Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Nittaku Violin: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Nittaku Violin | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | Soft, warm and flexible with long dwell, premium hand-crafted Japanese all-wood feedback |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 5-ply all wood (Kiri core with White Ash outer plies) |
| speed | OFF | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| type | — | ALL+ |
| weight_g | 88 | 86 |
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The Zhang Jike ALC is a 5-ply wood plus 2-ply arylate-carbon blade rated OFF, offering carbon speed with a soft, flexible, non-stiff feel and long dwell that excels at looping and counterlooping. The Nittaku Violin is a 5-ply all-wood blade of Kiri core and White Ash outers rated ALL+, built around exceptional control, pinpoint placement and a warm, soft feel for spin and short-game touch.
On style, the Zhang Jike ALC is the faster, away-from-table looping weapon that pairs well with both tensor and tacky Chinese forehand rubbers, while the Violin prioritizes control and feel over raw pace and comes alive with tensor rubbers in close-to-mid all-round play. The Violin is slower than its billing suggests and weak at long-distance pace, and is relatively stiff when new.
Pick the Zhang Jike ALC, rated around 8.7, if you are an intermediate-to-advanced offensive looper wanting fast but spin-friendly carbon with handle choice in FL, ST or AN. Choose the Violin if you prize control, feel and spin over speed and want a premium all-wood blade, including as a first custom blade stepping away from fast carbon setups. Both carry premium prices.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
The Zhang Jike ALC is faster, rated OFF with arylate-carbon speed. The Violin is rated ALL+ and is slower than its billing suggests, with weak long-distance pace.
Which is better for control and the short game?
The Violin leads on control, with pinpoint placement, a warm soft feel and long dwell for short-game touch. The Zhang Jike ALC also offers strong control for a carbon blade thanks to its long dwell.
Are these good first custom blades?
The Violin is highlighted as a strong first custom blade for intermediates leaving fast carbon setups. The Zhang Jike ALC suits intermediate-to-advanced players, as its speed and feel demand experience to exploit.
What rubbers suit each blade?
The Zhang Jike ALC pairs well with both tensor and tacky Chinese forehand rubbers. The Violin comes alive with tensor rubbers and benefits from harder or tackier rubbers to reach its potential.