Zhang Jike Super ZLC (ZJK SZLC) ST

I have a new ZJK-ZLC FL & am contemplating returning it - so I won't be able to test it's softness.

Reason for purchase: I like ZLC fiber & thought that the SZLC would be too fast, uncontrollable & heavier (BTY lists it's average weight @ 90g). I bought the ALC and ZLC versions with plans on returning one after testing ball bounce.

However, upon ball bounce on blade, there's a noticable decrease in rebound speed on top of blade (maybe a shade north of where a lot of FHs are generally hit). I've haven't done this ball bounce test on a 'naked' TB-ZLC but I don't recall having any control issues with that blade.

I just hope that they haven't changed the ZLC fiber they put in the ZJK-ZLC relative to what they put in the TB-ZLC (& I don't think they'd do that anyways).

I remember bluebucket once said korbel was 'true and honest' blade. When I first hit with TB ZLC i remembered that comment. Sounds absurd that one of the fanciest and most expensve blades out there can be true an honest but that's how I feel with it. It is very hard, very little flex, no dwell, and fast. But when you hit the ball you IMMEDIATELY get a sense of direction. I think soft and flexy blades like Korbel really muffle that sense of direction, yes it dwells nice, but then it doesnt jump straight, but 'in the range'. And TB ZLC + Rhyzm, with that hard sponge and hard topsheet.. it is unbelievably DIRECT paddle. Direct is the word that best describes it. Its like playing with hardbat in a way. No sponge to blur the contact with the ball and the rebound is just a geometric ricochet from a plane. TB ZLC is like that, especially with Rhyzm.. you just get this feel of the direction. I love it.

Super ZLC ... not so direct.. muffled feel. I think if you played Hinoki outer ply blade you will like the feel of Super ZLC. But if you come from koto, you wont.

 I would not recommend this blade to an at-the-table player - this blade has nothing extra for you. Get a suitable close-to-the table blade instead (hang on to your IF-ZLF / LSW / JRE / 5-ply all-wood!). 

This is also not for those with slow strokes / hand speeds. The reasons being: (1) stiffness, and (2) proper ZLC dwell only manifests itself on fast strokes.

Interesting that they found that it was hard to generate power from mid-distance! Just shows how subjective all reviews are (blade attributes as perceptible to us depend greatly on one's stroke).