Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC vs Stiga Allround Classic: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC | Stiga Allround Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | Soft — flexible ALC gives a more wood-like feel than other carbon blades; high dwell time | soft, high control |
| handle | Shakehand (FL, AN, ST options); shorter anatomic handle than Viscaria | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — 7-ply construction with koto outer layers and inner arylate-carbon fiber | 5W |
| speed | OFF (Butterfly rates Reaction 118, mid-fast; equivalent to OFF/OFF+ class) | ALL |
| thickness_mm | 5.7mm | 5.1 |
| weight_g | 84-87g typical (Butterfly spec approx 87g) | 75 |
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The Lin Gaoyuan (8.7) is an advanced soft-ALC blade for experienced attackers seeking a large sweet spot, impressive spin, and OFF speed. The Allround Classic (8.4) is an all-wood icon: soft, forgiving, and perfect for building technique—slow by modern standards but beloved for decades of reliability and learning value.
Choose Lin Gaoyuan if you’re ready for carbon power and want modern performance with premium Japanese craftsmanship. Choose Allround Classic if you’re a beginner or control-first player building proper stroke mechanics—it teaches touch and placement better than any carbon blade, and its longevity justifies the investment.
FAQ
Which is better for beginners?
Allround Classic—it prioritizes feedback and control. Lin Gaoyuan demands technique to exploit its speed and would frustrate learners.
How much slower is Allround Classic?
Significantly slower. Allround Classic is ALL-class; Lin Gaoyuan is OFF. You supply pace with Allround; Lin Gaoyuan carries the attack.
Why is Allround Classic so enduring?
It teaches perfect technique, lasts for years, and players simply mount faster rubbers as they improve. Exceptional value and educational design.
What about the sweet spots?
Lin Gaoyuan’s is large and forgiving. Allround Classic’s is medium and demands precision—another reason it builds good stroke form.