Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | medium-hard carbon, controllable, excellent value |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 5 ply wood + 2 ply Carbon (limba/ayous with a carbon layer) |
| speed | OFF | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6 |
| weight_g | 88 | 88 |
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Both blades use carbon, but they are built and priced for different buyers. The Zhang Jike ALC is a premium outer Arylate-Carbon OFF blade for intermediate and advanced loopers who want speed, dwell and rubber flexibility. The Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon is an inner-carbon OFF- blade praised for outstanding value, a large forgiving sweet spot and easy short play, blocks and touch.
Pick the Zhang Jike for OFF carbon pace, away-from-table counterlooping and handle choice across FL, ST and AN. Pick the Ma Lin Carbon if you are an improving intermediate or penholder who wants a controllable, forgiving carbon blade on a budget and you are willing to drive the ball with a full stroke.
The Yasaka is not fast at light impact and only climbs higher on strong contact, so you must supply your own power. Handle quality and weight also vary between units, from about 81 to 91 grams. Note it ships in FL only, where the Zhang Jike offers three shapes. Ratings are 8.7 versus 8.4.
FAQ
Which is better value?
The Ma Lin Carbon, routinely praised as very cheap for its class and sometimes found near 20 to 55 USD. The Zhang Jike carries a premium ALC price.
Which has the more forgiving sweet spot?
The Ma Lin Carbon, with a large, forgiving sweet spot that is easy on short play, blocks and touch. The Zhang Jike’s sweet spot is smaller than Butterfly’s ZLC versions.
What handle options are there?
The Ma Lin Carbon comes in FL only. The Zhang Jike ALC is available in FL, ST and AN.