Butterfly Fan Zhendong ZLC is a top-tier table tennis blade, inspired by the attacking playing style of 2023 World Champion Fan Zhendong. Manufactured in Japan, this blade is designed for offensive (OFF) players seeking exceptional speed, stability, and spin balance. Its 7-ply construction, consisting of 5 wood layers and 2 ZL-Carbon (ZLC) layers, ensures high speed (~12.5/20), good control (~8.5/20), and high spin (~9.5/20). The blade's rebound characteristics (11.7/10) and vibration properties (10.8/10) provide a firm yet controllable hitting feel, enabling powerful topspin strokes, precise backhand flicks, and dynamic attacking smashes.

With a thickness of 5.5 mm and standard blade dimensions (157 x 150 mm, CS: 161 x 150 mm), the Fan Zhendong ZLC offers an excellent balance of maneuverability and stability. Its weight (~85–86 g) ensures lightness and stability, while the available handle types—flared (FL), straight (ST), and Chinese penhold (CS)—cater to various playing styles.

Compared to the Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC (~13.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control), the Fan Zhendong ZLC is slightly slower but delivers a softer touch and greater stability due to ZL-Carbon technology. Online player reviews, including those on TableTennisDB, Revspin, and Megaspin, highlight that the blade "provides an excellent balance of power and stability," "is ideal for topspin strokes and backhand flicks," and "offers an outstanding hitting feel," making it a superb choice for advanced and professional players seeking power and control.

Key Features:

• Blade type: Offensive (OFF)

• Rebound characteristics (speed): 11.7/10 (~12.5/20 on the general scale)

• Vibration characteristics (hardness): 10.8/10

• Speed: ~9.25/10 (~12.5/20 on the general scale)

• Control: ~8.5/10 (~8.5/20 on the general scale)

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

• Ply composition: 5 wood layers + 2 ZL-Carbon (ZLC) layers

• Thickness: 5.5 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: ~85–86 g

• Manufacturer: Butterfly (Japan)

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Offensive play, topspin strokes, backhand flicks, blocking, short game, attacking smashes

• Player level: Advanced, professional

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ZLC is an elite offensive blade crafted for players who demand high speed (~12.5/20), good control (~8.5/20), and high spin (~9.5/20). Its 7-ply structure—with 5 wood layers (typically koto outer, ayous middle, and kiri core) and 2 ZL-Carbon layers placed just beneath the outer plies—ensures an optimal balance of rebound and flexibility.

The ZL-Carbon technology, combining carbon and Zylon fibers, grants the blade high speed and stability, allowing it to withstand strong opponent shots. The 5.5 mm thickness provides rigidity suitable for aggressive strokes while maintaining enough flexibility for spin generation. The rebound (11.7/10) and vibration (10.8/10) characteristics create a firm yet controllable feel, ideal for players who compete close to the table or at mid-distance.

The weight (~85–86 g) ensures maneuverability and stability, while the design—featuring straight lines on the handle—symbolizes Fan Zhendong’s attacking style and his relentless forward movement. The blade is optimized for ABS balls, ensuring high spin and stable contact, especially when paired with high-tension rubbers like Dignics or Tenergy series.

Player feedback emphasizes that the Fan Zhendong ZLC "delivers an outstanding power-stability balance," "is perfect for aggressive topspin and backhand flicks," and "provides an exceptional hitting feel," making it an ideal choice for offensive players seeking stability and power.

Ply Composition:

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ZLC consists of 7 plies:

• 5 wood layers (koto outer, ayous middle, kiri core)

• 2 ZL-Carbon (ZLC) layers beneath the outer koto plies

The koto outer plies contribute hardness and speed, while the ZLC layers enhance rebound and stability, enabling powerful strokes and strong spin. The ayous middle plies and kiri core add lightness and balance, ensuring a well-rounded hitting sensation.

Compared to the Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC (~13.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control), the ZLC version is slightly slower but offers a softer touch and greater stability. Against the Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ZLC (~14.0/20 speed, ~8.75/20 control), the ZLC is slower but provides better control due to reduced vibration and a more flexible structure.

Players note that the construction "delivers an excellent power-stability mix," "is ideal for aggressive topspin play," and "ensures stability in blocking," making it suitable for offensive players seeking stability and versatility.

Trajectory and Hitting Feel:

The Fan Zhendong ZLC features a high trajectory (~8.2/10), ideal for fast topspin strokes, backhand flicks, and attacking smashes. The 5.5 mm thickness and ZLC layers ensure a short yet dynamic ball contact (dwell time), enhancing speed and spin—particularly in topspin strokes and serves.

The vibration properties (10.8/10) provide a firm yet controlled feel, allowing players to precisely direct the ball during aggressive shots. The blade remains stable even on off-center hits, making it suitable for players refining their technique, though it demands solid fundamentals in high-intensity rallies.

Players highlight that the blade "offers a powerful yet controlled sensation," "makes spin generation effortless in topspin play," and "has a stable trajectory," making it an excellent choice for attackers playing close to the table or at mid-distance.

Control:

The Fan Zhendong ZLC offers good control (~8.5/20) for its category, particularly in topspin strokes, backhand flicks, blocks, and short play. The ZLC layers and harder koto outer plies provide direct feedback, enabling precise ball placement in fast exchanges.

Compared to the Fan Zhendong ALC (~9.0/20 control), the ZLC sacrifices slight control for added stability. Against the Super ZLC (~8.75/20 control), it has marginally less control but greater flexibility, aiding spin production.

Players note that the blade "is manageable in fast exchanges" and "allows precise ball control in topspin rallies," though short-game play may require more skill due to its firmer feel.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (~9.25/10, ~12.5/20): High speed, suited for topspins, backhand flicks, blocks, and smashes near or mid-distance. Slightly slower than the Fan Zhendong ALC (~13.0/20).

• Control (~8.5/10, ~8.5/20): Good control, especially in topspins, blocks, and attacks. Slightly less than the Innerforce Layer ALC (~9.5/20) but faster.

• Spin (~9.5/20): High spin potential, ideal for topspins, serves, and flicks, aided by ZLC flexibility.

• Rebound (11.7/10): Ensures dynamic ball bounce, perfect for offensive play.

• Vibration (10.8/10): Delivers a firm, direct feel while maintaining stability.

Playing Aspects:

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

• Backspin strokes: 8.4/10 – Stable chops, suitable for occasional defensive play.

• Blocking: 8.9/10 – Stable against topspins, thanks to ZLC layers and hard outer plies.

• Push strokes: 8.6/10 – Precise in short play, though technique-dependent.

• Chopping: 8.3/10 – Effective backspin strokes for all-round players.

• Counter-hitting: 9.1/10 – Stable counters with excellent speed-stability balance.

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

• Serves & receives: 9.1/10 – Effective serve returns and spin generation.

• Flicks: 9.2/10 – Highly effective backhand flicks in short play.

Rubber Compatibility:

The Fan Zhendong ZLC pairs exceptionally well with high-tension rubbers that complement its speed, spin, and stability:

• Butterfly Dignics 09C (~18.0/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~17.5/20 spin): Ideal for spin-focused topspin play.

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

• Butterfly Tenergy 19 (~17.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~16.0/20 spin): Balances control and spin for all-rounders.

• Butterfly Rozena (~17.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin): A transitional rubber for players adapting to high-tension rubbers.

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

For optimal performance, pair the Fan Zhendong ZLC with 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 Butterfly Fan Zhendong ZLC is a premium offensive blade for players prioritizing speed (~12.5/20), control (~8.5/20), and spin (~9.5/20). Its ZL-Carbon technology distinguishes it, offering a superb rebound-flexibility balance that ensures stability and power.

Compared to the ALC version, it is slightly slower but provides a softer touch and greater stability. Against the Super ZLC, it trades speed for better control.

Players praise its "excellent power-stability balance," "effectiveness in topspin and flick play," and "superior hitting feel." The weight (~85–86 g) and balanced construction make it ideal for players desiring a lightweight yet stable racket.

For enhanced grip, consider Butterfly Soft Grip Tape, and use edge tape to protect the blade from table impacts. With its power, stability, and value, the Fan Zhendong ZLC is a top-tier choice for advanced/professional players aiming to dominate at the table or mid-distance!

Who Should Use the Butterfly Fan Zhendong ZLC?

This blade is designed for offensive players who:

• Are advanced (3–7 years of experience) and seek a fast, controllable blade with excellent speed-spin balance.

• Are professionals relying on topspins, backhand flicks, blocks, and smashes.

• Prioritize speed and spin, favoring powerful strokes and heavy rotation.

• Play close to the table or mid-distance, optimizing topspin attacks and quick counters.

Advantages:

• Speed (12.5/20): Ideal for aggressive topspins, flicks, and smashes.

• Control (8.5/20): Reliable in fast rallies and precise placements.

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

• Trajectory (8.2/10): High arc for spin-heavy attacks.

• ZL-Carbon tech: Enhances rebound and stability.

• Lightweight (~85–86 g): Ensures maneuverability.

• Durability: High-quality materials guarantee longevity.

• ITTF-approved: Legal for tournament play.

Final Verdict:

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ZLC is an elite offensive blade that merges speed, spin, and stability, empowered by ZL-Carbon technology. It empowers players to refine attacking techniques and dominate at the table or mid-distance, making it a premier choice for advanced and professional competitors.

Fan Zhendong ZLC

Fan Zhendong ZLC

Fan Zhendong ZLC