Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC vs Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC | Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| feel | medium, high feel/dwell | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5W+2 Inner Arylate-Carbon | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 86 | 88 |
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
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These two are close cousins — both 5-wood, 2-arylate-carbon OFF blades — but the carbon placement changes the character. The Innerforce Layer ALC uses inner ALC, giving all-wood feel and dwell up close, then a carbon kick on hard swings, with a large, stable sweet spot and excellent across-the-table control. The Zhang Jike ALC runs outer arylate-carbon for OFF-class speed with a soft, flexible, non-stiff feel, long dwell for looping and standout away-from-table counterlooping.
Choose the Innerforce Layer ALC if you want maximum feel and control with carbon acceleration only when you swing hard. Choose the Zhang Jike ALC if you want a touch more speed and crispness for looping and counterlooping at distance, and you value its handle choice.
Both pair well with tensor or tacky Chinese rubbers and both reward an experienced player. The Zhang Jike ALC commands a premium price and has been heading toward discontinuation, so availability can be a factor; the Innerforce Layer ALC is noted for standout value.
FAQ
Which has more feel and control?
The Innerforce Layer ALC, whose inner carbon keeps an all-wood feel up close with excellent short, mid and far control. The Zhang Jike ALC still controls well but leans toward speed.
Which is better for looping away from the table?
The Zhang Jike ALC, praised for excellent away-from-table looping and counterlooping. The Innerforce Layer ALC delivers its carbon kick mainly on hard swings.
Are there availability or price differences?
The Zhang Jike ALC is premium-priced and has been heading toward discontinuation, affecting availability. The Innerforce Layer ALC is highlighted for standout value.