Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC vs Butterfly Primorac: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC | Butterfly Primorac | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | Soft — flexible ALC gives a more wood-like feel than other carbon blades; high dwell time | medium, classic all-wood, long dwell and high control |
| handle | Shakehand (FL, AN, ST options); shorter anatomic handle than Viscaria | FL/ST |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — 7-ply construction with koto outer layers and inner arylate-carbon fiber | 5W (all wood) — Limba/Limba/Ayous/Limba/Limba |
| speed | OFF (Butterfly rates Reaction 118, mid-fast; equivalent to OFF/OFF+ class) | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.7mm | 6 |
| weight_g | 84-87g typical (Butterfly spec approx 87g) | 85 |
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The Lin Gaoyuan ALC is a carbon offensive platform—soft feel, large head, excellent spin across all strokes, and serious mid-to-long-table power. The Primorac is an all-wood institution—classic feel, long dwell, excellent dwell and control, and forgiving for skill development. Both are Butterfly classics.
Choose the Lin Gaoyuan ALC if you have a developed stroke and want offensive capability with soft feedback. Pick the Primorac if you are building fundamentals and prioritize maximum feel and dwell over speed. The Primorac is significantly cheaper and more widely available (Lin Gaoyuan is discontinued); many players find the Primorac sufficient for life and never need to step up to carbon. The choice depends on your ambition—control-first can stay with Primorac; attackers must move to Lin Gaoyuan ALC.
FAQ
Which blade will last longer for my game?
The Primorac suits control-first and all-around players for years; the Lin Gaoyuan ALC suits committed attackers. Your playing style determines which offers better long-term value.
Can I develop a serious game on the Primorac?
Yes—many intermediate and even advanced players develop satisfying games on the Primorac, especially if they prioritize control, blocking, and spin. It is not ideal for heavy topspin attack from distance.
Which pairs better with modern plastic balls?
The Lin Gaoyuan ALC’s speed is more suited to modern ball dynamics; the Primorac can feel underpowered with plastic balls compared to carbon options, though it remains viable.