
Weight
89.5g
Thickness
5.55mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhang Jike T5000
Butterfly Zhang Jike T5000 is a high-performance offensive blade built for explosive power and speed. Named after the legendary Chinese champion, its unique 7-ply construction combines wood with TAMCA 5000 carbon, creating a thin, stiff profile that delivers a direct trajectory and crisp feel. This design prioritizes devastating attacks with a low throw angle, yet it maintains surprisingly good control and dwell time for an OFF+ weapon. Crafted in Japan, it's a potent choice for skilled attackers who can harness its aggressive characteristics.
The blade uses a 7-ply construction with five wood layers and two layers of TAMCA 5000 carbon fiber. The layers are symmetrically arranged around a softwood core. This structure aims to provide a stiff, powerful platform from the carbon while the wood plies, particularly the core, contribute touch, control, and a degree of dwell time to the overall playing character.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zhang Jike T5000 is renowned for exceptional speed, making it a top choice for aggressive offensive play. The TAMCA 5000 carbon layers significantly boost reaction values, enabling explosive drives and smashes with minimal effort. Its direct trajectory means the ball leaves the blade quickly, which can overwhelm opponents. This blade sits firmly in the OFF+ category, designed for players who prioritize raw power and immediate ball response in their attacks.
While predominantly a speed-oriented blade, Zhang Jike T5000 offers surprisingly good control for its class. The wood plies, particularly the softwood core, help absorb impact, providing better dwell time and a crisper feel. This allows for precise placement and execution of shots even during aggressive rallies. Players report an outstanding relationship between its speed and controllability, making it manageable for advanced players who have the technique to leverage its power without sacrificing accuracy.
Zhang Jike T5000 offers a crisp and direct feel due to the combination of wood and stiff TAMCA 5000 carbon. It provides clear, distinct feedback on ball contact, allowing players to feel the impact effectively. The sensation is not overly soft; it's a firm, communicative touch that informs you precisely how the ball is leaving your racket, which is ideal for players who rely on tactile feedback for shot adjustment.
Players report the T5000 produces a lower throw angle, which is beneficial for direct attacking shots and driving the ball with power. This characteristic helps maintain a flatter, more penetrating trajectory for aggressive play, making it easier to keep the ball low and fast over the net during drives and smashes.
Despite its speed and stiffness, the T5000 provides a decent dwell time. This characteristic allows players to impart spin on the ball and maintain better control during strokes, which is crucial for offensive play involving topspin loops. The wood plies, especially the core, contribute to this slightly longer contact, helping bridge the gap between raw power and spin potential.
Zhang Jike T5000 is a relatively stiff blade. Its thin construction, combined with the rigid TAMCA 5000 carbon layers, creates a solid, unyielding platform. This stiffness is a key contributor to its speed and direct trajectory, as it minimizes flex and catapults the ball forward with maximum energy transfer, favoring driving shots over high-arc loops.
The blade has a moderate level of vibration. It transmits clear feedback upon impact, letting you feel the stroke, but it doesn't feel overly harsh or jarring. This level of vibration is typical for carbon-enhanced blades designed for speed and directness, offering a communicative feel without being uncomfortable.
Butterfly is known for exceptional build quality, and the Zhang Jike T5000 exemplifies this with meticulous craftsmanship. It uses high-quality materials and features a durable construction sealed with clear varnish, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. The integration of TAMCA 5000 carbon adds to its structural integrity. The result is a blade that feels solid, reliable, and built to withstand the demands of high-level competitive play.
Technology
Butterfly Zhang Jike T5000 utilizes TAMCA 5000, a high-performance carbon material known for exceptional strength and lightness. Significantly stronger and lighter than traditional metals, TAMCA 5000 carbon allows for blades that are both robust and agile, offering high elasticity. This material is integrated into a notably thin 7-ply construction (5 wood + 2 carbon). This design reduces overall weight for enhanced maneuverability while focusing energy transfer to deliver explosive power and a direct, linear trajectory, making it ideal for attackers who value immediate ball response.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
Zhang Jike, the blade's namesake, used this model to great success in international competitions. His aggressive, all-out attacking style—characterized by powerful forehands and decisive smashes—perfectly aligned with the blade's strengths. The T5000's speed, power, and directness complemented his dynamic approach, contributing to his numerous championship titles.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is a popular offensive blade often compared to the Zhang Jike T5000 for their aggressive nature, though Viscaria uses Arylate-Carbon (ALC). Both are favored by attackers for speed and power with a direct feel. TTSensei experts note the Viscaria might offer slightly more dwell time and a softer feel compared to the T5000's stiffer, faster characteristics, making it a choice for those wanting a blend of power with enhanced spin.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Timo Boll ALC is another highly regarded offensive blade that shares similarities with the Zhang Jike T5000. Both offer a blend of speed and control. Our analysis shows the Timo Boll ALC, with its Arylate-Carbon construction, is known for a balanced mix of speed, spin, and control. In contrast, the T5000 leans more towards raw speed and directness. Players seeking slightly more spin and a softer feel might prefer the Timo Boll ALC, while those prioritizing maximum speed and a crisp impact may choose the T5000.