Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC vs Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC | Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | medium-hard carbon, controllable, excellent value |
| handle | Shakehand (FL, AN, ST options); shorter anatomic handle than Viscaria | FL |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — 7-ply construction with koto outer layers and inner arylate-carbon fiber | 5 ply wood + 2 ply Carbon (limba/ayous with a carbon layer) |
| speed | OFF (Butterfly rates Reaction 118, mid-fast; equivalent to OFF/OFF+ class) | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.7mm | 6 |
| weight_g | 84-87g typical (Butterfly spec approx 87g) | 88 |
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Lin Gaoyuan ALC is the refined, premium choice with superior Japanese construction, larger head, and softer, more forgiving carbon feel. Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon cuts costs dramatically—sometimes under 50 USD—while retaining reasonable control and a large sweet spot, albeit with handle and weight consistency concerns.
Go Lin Gaoyuan if you want reliability, precise feedback, and a blade to keep for years. Choose Ma Lin Carbon if you’re testing carbon on a minimal budget or need a backup blade that delivers surprising competence per dollar.
FAQ
Is the Yasaka really one-fifth the price?
Yes, often found around 20-55 USD versus 200+ USD for Lin Gaoyuan, though sourcing varies widely.
Which blade speeds up more on hard impact?
Both improve on strong hits, but Ma Lin Carbon’s stiff carbon is more notorious for catapult on smashes, while Lin Gaoyuan stays consistent.
What’s the weight inconsistency issue with Yasaka?
Ma Lin Carbon batches vary 81-91g; Lin Gaoyuan is consistently 84-87g, important when pairing with rubber weight-sensitive setups.
Which suits penholders better?
Ma Lin Carbon is popular with penholder all-rounders due to its low cost and control; Lin Gaoyuan’s versatility suits any grip but costs more.