Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC
Blade description:
The Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC is a professional-grade carbon composite blade featuring an Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction. While it shares a similar structural composition with the Viscaria, this blade is approximately 0.1 mm thicker and typically weighs around 90 grams. These physical adjustments result in a stiffer feel with reduced vibration, providing a more solid and powerful impact compared to thinner carbon blades.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed and Power: This blade is characterized by high linear speed and significant power reserves. It is particularly effective for finishing points from the mid-distance zone, requiring less physical effort to generate pace than more flexible or all-wooden alternatives.
- Control and Blocking: It offers high stability during passive play and blocking. The slightly shorter dwell time allows the ball to exit the racket quickly, which minimizes the impact of the opponent’s incoming spin on the block, though it requires more precise timing.
- Trajectory and Spin: On topspin attacks, the blade produces a slightly higher arc than the Viscaria. It excels in forward-moving strokes; players should focus on driving the ball forward rather than purely upward, as the blade’s speed can cause high-arcing shots to travel long.
Feel and Technical Requirements
- Stiffness: The blade feels stiffer and less “vibrant” than its counterparts. This lack of excessive vibration provides a clear, direct sensation of the ball without distracting feedback.
- Skill Level: Due to its speed and relatively short dwell time, this blade is best suited for experienced players who have already developed consistent brush-and-hit techniques. It rewards active play and provides a linear response, meaning the speed of the exit is directly proportional to the force of the stroke.
Affordable Alternatives
Several Chinese Viscaria-style blades like Yinhe Pro 01 are excellent, cost-effective alternatives to the Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC.
Buy Yinhe Pro 01 on AliExpress.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — June 2025
Wonderful blade. It’s a unique ALC Butterfly blade, unlike others in its class.
When comparing it with Viscaria, Boll ALC, and Spirit ALC, the ZJK ALC undoubtedly has a softer touch, significantly more control, more dwell time, and enhanced feeling. Despite weighing 92g, the ZJK doesn’t lack top-end speed.
This blade is a spin monster in the right hands. The throw angle is medium-high when paired with Nittaku G1 on the forehand and Xiom Vega Pro on the backhand. While all the blades compared here are good in their own ways, the differences are subtle. However, I found the ZJK to be the easiest to use and achieve the same results.
Unfortunately, this blade is due to go out of production soon.
#2 — March 2024
Like I said, the 88 gr blade is slower than the 90 gr blade. I have two at 90 gr, and I sold one because it was slower. This is because Butterfly’s standards have declined since the 1980s and 1990s. If you know how to identify the center of gravity of a paddle, you can determine its future setup. The standard distance from the handle is about 25 mm.
#3 — March 2024
I have been using the ZJK ALC (88g) for about 5-6 months. I have Andro R53 (ultr max) on the forehand and Butterfly D05 (2.1) on the backhand.
It’s pretty fast, but with control. I really like blocking/active blocking at both ends, and it’s effective. I like the feeling of it. I tried Viscaria before getting this, but it had too much vibration for my liking. However, ZJK ALC is perfect for me.
I like the rubber setup as well. It fits well on ZJK ALC for my playing style, which is closer to the table and mid-distance. However, close to the table, it’s superb. I really love the active blocking feeling, and it sets me up for a return perfectly.
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