Butterfly Innerforce ZLC vs Nittaku Septear: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Innerforce ZLC | Nittaku Septear | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | Soft-medium; woody feel with ZLC carbon layers near the core | Soft with high dwell time |
| handle | AN / FL / ST | Straight or Concave (flared) |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 ZLC carbon (inner ZLC construction) | 7-ply all wood (Kiso Hinoki) |
| speed | OFF | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 84 | 85 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Butterfly Innerforce ZLC and Nittaku Septear occupy very different performance tiers. The ZLC is a premium OFF-class inner-carbon blade for advanced attackers seeking speed, spin, and control across all distances. The Septear is an all-wood blade rated ALL+ that sacrifices speed for outstanding control, touch, and ball placement, using premium Kiso Hinoki construction.
The ZLC suits mid-distance attackers and modern players who need carbon-class finishing power. The Septear suits developing and intermediate all-round players who prioritize control, feedback, and spin generation at close-to-mid distance. The Septear has exceptional dwell and soft feel; the ZLC trades some dwell for real pace. The Septear requires harder or tackier rubbers to reach full potential. If you need speed and range, the ZLC decisively wins. If you want the purest control-focused all-wood experience for stroke development, the Septear is the specialist choice.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
The Innerforce ZLC by far, rated OFF versus ALL+. The Septear requires you to generate power through technique.
Which has better dwell?
The Nittaku Septear with its Kiso Hinoki and 7-ply all-wood design has superior, longer dwell.
Can the Septear be used for mid-distance play?
Yes, but it lacks power for aggressive mid-table exchanges. Better suited to close-table precision.
Which blade pairs better with hard rubber?
The Septear performs better with hard sponges due to its soft wood nature. The ZLC is flexible with all rubber hardnesses.