Andro Treiber Z vs Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC: Which Should You Buy?
| Andro Treiber Z | Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| feel | mild, crispy, low vibration, large sweet spot | direct and responsive with ZLC dwell |
| handle | FL, ST, AN, Chinese pen | FL/AN/ST |
| head_size | — | 157 x 150 mm |
| plies | 7-ply: kiso hinoki outer + ZLC (Z-fiber composite) inner layers + wood core | 7 plies: Koto / ZLC / Limba / Ayous / Limba / ZLC / Koto (5 wood + 2 ZL Carbon composite) |
| reaction | — | 117 |
| speed | OFF | OFF++ |
| thickness_mm | 6.6-6.8 | 5.5 |
| vibration | — | 108 |
| weight_g | 87-90 | 85 |
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These blades sit at different speed tiers. The Andro Treiber Z is a thick 7-ply composite, kiso hinoki outer plies over an inner Z-fiber layer, rated OFF and prized for an exceptional speed-to-control ratio. Its large sweet spot, low vibration, and mild crispy feel make blocks stable and the short game precise, while counter-looping is a real strength. The trade-offs are a low throw that needs medium-to-high throw rubbers, a heavier 87-90 gram weight, and limited availability since it is discontinued.
The Timo Boll ZLC is a faster, stiffer flagship, a 7-ply Koto-ZLC-Limba-Ayous-Limba-ZLC-Koto build at just 5.5mm and around 85 grams, classed OFF++. The ZL Carbon delivers explosive pace, yet the Zylon fiber holds the ball fractionally longer than plain carbon, aiding spin and blocking precision. It rewards full-swing topspin and flat hits with a low, penetrating arc, but it can feel numb at slow swing speeds, reacts sharply to incoming spin in the short game, and needs a two-to-six-week adaptation period.
Choose the Treiber Z if you want more dwell, a bigger margin in the short game, and easier control at moderate pace, if you can source one. Choose the Timo Boll ZLC if you are a committed, forehand-dominant attacker who wants top-tier ZLC speed and can supply the technique to tame its reactivity. The Timo Boll ZLC rates 9.0 to the Treiber Z’s 8.7.
FAQ
Which is easier for learning to loop?
Andro Treiber Z offers more help due to sponge characteristics.
Which offers the best value?
Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC delivers better value. Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC combines affordability with strong performance.
Which rubber maintains its grip longer?
Both have different longevity patterns handles wear better. Check specific playing conditions in detailed reviews.