Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | stiff outer oak veneer, medium throw, solid dwell, consistent blocking |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | Flared, Straight, Anatomic |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | carbon composite (oak outer + carbon fleece CFNW inner, 5+2 layers) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.5-5.6 |
| weight_g | 88 | 87-90 |
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The Zhang Jike ALC prioritizes spin-friendly control and dwell time, making it a stronger choice for players who want to loop and counterloop with a softer, more forgiving feel. Its flexible carbon layers absorb pace rather than bounce it back, appealing to intermediate-to-advanced loopers comfortable generating their own speed.
The Sweden EK Carbon is a stiffer all-wood platform with genuine carbon layers for speed, paired with a more forgiving sponge structure (CFNW fleece). Its larger sweet spot and earlier ball release work well for players stepping up to carbon for the first time, or for those who want more immediate feedback and less technical demand.
Choose the Zhang Jike if you’re an experienced looper who values spin and arc over raw pace, and who can exploit its full OFF speed. Pick the Sweden EK if you prefer a stiff, fast blade that blocks well and suits mid-range attacking play with softer rubbers. Rating-wise, Zhang Jike edges ahead at 8.7 vs 8.0, reflecting its advantage for skilled strikers, but the Sweden EK’s lower price and accessibility make it attractive for club players transitioning to carbon.
FAQ
Which blade generates more spin?
The Zhang Jike ALC excels at looping and imparting spin due to its long dwell time and flexible feel. The Sweden EK prioritizes speed and consistency; its early ball release makes heavy topspin harder to produce.
Which is better for beginners moving to carbon?
The Sweden EK Carbon. Its wider sweet spot, forgiving sponge structure, and accessible price point suit club and intermediate players well. The Zhang Jike demands experienced technique to unlock its potential.
Which handles heavier rubbers better?
The Zhang Jike ALC pairs well with both tensor and tacky Chinese forehand rubbers due to its flexible, non-stiff feel. The Sweden EK’s stiff outer veneer suits softer rubbers like Rakza 7 Soft and Mark V.
What about availability?
The Zhang Jike is heading toward discontinuation, affecting stock. The Sweden EK is more consistently available, though some anatomic handle variants are out of stock.