Why Did Patrick Franziska Choose Inner ZL-Carbon?

Patrick Franziska plays a style that transitions rapidly between heavy topspin loops and flat counter-drives, demanding a blade that supports both strokes without compromising either. The Franziska Innerforce ZLC places its ZL-Carbon layers adjacent to the core wood, creating a controlled catapult that flexes on topspin contact and firms up on flat hits. At 84g and 8.5/10 speed, the blade ranks among the lightest inner-carbon options Butterfly produces.

The 84g weight stands out against other inner ZLC blades. The Innerforce Layer ZLC uses identical fiber technology but weighs 90g, a 6g difference that translates to faster racket recovery during rapid exchanges. Franziska’s game demands quick transitions from forehand to backhand and back, often within the same rally. Every gram removed from the blade head reduces the time required to reposition between strokes.

At $270, the Franziska Innerforce ZLC costs $25 more than the Innerforce Layer ZLC. Players deciding between the two should prioritize their physical play style: heavier hitters who plant their feet and drive through the ball benefit from the Layer ZLC’s extra mass. Quick-footed players who rely on timing and positioning gain more from the Franziska model’s lighter construction.

How Does the Blade Perform from Mid-Distance?

Mid-distance loops (1.5-2.5 meters from the table) produce strong results because the inner fiber placement generates arc that dips the ball over the net with topspin. The Viscaria at 9.0/10 speed drives the ball flatter from the same distance, which increases pace but reduces the margin for error over the net. Players who loop with a more vertical stroke path find the Franziska model’s arc more consistent.

Flat drives from mid-distance carry adequate pace but lack the raw speed of outer-carbon blades like the Timo Boll ZLC at 9.5/10. The trade-off is deliberate: Franziska’s blade prioritizes control on transitions rather than maximum power on any single shot. For players rated 1600-2200 USATT, this balance suits the reality of competitive play where consistency wins more points than occasional power winners.