Donic Zhang Jike New Era – First Impressions

Jordan Yee

I recently tried out the Donic Zhang Jike New Era, and the first thing that stood out to me was how transparent and responsive it feels. The moment you put in some power, the blade gives you instant support with very quick speed. Even when you don’t fully commit to a stroke, it still provides clear feedback. The overall touch is smooth and natural — it really feels like an extension of your hand.

This blade is very easy to pick up and doesn’t take long to get used to. Its stability during rallies impressed me the most: consistent ball placement, high margin of safety, and very forgiving when under pressure. It gives you confidence to go for shots without worrying too much about unforced errors. Overall, it’s comfortable and enjoyable to play with.

From my personal point of view, the arc is on the straighter side, which makes it harder to finish points with a single topspin. I also tested it with Hurricane on the forehand, and honestly, it didn’t bring out the full potential of Hurricane’s sharp and tricky arc. Instead, I think pairing it with a faster or more “transparent” rubber works better, allowing the blade’s speed and stability to shine through.

My takeaway: I believe this blade is very suitable for players who already have some foundation and want a fast, stable setup that’s easy to control. However, for high-level professional players who rely on heavy spin variation and arc changes to win points, I don’t think this blade is the best match.

Purchase link：https://www.paddlepalace.com/Donic-Zhang-Jike-New-Era/productinfo/SDZJNE/

—— Jordan Yee @ MMTTA Pleasanton