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Review: Harimoto IF Super ZLC

Autor: Karel Malík

Today, we will focus on the BUTTERFLY Harimoto Innerforce Super ZLC blade.

 

 

Hello everyone!

Today, we’re looking at the promised Harimoto Innerforce Super Zylon Carbon. At times, this might sound like a table tennis fairy tale, but who wouldn't want to play with a blade that obeys your every command?

A Brief History Lesson

Super Zylon Carbon (SZLC) is, simply put, a more densely woven version of the classic ZLC carbon. According to Butterfly, this results in less energy loss during impact, increased speed, stiffness, a larger sweet spot, and better control.

The first SZLC blade was the Zhang Jike SZLC (April 2013), followed a year later by the Jun Mizutani SZLC (July 2014). Now, after six years, the collection grows with the Harimoto Innerforce SZLC. While the first two are "outer" blades (composite right under the surface), this is the first-ever blade to use the INNERFORCE system with SZLC, placing the composite directly on the core.

Specifications & Technical Details

Officially launched on April 1, 2020. Interestingly, my test sample had a serial code starting with "T" (manufactured in 2019), whereas the Revoldia CNF released at the same time starts with "U" (2020).

Comparison: Harimoto SZLC vs. Zhang Jike SZLC

  1. Speed: Butterfly rates them similarly (12.0 vs 12.3). Personally, I feel the Zhang Jike is slightly faster overall, but on high-power shots, the Harimoto matches it easily.

  2. Accuracy: Both are precise, but the Harimoto is phenomenally accurate.

  3. Stiffness: The Zhang Jike is definitely stiffer, which matches the official vibration ratings.

  4. Dwell Time: A total game-changer. It feels like you can do whatever you want with the ball for as long as you want. For such a fast blade, the dwell time is remarkably long—significantly longer than the Zhang Jike SZLC.

  5. Feel: The Harimoto has a softer, more refined feel, providing clear feedback directly into the player's palm.

  6. Arc: Quite high, definitely higher than the Zhang Jike SZLC.

The Gameplay: Pure Fantasy

I must admit, I’ve never been a fan of Innerforce blades. I always found them sensitive and good for spin, but lacking dynamics and having annoying vibrations. This, however, is a completely different league.

If I had to use one word, it would be: FANTASY. With almost every stroke, you feel like you can't make a mistake. When playing passively or with low power, the blade feels soft and perfectly precise—like a sensitive all-wood blade. You wouldn't even guess it's a fast carbon blade.

But as soon as you add swing and power, the SZLC layer kicks in, and the dynamics increase immensely. Everything hits the table with incredible pace and, crucially, unbelievable accuracy. Whether you are "caressing" the ball or "smashing" it with everything you've got, the blade obeys you.

Key Strengths:

The Verdict

The Harimoto Innerforce SZLC is perfectly tailored for the modern game—close-to-the-table aggression and precise over-the-table play. If it has a weakness, it would be long-distance play away from the table, but let's be honest: who wants to grind away from the table when you can dominate at the table with this masterpiece?

This is a breathtaking "masterpiece" by Butterfly. Despite the high price tag, I believe it will become a favorite in the TT community. Even professionals will be tempted by its inner strength and absolute precision.

Karel Malík

Buy it here:

https://www.vsenastolnitenis.cz/cz/dreva/butterfly-harimoto-if-super-zlc-10102005