Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Zhang Jike Original Carbon
Donic Zhang Jike Original Carbon is a dynamic, offensive blade crafted in collaboration with the legendary champion Zhang Jike. Featuring a 5+2 ply construction with a lightweight Kiri core, Ayous plies, and Cured Aramid Carbon layers beneath hard African Koto outer veneers, it delivers explosive speed and a crisp, direct feel. This blade is engineered for ambitious attackers who want to dominate with powerful loops and fast counter-attacks, offering a compelling blend of raw power and controlled precision for high-level play.
The blade features a symmetrical 5+2 construction. It starts with hard Koto outer veneers, followed by layers of Cured Aramid Carbon, then Ayous plies, with an extremely lightweight Kiri wood core at the center. This combination is designed to provide a fast, powerful, yet sensitive feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Zhang Jike Original Carbon is exceptionally fast, rated for aggressive offensive play. The carbon layers contribute to explosive rebounds and powerful shots, making it ideal for fast attacks and heavy looping. While it requires active strokes to unleash its full potential, its speed capability is undeniable for players seeking a high-paced, attacking game.
Despite its high speed, this blade offers commendable control, often noted as being better than some comparable offensive models. It excels in powerful rallies and defensive situations with good error tolerance and spin control. While the short game might require some adjustment, the blade's sensitive feedback helps maintain precision during fast exchanges, making it a balanced choice for offensive players.
This blade delivers a hard, stiff feel from its Koto outer veneers and carbon layers, providing crisp feedback and excellent power transfer. While less forgiving on slower shots, the feel becomes more comfortable with practice, offering a direct and sensitive touch favored by aggressive players.
The throw angle is generally medium-high. The combination of speed and spin potential allows for aggressive topspin shots with a good trajectory. While the arc can be slightly flatter than some inner-core blades, it's still effective for producing deep, looping attacks.
Dwell time is medium. The carbon layers promote a fast ball exit, but the wood plies allow enough dwell for effective spin generation on powerful, engaged strokes. Players need to actively work with the rubber and blade to create spin rather than relying on passive dwell.
The blade is characterized as stiff. This stiffness, from the carbon and hard outer wood, maximizes speed and direct power transfer. It offers less flex than softer blades, which is desired by offensive players who prioritize an immediate response and aggressive playing style.
Vibration is very low. The construction with carbon layers and dense wood effectively dampens unwanted vibrations, providing a clean, direct feel at impact. This contributes to a consistent and controlled hitting experience, even during powerful shots.
Zhang Jike Original Carbon is regarded as a high-quality blade with premium construction. The use of materials like Koto and Aramid Carbon, combined with precise manufacturing, results in a durable product with crisp feedback and a sensitive touch. The craftsmanship supports its professional-grade performance and feel.
Technology
Donic Zhang Jike Original Carbon utilizes a specialized 5+2 ply construction featuring 'Cured Aramid Carbon' layers. Developed in close collaboration with Zhang Jike, this technology aims to enhance power and stability while maintaining a sensitive touch. The Aramid Carbon is engineered for explosive rebound, working with the lightweight Kiri wood core and hard Koto outer veneers to create a dynamic, professional-grade offensive weapon that mirrors the champion's precise specifications.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
Zhang Jike, the legendary Chinese World and Olympic Champion, was instrumental in developing this blade to mirror his own customized playing setup. He collaborated closely with Donic to implement his precise specifications for an aggressive, powerful, and precise style. This signature model is built to reflect the preferences that led him to numerous major titles, essentially serving as his professional weapon of choice.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Zhang Jike Original Carbon is frequently compared to the Butterfly Viscaria. Players report a similar feel and performance, with some finding the Donic blade to be faster and offering better control. Both feature a 5+2 carbon construction and are popular for aggressive offensive play, making them direct alternatives for those seeking a powerful, responsive blade.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
This blade is often seen as a comparable alternative to the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC due to similar construction and performance characteristics. Both are designed for offensive players seeking a blend of speed, spin, and control. Players who enjoy the Timo Boll ALC might find the Zhang Jike Original Carbon offers a different nuance in feel or speed, serving as a worthy alternative.