Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Yinhe T-11+: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Yinhe T-11+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | very light, stiff but soft balsa core with a carbon ping |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 5W+2 Carbon with balsa core (two thin wood outers, one carbon layer per side, around a thick balsa middle ply) |
| speed | OFF | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6.5 |
| weight_g | 88 | 78 |
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These blades chase different goals. The Zhang Jike ALC is a flexible 5W+2 arylate-carbon looper, 88 grams, tuned for long dwell, spin, and away-from-table counterlooping. The Yinhe T-11+ is a stiff balsa-carbon blade at just 78 grams that prioritizes raw speed, flat hitting, and mobility, with surprisingly good control and a stable short game for its pace.
Their weaknesses are mirror images. The T-11+ struggles with heavy topspin looping, the very thing the Zhang Jike ALC does best, while the Butterfly’s only real catch is a smaller sweet spot than its ZLC siblings, a premium price, and demands on the player. The T-11+ also needs its surface sealed before use and rewards an active punch over passive blocks.
Choose the Zhang Jike ALC if you are a spin looper who wants dwell, arc, and counterlooping, with handle choice in FL, ST, or AN. Choose the Yinhe T-11+ if you are a flat hitter, blocker, pips or combination player, or power driver who wants serious speed in a featherlight frame, ideally with soft to medium rubbers.
FAQ
Which is better for topspin looping?
The Zhang Jike ALC, clearly. Heavy topspin looping is the T-11+‘s stated weakness, while the Butterfly’s long dwell makes looping and spin its strength.
How big is the weight difference?
The T-11+ is around 78 grams versus 88 grams for the Zhang Jike ALC, making the Yinhe one of the lightest offensive blades available and very mobile.
Is the Yinhe good for beginners?
Not really. It is described as not beginner friendly; its short game needs concentration with fast rubbers and the surface must be sealed before use.
Who should pick the T-11+ over the Butterfly?
Flat hitters, pips-out and combination players, blockers, and power loop drivers who want speed in a light package. Spin loopers chasing maximum dwell should take the Zhang Jike ALC.