What Makes This Blade Built for Defense?

The Innershield Layer ZLF is Butterfly’s only composite blade designed specifically for chopping and defensive play. Its oversized 166x155mm head extends the hitting surface beyond standard offensive blades (typically 157x150mm), giving defenders extra reach on wide returns from 2-3 meters behind the table. At 4.0/10 speed and 10/10 control, the blade absorbs incoming topspin and converts it into heavy backspin chops with minimal effort.

Two inner ZL Fiber layers provide just enough structural reinforcement to prevent the blade from feeling dead on contact. Pure all-wood defensive blades can feel hollow and unpredictable against heavy topspin; the ZL Fiber adds consistency without introducing the stiffness that carbon brings. Each chop produces uniform backspin regardless of where the ball contacts the blade face, a critical advantage when defending against opponents who vary their loop placement.

At $190, the Innershield Layer ZLF has no direct Butterfly competitor. Defensive players choosing between this blade and the offensive-oriented Innerforce Layer ZLF (same price, 7.5/10 speed, 8.5/10 control) face a clear distinction: the Innershield sacrifices 3.5 speed points to gain 1.5 control points and the larger head size.

How Should Choppers Set Up This Blade?

Long-pimple rubber on the backhand side is the standard defensive pairing. The blade’s low speed prevents the long pimples from sending returns too fast, keeping chops low and heavy with backspin. On the forehand, an inverted rubber with moderate speed allows occasional counter-attacks when the opponent’s return sits high.

The Viscaria at 9.0/10 speed represents the opposite end of Butterfly’s blade spectrum. Players who combine chopping with aggressive topspin attacks need a blade between these extremes, but pure defenders who commit fully to the chopping style find the Innershield’s 10/10 control irreplaceable.