Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC Blade Review
The Zhang Jike Super ZLC is Butterfly's top-tier signature blade at 90g with Super ZL-Carbon fiber, delivering 9.5/10 speed and 6.5/10 control for $400.
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Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC
Typical price: $400
Specifications
| Composition | 5W + 2 Super ZL-Carbon |
| Plies | 7 |
| Weight | 90g |
| handleType | FL |
| bladeThickness | 5.7mm |
| speedClass | OFF+ |
Maximum ZL-Carbon Performance at a Premium Price
The Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC sits at the top of the ZL-Carbon hierarchy. Super ZL-Carbon uses a denser fiber weave than standard ZLC, creating a larger sweet spot and a more pronounced catapult effect. Speed matches the Zhang Jike ZLC at 9.5/10, but control drops further to 6.5/10, reflecting the blade’s extreme responsiveness to any contact. At 90g, it carries 3g more than the standard ZLC (87g), concentrated in the blade head for additional momentum on full swings.
The Super ZLC’s sweet spot extends roughly 15% wider than the standard ZLC. Off-center loops that lose power on lesser blades retain most of their pace and spin on the Super ZLC. For players who generate heavy rotation through full-arm strokes, this consistency across the blade face reduces unforced errors during extended rallies. The trade-off shows up in the short game: pushes, flicks, and drop shots require precise touch because the blade amplifies every contact.
At $400, the Zhang Jike Super ZLC costs $130 more than the standard ZLC and $215 more than the Zhang Jike ALC ($185). Players need to honestly assess whether their technique justifies this investment. Ratings below 2000 USATT rarely benefit from the Super ZLC’s capabilities, as the 6.5/10 control creates more errors than the extra speed prevents.
Comparing the Super ZLC to Alternatives
The Zhang Jike T5000 ($300) costs $100 less and reaches a higher 10.0/10 speed rating, but through rigid T5000 carbon rather than flexible ZL-Carbon. The T5000 favors flat hitters and drive-oriented attackers. The Super ZLC favors topspin-dominant players who rely on spin variation and the catapult effect to generate winning loops.
Outside the Zhang Jike series, the Viscaria Super ALC ($270) matches the 9.5/10 speed at $130 less. Its Super Arylate-Carbon construction plays stiffer and heavier than ZL-Carbon. Players choosing between these two need to decide whether they value the ZLC’s flexible, spin-friendly response or the Super ALC’s rigid, power-oriented characteristics.
Related Blades
Is the Zhang Jike Super ZLC the fastest Butterfly blade?
No. The Zhang Jike T5000 reaches 10.0/10 speed. The Super ZLC rates 9.5/10 but produces more spin due to its flexible ZL-Carbon fiber. For pure speed, the T5000 is faster; for spin-speed balance, the Super ZLC leads.
Why does the Super ZLC cost $400?
Super ZL-Carbon fiber is Butterfly's most expensive composite material. The manufacturing process for weaving the denser fiber pattern increases production costs significantly versus standard ZLC ($270) or ALC ($185) construction.