Description Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC

Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC is a high-quality table tennis blade named after and used by 2023 World Champion Fan Zhendong. Manufactured in Japan, this blade is designed for offensive (OFF) players seeking an excellent balance of speed, control, and spin. Its 5-ply wood and 2-ply Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction delivers high speed (~13.0/20), good control (~9.0/20), and high spin (~9.5/20). The blade's rebound characteristics (11.8/10) and vibration properties (10.3/10) provide a firm yet controlled hitting feel that enables powerful topspin strokes, precise blocks, and dynamic smash attacks.

With a 5.8 mm thickness and standard blade size (157 x 150 mm, CS: 161 x 150 mm), the Fan Zhendong ALC offers balanced maneuverability and stability. The weight (~85–87 g) ensures lightness and speed, while the available handle options—flared (FL), straight (ST), and Chinese penhold (CS)—accommodate various playing styles. Compared to the Butterfly Viscaria (~12.8/20 speed, ~9.2/20 control), the Fan Zhendong ALC is slightly faster and stiffer while maintaining similar control. Online player reviews, including those on TableTennisDB, Revspin, and Tabletennisdaily, highlight that the blade "provides an exceptional speed-control balance," "is ideal for topspin and backhand flick strokes," and "has an excellent hitting feel," making it a superb choice for advanced and professional players seeking versatility and power.

Key Specifications:

• Blade Type: Offensive (OFF)

• Rebound (Speed): 11.8/10 (~13.0/20 on standard scale)

• Vibration (Hardness): 10.3/10

• Speed: ~9/10 (~13.0/20 on standard scale)

• Control: ~9/10 (~9.0/20 on standard scale)

• Spin: ~9.5/20 (estimated, based on player feedback)

• Construction: 5-ply wood + 2-ply Arylate-Carbon (ALC)

• Thickness: 5.8 mm

• Blade Dimensions: 157 x 150 mm (CS: 161 x 150 mm)

• Handle Dimensions:

  • Flared (FL): 100 x 25 x 34 mm

  • Straight (ST): 100 x 23 x 28 mm

  • Chinese Penhold (CS): 82 x 24 x 32 mm

• Weight: ~85–87 g (CS: ~82 g)

• Manufacturer: Butterfly (Japan)

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Playstyle Suitability: Offensive play, topspin strokes, backhand flicks, blocking, short play, smash attacks

• Player Level: Advanced, professional

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC is a professional-grade blade crafted for players seeking high speed (~13.0/20), good control (~9.0/20), and high spin (~9.5/20). Its 7-ply construction (5 wood plies + 2 ALC plies) is based on the legendary Viscaria structure used by many world champions. The outer koto plies, middle ayous plies, and central kiri core, combined with the ALC layers positioned just beneath the outer plies, provide speed, elasticity, and stability.

The Arylate-Carbon blend ensures high speed and stability (from carbon fiber) while maintaining elasticity and feel (from arylate fiber), enabling powerful topspin strokes and precise blocks. The 5.8 mm thickness adds stiffness for aggressive shots while retaining sufficient dwell time for spin. The rebound (11.8/10) and vibration (10.3/10) properties create a firm yet controlled feel, ideal for close-to-table or mid-distance play. The weight (~85–87 g, CS: ~82 g) ensures maneuverability, while the larger handle (especially FL) offers comfort and stability during intense matches.

Optimized for ABS balls, the blade guarantees high spin and consistent contact, particularly when paired with grippy rubbers like the Dignics or Tenergy series. Player reviews emphasize that the Fan Zhendong ALC "delivers an outstanding speed-control balance," "excels in backhand flicks and topspin strokes," and "makes spin generation effortless," making it perfect for offensive players seeking versatility.

Construction:

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC consists of 7 plies: 5 wood plies (outer koto, middle ayous, central kiri) and 2 ALC plies beneath the outer koto layers. This construction, identical to the Viscaria, ensures speed, stability, and elasticity. The outer koto plies provide stiffness and speed, while the ALC layers add elasticity for powerful spin and drives. The ayous middle plies and kiri core contribute lightness and stability, ensuring a balanced feel.

Compared to the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC (~12.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control), the Fan Zhendong ALC is slightly faster and stiffer with similar control. Against the Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC (~11.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control), it offers more speed and a firmer feel due to its outer ALC layers. Players note that the construction "provides an excellent speed-spin balance," "is perfect for aggressive topspin play," and "ensures stability in blocking," making it ideal for offensive players prioritizing power and control.

Trajectory and Feel:

The Fan Zhendong ALC features a medium-high trajectory (~8.0/10), ideal for fast topspin strokes, backhand flicks, and smashes. The 5.8 mm thickness and ALC layers ensure a shorter yet controlled dwell time, enhancing speed and spin—especially in topspin and serves. The vibration rating (10.3/10) delivers a firm, direct feel for precise ball placement during aggressive play. While less forgiving on off-center hits, the blade provides excellent feedback for technical refinement. Reviews highlight its "fast and crisp feel," "easy spin generation in topspin strokes," and "stable trajectory," making it perfect for offensive players at the table or mid-distance.

Control:

The Fan Zhendong ALC offers good control (~9.0/20) for its class, particularly in topspin, backhand flicks, blocks, and short play. The ALC layers and stiff outer koto plies provide direct feedback for accurate ball control in fast rallies. Compared to the Butterfly Viscaria (~9.2/20 control), it has slightly less control but higher speed. Against the Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC (~12.8/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control), it matches control while being marginally faster due to its 0.1 mm thicker build. Players note the blade is "manageable in fast strokes" and "allows precise ball control in topspin," though short-game play may require more skill due to its firmness.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (~9/10, ~13.0/20): High speed for topspin, flicks, blocks, and smashes at the table or mid-distance. Faster than the Timo Boll ALC (~12.5/20).

• Control (~9/10, ~9.0/20): Good control for topspin, blocks, and smashes. Slightly lower than the Innerforce Layer ALC (~9.5/20) but with more speed.

• Spin (~9.5/20): High spin potential for topspin, serves, and flicks—especially with grippy rubbers.

• Rebound (11.8/10): Ensures a dynamic, high bounce for offensive play.

• Vibration (10.3/10): Provides a firm, direct feel with minimal vibration.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin strokes: 9.2/10 – Highly effective topspin, especially on the forehand, with superb speed and spin.

• Backspin strokes: 8.5/10 – Stable chops with backspin, suitable for occasional defensive play.

• Blocking: 9.0/10 – Stable against topspin due to ALC layers and stiff outer plies.

• Push strokes: 8.8/10 – Precise short-game pushes with good control (requires technique).

• Chopping: 8.4/10 – Effective backspin chops for all-round players.

• Counter-hitting: 9.1/10 – Stable counter-attacks with excellent speed-control balance.

• Smashing: 9.0/10 – Powerful smashes for quick finishes.

• Serves & receive: 9.1/10 – Effective serve returns and spin generation with easy control.

• Flick strokes: 9.2/10 – Highly effective backhand flicks in short play with superb speed and control.

Rubber Compatibility:

The Fan Zhendong ALC pairs perfectly with grippy rubbers that complement its speed, spin, and control:

• Butterfly Dignics 09C (~18.0/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~17.5/20 spin): Ideal for maximum spin and control in topspin.

• Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~19.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~17.0/20 spin): Boosts speed and spin for aggressive attackers.

• Butterfly Tenergy 19 (~17.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~16.0/20 spin): Offers balanced control and spin for all-round play.

• Butterfly Rozena (~17.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin): A versatile transition rubber for High Tension users.

• DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~16.5/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~17.0/20 spin): Provides heavy spin and control for forehand play.

For optimal performance, pair the Fan Zhendong ALC with grippy rubbers like Dignics 09C or Tenergy 05 on the forehand for maximum speed/spin, or Tenergy 19/Rozena on the backhand for added control.

Additional Notes:

The Fan Zhendong ALC is a professional blade designed for high speed (~13.0/20), good control (~9.0/20), and high spin (~9.5/20). Its Viscaria-based construction ensures top-tier performance, as proven by world champions like Fan Zhendong and Lin Shidong. Compared to the Timo Boll ALC, it is faster and stiffer. Against the Zhang Jike ALC, it offers marginally higher speed due to its 0.1 mm thicker build.

The weight (~85–87 g) and balanced design make it ideal for players seeking a fast, stable racket. The handle design, inspired by Fan Zhendong's attacking style, features straight lines symbolizing forward momentum. For enhanced grip, use Butterfly Soft Grip Tape, and apply edge tape to protect the wood from table impacts.

With its versatility, power, and value, the Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC is an exceptional choice for advanced and professional players looking to refine offensive techniques and dominate at the table or mid-distance!

Who Should Use the Fan Zhendong ALC?

• Advanced players (3–7 years experience): Seeking a fast, controlled blade with superb speed-spin balance.

• Professional players: Ideal for topspin, backhand flicks, blocks, and smashes.

• Speed/spin-oriented players: Perfect for powerful strokes and heavy spin.

• Forehand/backhand play: Suitable for both sides due to its balanced speed and control.

• Close-to-table or mid-distance players: Optimized for topspin, flicks, and smashes.

Advantages:

• Speed (13.0/20): High speed for topspin, flicks, blocks, and smashes.

• Control (9.0/20): Good control for offensive play.

• Spin (9.5/20): High spin potential for topspin and serves.

• Trajectory (8.0/10): Medium-high for speed and spin.

• Arylate-Carbon: Combines speed, elasticity, and stability.

• Lightweight (~85–87 g): Ensures maneuverability and comfort.

• Durability: High-quality wood and ALC guarantee longevity.

• Value: Excellent price for professional performance.

• Quality: Made in Japan, ITTF-approved for official competitions.

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC is a professional offensive blade that combines speed, spin, and control, enhanced by its Arylate-Carbon construction and Viscaria-inspired design. It empowers players to refine attacking techniques and dominate play at the table or mid-distance!

Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC

Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC

Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC