashes due to stiffness.
Does the Nova support heavy looping?
No. High stiffness and minimal dwell make heavy topspin loops difficult and frustrating.
Is the Nova suitable for beginners?
Not recommended. Its stiffness and lack of dwell demand at least intermediate technical skill.
Which blade has better build quality?
The Innerforce ZLC, which is premium finished. The Nova shows noticeable weight and finish variation.