Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Stiga Cybershape Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Stiga Cybershape Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | Medium-stiff with woody feedback; head-heavy balance; larger sweet spot placed further up the blade |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | Flared (Classic) or Concave (Master) |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 5+2 carbon (CCF Close Core Fibre — carbon layer sits directly on wood core) |
| speed | OFF | OFF (Stiga speed rating 9.0 out of 10) |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | approx 5 mm |
| weight_g | 88 | 85 plus or minus 5 g |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Zhang Jike ALC (8.7 rating) provides OFF-class speed with soft, flexible carbon, long dwell for looping, and handle variety (FL/ST/AN). Stiga Cybershape (8.4 rating) features inner-carbon (CCF), head-heavy balance, large sweet spot, exceptional blocking comfort, and hexagonal shape for distinctive serving angles.
Zhang Jike suits loopers who prioritize dwell, spin generation, and away-from-table play—perfect for players combining loop drives with tacky or tensor rubbers. Cybershape appeals to fast counter-attackers and backhand-dominant players wanting superior blocking, acceleration, and serve variety. Zhang Jike’s greater dwell and flexibility excel at sustained topspin; Cybershape’s stiff inner-carbon and head-heavy swing weight suit quick, aggressive attacks. Zhang Jike offers more handle choice; Cybershape’s hexagonal design requires adaptation but rewards serve creativity.
FAQ
Which blade blocks better?
Cybershape. Its head-heavy balance, inner-carbon construction, and larger sweet spot make blocking more comfortable and forgiving.
Can I loop with Cybershape as well as Zhang Jike?
Not quite. Cybershape’s short dwell time challenges sustained heavy looping. Zhang Jike’s flexibility and long dwell are superior for brush-heavy topspin.
Which blade serves better?
Cybershape. Its hexagonal head provides unique angles and serves with distinctive feel. Zhang Jike’s oval profile is more conventional.