Comparing Butterfly Blades

Unlike what happened in the “Dignics vs Tenergy” topic I will stick to the thread.

I own a Viscaria and a Zhang Jike ZLC (not the Super), and hit before with TBS and Timo ZLF.

Viscaria and TBS are almost the same in terms of speed, control and vibration, so I will comment only about Viscaria.

2 – Viscaria ups are: excellent feeling, superb control on loops and few vibration. Cons: not too fast fast (for those who demand it).

ZJK ZLC ups: great speed, big sweet spot, few vibration. Cons: less feeling than Viscaria, less control and harder touch.

Timo ZLF ups: greatest feedback among all BTY composite blades, excellent control on loops, short game and blocks. Cons: lack of speed.

3 – All 3 blades are excellent for the two-winged looper, with some details.

Viscaria has the edge in my opinion. It´s the most balanced between speed and control, and also pleasure to play. I can´t say what rubbers match the blade best, only my preferences. I like any modern medium-hard tensioned rubber. Right now I´m using T05 Hard and Victas V>15 Extra (BH). Didn´t like H3 Neo on it, boosted or not, it´s too much  physically demading.

ZJK ZLC is for the player who wants easy power, or a weaker player who can´t deliver power enough when looping. Due to this extra speed I like H3 Neo with this blade, I´m testing it on the BH with Rhyzer Pro 50 on the other side. This combo is truly a cannon.

Timo ZLF is for the player with solid technique, definitely not for beginners. It´s not easy to produce high speed with it, player needs to take the ball with proper stroke and full swing. I like same rubbers I would use with Viscaria: medium-hard tension rubbers.

4 – ZJK has the worst value. Of course carrying the name of a superstar is an issue for consumers. The upgraded version Super ZLC is outrageous, I can´t figure how good that blade had to be to cost so much.

Viscaria had the best value some years ago. But being used by many chinese superstars raised its price like a rocket. Timo Boll Spirit is a more reasonable choice.

And Timo ZLF is also expensive, I wouldn´t pay the price asked for this blade, I believe there are better options in the BTY range.