Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC vs Nittaku Septear: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC | Nittaku Septear | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | Soft — flexible ALC gives a more wood-like feel than other carbon blades; high dwell time | Soft with high dwell time |
| handle | Shakehand (FL, AN, ST options); shorter anatomic handle than Viscaria | Straight or Concave (flared) |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — 7-ply construction with koto outer layers and inner arylate-carbon fiber | 7-ply all wood (Kiso Hinoki) |
| speed | OFF (Butterfly rates Reaction 118, mid-fast; equivalent to OFF/OFF+ class) | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7mm | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 84-87g typical (Butterfly spec approx 87g) | 85 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Both blades share soft, high-dwell feels but diverge fundamentally in their architecture. The Gaoyuan combines ALC carbon layers with wood to achieve modern pace while maintaining feedback, making it ideal for advanced attackers transitioning from wood who want power without sacrificing touch. Nittaku Septear, an all-wood Kiso Hinoki design, prioritizes control and ball placement across all stroke types—loops, blocks, pushes, flicks, smashes.
Gaoyuan’s arylate-carbon construction delivers inherent speed advantage and larger sweet spot; Septear’s pure wood consistency rewards patient, placement-focused play and excels at short to mid-distance. Septear requires medium-hard or hard rubbers to unlock its potential, whereas Gaoyuan adapts across rubber families. Both suit developing and intermediate players, yet Gaoyuan accelerates advanced attackers forward, while Septear caps out for aggressive finishers but suits control specialists indefinitely.
FAQ
Which generates more spin?
Gaoyuan, due to carbon stiffness. Septear spins well but requires better technique and harder rubber pairing.
Can I use soft rubbers on both?
Gaoyuan handles soft sponge fine. Septear performs poorly with soft rubber; pair it with medium-hard or harder sponges for best results.
Which is more durable?
Septear’s soft hinoki surface dents over time. Gaoyuan’s carbon plies resist surface damage better, offering longer blade life.
Which feels more natural?
Septear delivers pure wood feedback prized by traditionalists. Gaoyuan’s blend feels modern and engineered, suiting players who value consistency.
Who outgrows which first?
Advanced attackers outgrow Septear quickly due to speed ceiling. Gaoyuan holds its own longer in competitive play.