I have the R version, and I've been playing with it here and there for about a month now. Over time I've gained enough appreciation for it that I'm seriously considering switching to it. The main thing I don't like about it is the handle. Its width is a bit narrower than the Q968, but the height is about the same, so basically overall smaller but rounder. The proportions just feel a bit off, as my hand isn't touching enough of the handle, but perhaps that's actually an advantage as it does make FH/BH grip changes a bit easier. IDK, maybe I'll have to actually play with it as a primary blade to know.
The play characteristic is very, very different from the W968 and Q968, both of which I used as the primary blade for a year or more. The LJK ADC Special R-series plays much more like an outer carbon blade, more like Viscaria/FZD ALC. I've also used the FZD ALC as my primary blade for almost a year before and still use it often to try out various rubber combos. To me it really feels more like a more powerful FZD ALC. It's much easier to activate than the W968, which in turn is easier to activate than the Q968. When the 968s activate, you get a pretty high arc, but the LJK blade feels much more direct. You really feel it on the BH side, so much easier to play with than either W or Q968.
On the FH side the more direct, flatter trajectory does make big swings a big harder to land, so like with the FZD ALC you'll have to more actively contract your elbow at contact for a more compact follow through. However, unlike the Viscaria/FZD etc. on brush loops you still get good dwell due to it being an outer blade. With the FZD I often feel that if I'm just a bit off with the timing on brush loops the ball might bounce off the blade before I can really grab the ball, but that's not an issue with the LJK blade.
Overall, I think the LJK blade is a better fit for amateurs. Against higher level opponents I just don't have the footwork or anticipation to launch FH bombas all the time unlike say WCQ, so the easier activation is really helpful when I use smaller motions. Its ease to brush loop is also helpful compared to the Viscaria-like blades, as sometimes you just need to get the ball on the table.
I think I'm gonna try a S968 to see if it behaves more like the LJK but with the more comfortable (for my hand at least) DHS handle. Otherwise I'll switch to the LJK as my primary to give it a real try.
