Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Nittaku Septear: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Nittaku Septear | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | Soft with high dwell time |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | Straight or Concave (flared) |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 7-ply all wood (Kiso Hinoki) |
| speed | OFF | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 88 | 85 |
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The Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC delivers OFF carbon speed with soft, flexible feel and exceptional dwell for looping and spin impartation. It suits intermediate-to-advanced offensive loopers who value loop-focused play and flexibility, though smaller sweet spot and premium pricing limit appeal.
The Nittaku Septear uses premium kiso hinoki with soft feel, high dwell time, and exceptional control and ball placement precision. It suits developing and intermediate all-round players who prioritize touch and placement at short-to-mid distance, requiring pairing with medium-hard rubbers.
Choose Zhang Jike if you are intermediate-to-advanced and want carbon speed with soft, looping-focused play. Choose Septear if you are developing and prioritize touch, control, and all-wood feel.
FAQ
Speed and feel?
Zhang Jike is OFF carbon, faster; Septear is ALL+ all-wood, slower but softer.
Loop specialty?
Zhang Jike excels at looping with long dwell and carbon speed; Septear loops well but from all-wood.
Control and placement?
Septear explicitly prioritizes placement precision; Zhang Jike is loop-specialist first.
Skill level fit?
Zhang Jike suits intermediate-to-advanced; Septear suits developing and intermediate players.