Weight
85g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhang Jike New Era
Donic Zhang Jike New Era is a modern offensive blade co-developed with Olympic Champion Zhang Jike, designed for players seeking a harmonious blend of speed, control, and exceptional ball feel. It's an ideal choice for strategic attackers and versatile all-rounders who prioritize control alongside aggressive play. The blade features a refined touch and reliable power, embodying insights from Zhang Jike's coaching and playing career. Its advanced construction with Limba outer veneers, Ayous layers, a Kiri core, and three synthetic fiber layers enhances touch and precision, especially during passive play and spin generation.
The 7-layer construction combines softer Limba outer veneers with a Kiri wood core and two layers of Ayous. It incorporates three finely woven synthetic fiber layers (Trio UAC) which provide enhanced ball feel and a more refined touch compared to blades with fewer fiber layers. This construction aims to balance speed with superior control and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Zhang Jike New Era is classified as an Offensive Minus to Offensive blade. It provides enough speed for attacking play, but its primary focus is on balanced performance rather than pure explosive power. The softer Limba outer veneers and advanced fiber construction create a blade that is fast enough for aggressive strokes while allowing for controlled speed generation, making it suitable for players who want power without sacrificing touch.
Control is a standout feature of the Zhang Jike New Era. The Limba outer veneers and triple synthetic fiber layers enhance dwell time, allowing for better spin generation and more precise placement of shots. Its forgiving nature makes it suitable for players who rely on consistent execution and tactical play, offering high error tolerance and excellent feel for placement during fast exchanges.
Zhang Jike New Era offers a softer feel with noticeable flex and longer dwell time. The Limba outer veneers contribute to a smoother, more controlled sensation, while the synthetic fibers provide clear feedback. This results in a balanced and pleasant feel that enhances touch and allows for better ball manipulation during play.
The blade's construction and moderate offensive characteristics create a medium-high throw angle, suitable for generating effective topspin loops with good arc. This helps players produce consistent, spin-heavy shots that clear the net comfortably while maintaining offensive pressure.
The combination of Limba outer veneers and three synthetic fiber layers increases dwell time, giving players more time to impart spin on the ball. This characteristic is key for spin-oriented play and differentiates it from faster, stiffer blades that offer less contact time.
The blade is described as stiff yet responsive, with noticeable flex. It's not overly stiff but provides enough rigidity for powerful strokes while retaining some elasticity for spin-oriented play. This medium-stiff flexibility helps balance power generation with touch and control.
The softer feel and Limba outer veneers provide moderate vibration dampening, contributing to a comfortable and controlled playing experience. It doesn't feel dead but offers enough feedback to sense ball contact without excessive harshness, making it suitable for extended play sessions.
Donic's reputation for quality craftsmanship is evident in the Zhang Jike New Era. The precise layering of wood and synthetic fibers, combined with quality veneers, results in a durable and well-finished product. Players report clean edges, consistent construction, and a premium feel that holds up well over time, reflecting the blade's advanced design and attention to detail.
Technology
Donic Zhang Jike New Era utilizes an advanced 7-layer construction featuring a Kiri wood core, two layers of Ayous wood, and three finely woven synthetic fiber (Trio UAC) layers. These synthetic fibers are integrated to enhance ball feel and feedback, providing a more refined touch than blades with fewer such layers. The outer veneers are made of Limba, a softer wood specifically chosen to improve touch, precision, and control, particularly in passive play and for spin generation. This construction optimizes the balance between speed, control, and dwell time for modern offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
Zhang Jike, the legendary Chinese Olympic Champion and World Champion, was instrumental in the development of this blade and its predecessor. As Donic's global brand ambassador, he provides significant input into blade development. The New Era is designed to reflect his insights from coaching and playing, emphasizing a balance between aggressive attacking play and superior ball control, aiming to be more forgiving and user-friendly than some ultra-fast blades.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Donic Zhang Jike New Era is frequently compared to Butterfly Viscaria, a blade Zhang Jike famously used. TTSensei experts note the New Era offers a more forgiving and controllable experience with similar performance characteristics but a softer feel and better dwell time, making it potentially more accessible to a broader range of players seeking Viscaria-like performance with enhanced touch.
Donic Zhang Jike Original Carbon
Zhang Jike New Era is a direct evolution from the Donic Zhang Jike Original Carbon. The key differences lie in the outer veneer (Limba vs. Koto) and number of synthetic fiber layers (three vs. two). This results in the New Era offering a softer feel, increased dwell time, and better control, making it more suitable for players who prioritize spin and finesse over raw, explosive speed.