Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC vs Stiga Infinity VPS V: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC | Stiga Infinity VPS V | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| feel | medium-hard but flexible, crisp carbon with long dwell | stiff thin outer (Diamond Touch), medium-hard |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon (5 wood plies with 2 Arylate-Carbon layers) | 5W (all wood) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 88 | 88 |
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This is one of the closer matchups here. Both are OFF blades with identical 5.8mm thickness and 88 gram weight, and the ratings sit at 8.7 versus 8.6. The Zhang Jike ALC adds Arylate-Carbon for a crisp, flexible feel with long dwell and strong away-from-table looping. The Stiga Infinity VPS V is all wood with a stiff thin outer, many gears and flex that rewards heavy brush looping with a medium arc.
Pick the Zhang Jike if you want carbon pace, easy counterlooping from distance and the option to run a tacky Chinese rubber. Pick the Infinity VPS V if you are a spin-first player who wants a controllable all-wood OFF blade with many gears for heavy brush looping near to mid-table, at a more reasonable price.
One caveat on the Stiga: it ships fairly raw, so the thin outer veneer needs sealing and the wings may want light sanding. From well behind the table it also gives up a little power to a carbon blade like the Zhang Jike.
FAQ
Which is better far from the table?
The Zhang Jike ALC, which excels at away-from-table looping and counterlooping. The Infinity VPS V gives up a little power to carbon blades from well behind the table.
Does the Infinity VPS V need any setup work?
Yes. It ships fairly raw, so the thin outer veneer needs sealing and the wings may want light sanding before play.
Which is the better value?
The Infinity VPS V is reasonably priced for a high-quality 5-ply offensive blade, while the Zhang Jike carries a premium ALC price.