Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC
Blade description:
The Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC blade is a high-performance table tennis blade designed for advanced players looking to elevate their game. Constructed with a unique composition of 5 plies of wood and 2 plies of ZL fiber, this blade offers an ideal blend of speed, spin, and control. Specifically, the 5.5 mm thickness and the stiff nature of the blade provide excellent feedback on hits, catering to aggressive playing styles that favor fast attacks and powerful strokes.
Weighing in at 86 grams, the Zhang Jike ZLC falls into the medium-weight category, offering a balanced feel that enhances maneuverability without compromising power. Players appreciate the blade’s stiffness, rated at 5.4, which contributes to its ability to generate significant speed with a fast stroke. However, the lower hardness rating of 3.9 suggests an optimal balance between feel and hardness, enabling players to achieve both spin and speed, especially in top-spin plays. Users have noted that this blade excels in producing high-arcing shots, which can be particularly lethal against opponents who struggle with spin.
For those considering alternatives, while the Zhang Jike ZLC is a standout choice, blades such as the Mizutani Jun ZLC exhibit similar attributes with slight differences in feel and performance. Each player may gravitate towards a blade that aligns with their specific playing style—whether that’s looping or hitting. Overall, the Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC represents a fantastically engineered option for competitive players seeking to amplify their spin capabilities and enhance their overall game.
Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2024
Many users are unqualified to rate blades and rubbers, even beginners. They lack the experience necessary to provide meaningful assessments.
The ZJK ZLC exhibits a medium-high arc attack on both the forehand and backhand when paired with TGY05 and TGY 05 Hard rubbers. It excels in slow, tricky topspins due to its central sweet spot. Exploiting this characteristic allows for fast and slow attack-defense variations in speed. Pushes are close to the net, and drives are fast with the center blade.
The TB-ALC is slightly faster than the ZJK-ZLC, as indicated in Butterfly’s comparison chart.
There are many very good blades available, but it’s important to choose carefully to match your personal preferences. Many variables exist, such as high arc versus medium arc, head-heavy versus not head-heavy, and tacky versus non-tacky rubbers.
In my opinion, a blade with 5.5 mm hinoki outer plies would not have a 3.9 hardness rating. Beginners may have difficulty understanding this aspect of blade construction.
#2 — March 2024
I own the straight handle version and found it too big. It was never comfortable in my hands. It’s a good blade, but the price is too high.
#3 — May 2022
Blade Review
Blade: Yinhe T-11 Plies: 5 Weight: 85g Thickness: 6.0mm Speed: Medium Control: High Feel: Soft
Review:
The Yinhe T-11 is a great blade for all-around play. It has a medium speed that makes it suitable for both offensive and defensive shots. The high control of the blade allows for precise placement of shots. The soft feel of the blade provides good feedback and makes it comfortable to play with. Overall, the Yinhe T-11 is a great choice for players of all levels who are looking for a blade that offers a good balance of speed, control, and feel.
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