Equipment : Butterfly IF T5000,IF ALC,IF ZLC,TB ZLC,ZJK S-ZLC

First, the obvious disclaimer: I believe that these blades differ a lot from piece to piece, mainly based on weight (an 80g ALC shall be basically a different blade than a 90g ALC) so, when I write about these blades below, it is about the pieces that I own.

Tested with T05 2.1 on both sides:

1. 87g ALC

2. 85g ZLC

3. 85g SZLC

Bear in mind that according to BTY's website, their branded weights are 86g, 86g and 90g respectively - so my SZLC is 5g below normal perhaps?

Don't buy into all the SZLC's "special $350 feel & feedback" BS. It's alright. I like the feel of all the 3 blades in their own different ways. I'd say that the feel of the SZLC is basically that of a ALC without the mushiness. The ZLC feels different and is noticably harder.

My ZLC feels a class faster than my SZLC: partly due to the ZLC being flexier. It also feels more solid and is marginally thicker. In fact, on BH, closer to table than mid-distance, your shots might be slower using SZLC as compared to ALC because of lack of flex. From mid-distance though, SZLC is faster than the ALC.

The SZLC positives:

On the negative side, I'm not sure if it is that different enough for someone to plough in all that extra chedda'. OK, let me rephrase that - the previous statement holds even if the SZLC was available at the ZLC price. If you want better consistency and power from mid-distance, rip off that T05 (if < 48g cut) from your (hopefully > 86g) ALC and put an MX-P or M1 in it's place - it's cheaper that way.

The ZLC, OTOH, is different enough and does fulfill unique requirements from those who find the ALC lacking from mid-distance or find it a bit too soft or mushy (sure, most pros use it but I'll bet they're weilding >92g hammers which behave differently). About an year & a half ago, I used to use the TB-ZLC and was a big fan of it. This is an improved version of it (better handle & weight balance). As I've been using the ALC nowadays, the power difference shall take getting used to if I'm to adopt this blade.

More importantly, a lot of today's buyers must be purchasing with an eye on the upcoming change. The plastic ball seems less susceptible to spin and is bouncier but requires more effort from mid-distance to drive. Bye-bye ALC?: I feel that a lot of players might go one up in speed level in their recent and future blade buys.

I'm not keeping all 3 blades - I'll decide which one goes on the 'For Sale' forum in a week or so. Meanwhile, I fear it might be the ZLC - I just can't bring myself to tell other members that the $350 blade is a good buy...

I'll update after some league play.