Weight
92g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhang Yining
Butterfly Zhang Yining is a high-performance offensive blade that masterfully balances speed, control, and feel. Its 5-ply all-wood construction, featuring Limba outer plies and an Ayous core, creates a responsive and dynamic playing surface. This design delivers powerful loops and smashes while maintaining excellent touch for defensive play and precise ball placement. Known for its consistent performance and versatility, it's a popular and reliable choice for competitive players seeking a well-rounded tool for a wide range of playing styles.
This 5-ply all-wood construction uses Limba for the outer and inner plies with an Ayous core. The Limba offers a good feel and controllable power on impact, while the Ayous core provides a solid foundation and a consistent, predictable response across the entire blade surface.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zhang Yining offers a strong level of speed, well-suited for offensive play. This rating enables players to execute powerful loops and smashes effectively. It strikes an intelligent balance, providing ample pace for attacking shots while remaining controllable and predictable, preventing the blade from feeling overly wild or demanding.
This blade excels in providing players with excellent command over the ball. The high control rating allows for precise placement, delicate touch shots, and consistent execution of various techniques. It's an ideal choice for players who rely on accuracy and tactical play, offering a reassuring level of predictability on every stroke.
The blade provides a medium-hard feel, offering a crisp and clear connection to the ball. Players can distinctly feel the ball's impact and spin, which aids in precise shot selection and execution. It's firm enough to deliver powerful strokes while retaining enough feedback for nuanced, control-oriented play.
The blade typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for offensive players, as it facilitates high-arching loops with significant spin and a good trajectory over the net, while also providing enough depth and penetration on drives and smashes.
Zhang Yining offers a medium-long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the racket face. This characteristic enhances spin generation on serves and loops and provides a comfortable, controlled feeling when blocking and executing touch shots near the table.
Rated as relatively stiff, this characteristic contributes to the blade's speed and direct response. The stiffness enables powerful, linear shots but is tempered enough by the wood construction to allow for effective spin play and control, avoiding a completely rigid feel.
This blade transmits a medium level of vibration. It provides enough tactile feedback for good ball feel without being overly harsh or distracting, contributing to a comfortable and controlled playing experience over long sessions.
Reflecting Butterfly's renowned manufacturing standards, the Zhang Yining blade exhibits excellent build quality. It features a durable construction with high-grade materials, ensuring consistent performance and long-term reliability. Players report a blade that feels solid and well-made, living up to the premium reputation of the brand.
Technology
Butterfly Zhang Yining showcases the brand's expertise in crafting high-performance wood blades. While a traditional 5-ply construction, its specific material selection is key. The use of Limba for the outer plies provides a classic feel with excellent grip for spin generation. The Ayous core offers a solid, stable foundation that translates to consistent power. Named after the legendary champion, its design philosophy combines proven wood craftsmanship with the precision and reliability demanded by modern, competitive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Yining
The legendary Zhang Yining, one of the greatest female players of all time, used the blade named after her. While she later used specialized ZLC versions, she reportedly competed with the original 5-ply all-wood Zhang Yining blade, particularly during the peak of her dominance. Its combination of control and adequate speed perfectly complemented her precise looping style and all-around tactical game, supporting her through numerous Olympic and World Championship victories.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Zhang Yining is frequently compared to the Butterfly Petr Korbel due to their nearly identical construction and very similar playing characteristics. Both are revered 5-ply all-wood blades that offer a superb, balanced profile of speed, control, and feel. The Petr Korbel is a benchmark for excellent all-around capability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of players—a role the Zhang Yining also fulfills. Both blades serve as reliable, consistent platforms suitable for developing players and seasoned competitors alike.