Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Sanwei Fextra 7: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Sanwei Fextra 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | Medium, woody and well-damped with moderate vibration; controllable offensive feel close to a Stiga Clipper but a touch crisper and not quite as stiff |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 7-ply all wood (Limba/Ayous) |
| speed | OFF | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6 |
| type | — | OFF- |
| weight_g | 88 | 88 |
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The Zhang Jike ALC is a 5-ply wood plus 2-ply arylate-carbon blade rated OFF, combining carbon speed with a soft, flexible feel and long dwell for looping and counterlooping. The Sanwei Fextra 7 is a 7-ply all-wood blade of Limba and Ayous rated OFF-, known for very spinny looping, strong control and a woody, well-damped feel close to a Stiga Clipper.
In style both reward spin-based looping, but the Zhang Jike ALC is faster and stronger away from the table, while the Fextra 7 is a controllable OFF- blade with limited far-table power. The ALC offers handle choice in FL, ST and AN and pairs with tensor or tacky Chinese rubbers; the Fextra 7 is FL only, versatile with tacky and non-tacky rubbers, and an outstanding value at around twenty to thirty US dollars.
Choose the Zhang Jike ALC, rated around 8.7, if you want premium fast-but-spin-friendly carbon with dwell and control and can supply an experienced stroke. Pick the Fextra 7 if you are a developing or club-level looper after an affordable, controllable all-wood blade, including a cheap alternative to the Viscaria or Clipper. Note Fextra weight varies widely and the original has been replaced by the Fextra One.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
The Zhang Jike ALC is faster, rated OFF with arylate-carbon speed and strong away-from-table looping. The Fextra 7 is a controllable OFF- blade with more limited far-table power.
Is the Fextra 7 a budget alternative to the Zhang Jike ALC?
It is a budget all-wood looping option at around twenty to thirty US dollars with very spinny play and strong control, but it does not match the ALC’s carbon speed or its handle-shape choice.
Which handle shapes are available?
The Zhang Jike ALC comes in FL, ST and AN, while the Fextra 7 is offered in FL only.
Do both work with tacky Chinese rubbers?
Yes. The Zhang Jike ALC pairs well with both tensor and tacky Chinese forehand rubbers, and the Fextra 7 is versatile with both tacky and non-tacky rubbers.