Weight
88.5g
Thickness
5.55mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhang Jike ZLC
Butterfly Zhang Jike ZLC is a premium offensive blade built for players who demand power without sacrificing control. Its ZL-Carbon technology merges Zylon and carbon fibers to create a responsive yet flexible feel, perfect for aggressive attacks and fast blocking. The blade delivers a soft touch and excellent dwell time, making it a favorite among intermediate to advanced players who can generate their own power. This balanced construction supports a versatile offensive game, from powerful drives to spinny loops, all backed by Butterfly's renowned Japanese craftsmanship.
The 7-ply construction strategically layers materials for optimal performance. Outer Koto provides a hard surface for direct power. The ZLC fiber plies enhance speed and stiffness. Limba layers add feel and flex, while the central Kiri core offers lightness and contributes to the overall soft touch, creating a responsive yet controlled hybrid blade.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zhang Jike ZLC is a genuinely fast blade, engineered for offensive dominance. The ZL-Carbon technology dramatically enhances reaction speed, enabling powerful attacks and rapid counter-hits, especially from mid-distance. Players report it excels at generating high-velocity shots that pressure opponents, making it a formidable tool for an aggressive playing style.
Despite its high speed, this blade offers excellent control. The balanced hybrid construction and the unique properties of ZL-Carbon provide a good feel and sufficient dwell time. This allows players to execute precise placements, generate heavy spin on loops, and maintain composure during fast rallies, making powerful shots feel manageable and intentional.
Zhang Jike ZLC delivers a medium-soft feel that is often described as surprisingly soft for a carbon blade. The Kiri core and the elasticity of the Zylon fiber increase dwell time and provide clear, comfortable feedback upon ball contact, which aids in touch shots and spin generation.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps offensive players create arching, powerful shots that clear the net comfortably. This characteristic is beneficial for aggressive looping and attacking high balls with confidence.
The blade provides very good dwell time. The ZL-Carbon technology, paired with the wood composition, allows players to grip the ball effectively on the rubber, which is crucial for generating heavy spin on loops and topspin shots while maintaining control over the shot trajectory.
It offers a medium level of flexibility. The carbon layers provide underlying stiffness and power, but the Zylon fiber introduces a degree of elasticity and flex. This combination allows for both powerful, direct shots and shots that benefit from a catapult effect.
Vibration is moderate. While the ZLC layers add stiffness, the overall construction manages feedback well, providing enough sensation for good touch without becoming harsh or uncomfortable on off-center hits.
Butterfly's reputation for superior craftsmanship is fully realized in the Zhang Jike ZLC. It uses premium materials, including high-grade ZL-Carbon fibers and select wood plies, resulting in exceptional durability and consistent performance. The fit and finish are excellent, contributing to a blade that feels premium and performs reliably match after match.
Technology
The core technology is Butterfly's proprietary ZL-Carbon, which precisely integrates Zylon fiber with carbon fiber. Zylon is renowned for its exceptional strength, lightness, and elasticity, while carbon adds stiffness and direct speed. This fusion aims to create a larger sweet spot, enhanced reaction, and a softer feel compared to traditional carbon blades. The result is a blade that supports a powerful offensive game while retaining a high degree of control and tactile feedback, a signature achievement of Butterfly's advanced material engineering.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
Although the blade bears his name, Zhang Jike primarily competed with the Butterfly Viscaria. The Zhang Jike ZLC series was developed to embody his legendary playing style—characterized by explosive power, relentless offense, and formidable mental strength—offering players a tool designed with those championship qualities in mind.
Lin Yun-Ju
Lin Yun-Ju used the Zhang Jike Super ZLC, an enhanced version of this blade, before receiving his own signature model. His all-around offensive game, which emphasizes spin and controlled aggression, benefited greatly from the speed and precision offered by the Super ZLC's technology.
Adriana Diaz
Adriana Diaz has been noted to use the Zhang Jike Super ZLC. Her aggressive playing style, built around powerful forehand attacks and relentless offense, aligns perfectly with the high-speed, responsive characteristics of the Super ZLC blade family.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is a highly popular alternative that shares a similar offensive DNA. It uses Arylate-Carbon (ALC) technology instead of ZLC, resulting in a slightly different feel. Many players find them comparable in speed and control, with the Viscaria often noted for a crisper, more direct feedback. Zhang Jike's own legendary use of the Viscaria adds to its appeal for players seeking a proven champion's blade.
Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC
The Super ZLC is the direct upgrade, featuring denser Super ZLC fibers for an even larger sweet spot and more reaction. It is generally faster and stiffer than the original ZLC. Players choosing between them should consider that the original ZLC offers a slightly softer, more forgiving feel with excellent dwell time, while the Super ZLC pushes the envelope on pure speed and power.