Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Yasaka Sweden Extra: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Yasaka Sweden Extra | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.7/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | soft-medium, high control |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 5W (all wood) |
| speed | OFF | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| weight_g | 88 | 85 |
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Interestingly, both blades carry the same 8.7 rating, yet they suit very different players. The Zhang Jike ALC is an OFF Arylate-Carbon blade for intermediate and advanced loopers who want speed, dwell and rubber flexibility. The Yasaka Sweden Extra is a soft-medium ALL+ all-wood blade that delivers elite control and feel close to the table at a fraction of the price.
Pick the Zhang Jike if you have the technique to exploit OFF carbon speed and want away-from-table counterlooping and handle choice. Pick the Sweden Extra if you are a developing or intermediate all-round or control player who wants elite feel close to the table, plus a blade you can grow into by changing rubbers.
The Sweden Extra gives up power from well behind the table, so deep counter-loops and skylobs can fall short, and flat hitters chasing raw pace may eventually outgrow it. It pairs best with medium or medium-soft rubbers, while the Zhang Jike happily takes tensor or tacky Chinese rubber.
FAQ
They share the same rating, so which should I buy?
Both rate 8.7 but for different jobs. The Zhang Jike suits experienced loopers wanting OFF carbon speed; the Sweden Extra suits developing all-round and control players wanting elite feel close to the table at budget price.
Which is better far from the table?
The Zhang Jike ALC, which excels at away-from-table looping and counterlooping. The Sweden Extra has limited power from well behind the table, so deep counter-loops can fall short.
What rubber suits the Sweden Extra?
It pairs best with medium or medium-soft rubbers, and a slightly faster rubber suits an offensive beginner.