Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Stiga Carbonado 45: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Stiga Carbonado 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | Moderately stiff with deep reverberating vibrations; more wood-like dwell than typical carbon blades; high throw angle |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | Straight/Flared/Anatomic (coal-grey dyed wood) |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 7-ply with TeXtreme carbon (5 wood + 2 carbon at 45-degree angle) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.7mm |
| weight_g | 88 | 85-91g |
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The Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC (8.7) combines OFF-class speed with soft, flexible, non-stiff carbon feel, long dwell time excelling at looping and spin imparting, and strong control relative to other ALC and ZLC blades—suited to intermediate-to-advanced offensive loopers. The Stiga Carbonado 45 (8.4) prioritizes wood-like feel with informative vibrations, a high throw angle for heavy topspin loops, and outstanding short game and consistency favoring loop-dominant, spin-heavy players close to the table.
Both are OFF speed carbon blades at similar weights (88g and 85-91g), but differ markedly in construction and design philosophy. Zhang Jike ALC offers soft, flexible carbon feel that excels at looping and spin generation while maintaining strong control—unusual for a carbon blade. Its generous sweet spot suits offensive play, and it pairs well with both tensor and tacky Chinese forehand rubbers, offering handle choice in FL, ST, and AN. Carbonado 45 is deliberately slower than most carbon blades, prioritizing wood-like feel and consistency over speed, with excellent short game and drop shots but lacking pace on smashes and requiring extra effort from mid-distance. Zhang Jike ALC targets experienced loopers seeking spin-friendly ALC construction; Carbonado 45 targets specialists in loop-dominant, close-to-table play who value feel over raw pace.
Choose Zhang Jike ALC if you are an intermediate-to-advanced offensive looper seeking a soft, spin-friendly ALC blade with excellent control and rubber versatility. Choose Carbonado 45 if you prioritize loop consistency, wood-like feel, and short game over raw speed.
FAQ
Which is better for looping and spin?
Zhang Jike ALC excels at looping and spin generation with long dwell time. Carbonado 45’s high throw angle aids heavy topspin loops but is slower overall.
Which has softer carbon feel?
Zhang Jike ALC has soft, flexible, non-stiff carbon feel. Carbonado 45 is not carbon; it emphasizes wood-like feel with vibrations.
Which is better for short game?
Both excel at short game, but Carbonado 45 is specifically outstanding for drop shots and serve control. Zhang Jike ALC offers strong control as part of broader looping focus.
Which pairs better with different rubbers?
Zhang Jike ALC pairs well with both tensor and tacky Chinese forehand rubbers. Carbonado 45 suits a medium throw angle with broader rubber compatibility.