Weight
88g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhang Jike
Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC is a high-performance blade for aggressive attackers seeking a masterful balance of power and control. Its 5-wood + 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction delivers a responsive, medium-soft feel with excellent reaction capabilities. The ALC technology enhances speed while effectively dampening vibration, creating a larger sweet spot for forgiving off-center hits. This versatility allows for seamless transitions from delicate touch shots to explosive attacks. Crafted in Japan, it embodies precision engineering and the dynamic spirit of its legendary namesake, making it a top choice for advanced players.
This 5-wood + 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction is classic for high-performance Butterfly blades. The outer Koto plies offer a crisp feel and good ball grip, while the inner Limba and Kiri provide flexibility and feel. The strategically placed ALC fiber layers enhance speed, increase the sweet spot, and reduce vibration without making the blade overly stiff, perfectly balancing power and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zhang Jike ALC operates in the mid-fast to fast range. The Arylate-Carbon layers significantly enhance reaction and power, enabling powerful attacking shots, especially when paired with dynamic rubbers. Despite its speed, it retains enough control for effective slower shots, making it a versatile offensive weapon.
This blade is praised for its excellent control alongside its speed. The ALC layers dampen vibrations, contributing to a softer feel and a larger sweet spot that enhances overall controllability. This balance allows for precise ball placement and confident spin generation even during the fastest rallies.
Zhang Jike ALC delivers a soft to medium-soft feel. The ALC fiber layers absorb vibration, creating a more cushioned and forgiving touch compared to stiffer carbon blades. This characteristic enhances ball-gripping and dwell time, which is crucial for producing heavy spin.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which is advantageous for generating powerful topspin loops with a good arc, helping the ball clear the net effectively.
Our testing shows the blade provides good dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball on the racket and impart significant spin. This is essential for crafting heavy topspin loops and for maintaining control on serves and returns.
It exhibits a medium-flexible character. While the ALC fibers add stiffness over an all-wood blade, it remains more flexible than many all-carbon options. This balance supports good dwell time for spin generation while retaining enough rigidity for powerful drives.
Vibration is notably low for a composite blade. The ALC layers are highly effective at absorbing excess shock, resulting in a comfortable, controlled feel that contributes to the blade's softer touch and expanded sweet spot.
Butterfly's renowned manufacturing precision is fully present in the Zhang Jike ALC. The integration of advanced Arylate-Carbon materials, meticulous construction, and overall durability contribute to a premium, long-lasting performance that players consistently report feeling in their hands.
Technology
Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC incorporates Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fiber technology. ALC is a composite that blends Arylate and Carbon fibers. Arylate provides a soft, elastic feel and shock absorption, while Carbon adds stiffness, speed, and enlarges the sweet spot. This blend, strategically placed within the wood plies, creates a unique synergy of power, control, and tactile feedback. The technology aims to deliver high reactivity and flexibility, enabling powerful attacks with precision, while the reduced vibration enhances playing comfort and control. Manufactured in Japan, it adheres to Butterfly's stringent quality standards.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
Although Zhang Jike is famously associated with the Butterfly Viscaria, this blade was developed in his honor based on his playing style preferences. As a legendary Chinese player known for his powerful, all-around attacking game—characterized by quick topspin drives, loops, and aggressive counter-attacks—the blade's engineered characteristics of speed, control, and feel aim to suit such a dynamic style, making it a popular choice for players who emulate his game.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria shares an almost identical 5-wood + 2 ALC construction and feel, often considered a sibling blade. While subtle differences in feedback exist, many players find them interchangeable. Viscaria is equally renowned for its superb balance of speed, control, and spin, making it a direct and highly reliable alternative.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Timo Boll ALC is another premier blade with a similar 5-wood + 2 ALC build. It is frequently compared, with the primary distinctions being subtle nuances in feel and throw angle. Players seeking excellent offensive capabilities paired with good control will find the Timo Boll ALC offers a strongly comparable and high-level playing experience.