BLOG

Review: BUTTERFLY Fan Zhendong ALC

Author: Karel Malík

We bring you a review of the blade used by world number one Fan Zhendong.

This new arrival hit the market on September 1, 2022, as part of a comprehensive series of blades bearing the name Fan Zhendong. The lineup includes versions labeled ALC, ZLC, Super ZLC, Super ALC, and CNF.

The two-time World Champion, undisputed world number one, and arguably the best table tennis player today, Fan Zhendong, has been a Butterfly contract player since November 1, 2021. This was undoubtedly a masterstroke of marketing by Butterfly; since the days of Zhang Jike, they hadn't had a Chinese superstar under their wings (not counting Lin Gaoyuan, who was also a contract player but never quite reached the very top tier of the sport).

Given that the other two biggest megastars of contemporary table tennis—Ma Long and Wang Chuqin—are signed with the Chinese brand DHS, it is logical to conclude that by signing Fan Zhendong, Butterfly also aimed to strengthen its position in the Chinese market.

Fan Zhendong ALC

Tady je překlad do angličtiny s použitím přesné stolnětenisové terminologie, kterou používají recenzenti na serverech jako Revspin nebo Tabletennis11.

Technical Specifications

• Playing Category: OFF

• Composition: As is typical with Butterfly, the official composition is not disclosed. However, it is expected to be identical to other premium Butterfly ALC blades (Viscaria, Boll ALC, Zhang Jike ALC, Lin Gaoyuan, etc.): 5+2 plies with a Koto outer veneer and a Kiri core. The ALC layer is placed directly under the Koto veneer, making it an outer carbon construction.

• Head Size: Classic 157 x 150 mm.

• Thickness: 5.8 mm.

• Weight: Factory spec is 88g. My FL (Flared) version weighed nearly 91g—exactly what I wanted. I would have even taken a heavier piece, but higher-weight specimens are rare for this model.

• Handle types: Available in FL (Flared) and ST (Straight). It seems FL units are generally a few grams heavier than ST.

• Manufacturer Specs: Speed is rated at 11.8 and Vibration at 10.3, which are identical specs for all of the brand's ALC blades.

Testing Conditions

The Fan Zhendong ALC was tested for approximately two months against players ranging from regional divisions to the 2nd National League. I used the following rubbers: Tenergy 05, 64, 80, 05FX, Rozena, and Dignics 80. Everything was assembled using Free Chack PRO II glue without any additional boosting. During the test, I cross-referenced it with other Butterfly ALC blades (Viscaria, Lin Gaoyuan ALC, and Zhang Jike ALC) for the most accurate comparison.

Performance & Subjective Feel

Speed Butterfly (somewhat nonsensically, in my opinion) assigns almost all its ALC blades the same speed and vibration parameters. To give context: they used to do the same with the Tenergy series (05, FX, and Hard all had the same speed/spin ratings), though they have since started to differentiate them. I personally don't think all ALC blades of this construction can be lumped together. While differences are subtle, they exist. The Fan Zhendong ALC is definitely on the faster side of this category. During power shots, it felt like one of the fastest ALC blades from Butterfly—certainly faster than the Lin Gaoyuan ALC and on par with the Viscaria.

Accuracy (Control) One of the blade's greatest assets. For its speed, it is incredibly precise. No erratic scattering, no weird "kick," and no "dying" on impact. You feel like the blade obeys your every command.

Stiffness Definitely a stiff blade. There is almost no flex, even during power loops. While stiffer blades exist, the Fan Zhendong ALC is very solid.

Dwell Time Very pleasant and sufficiently long for this type of construction. While it won't match an all-wood blade, the dwell time is a huge bonus in this speed category. To me, it feels noticeably longer than on a Viscaria.

Feel I’d describe it as fairly soft, very similar to the Lin Gaoyuan ALC, perhaps slightly "sharper." It follows the recent trend of blades having a softer overall feel. In my opinion, this is intentional because today’s players use harder or even tacky rubbers, which pair better with a softer-feeling blade.

Arc (Trajectory) Noticeably higher than the Viscaria, but lower than the Lin Gaoyuan ALC. Crucially, the arc remains consistent even when you add power; some blades tend to flatten out on hard shots, but this one remains stable.

Balance Centered. Definitely not head-heavy.

Summary and Recommendations

I have nothing but praise for its performance. This blade allows for extreme precision both at the table and from mid-distance. It plays passively when you want it to, but can produce an absolute "rocket" when you step on the gas. Furthermore, its spin potential is unique for this type of construction. Thanks to the softer feel, short-game touches, service returns, and serves are very easy to execute. The dominant shot is undoubtedly any variation of the topspin from any distance.

Who is it for? Anyone used to this type of blade who is looking for a subtle upgrade.

• If you play with a Viscaria but want more dwell time, a softer feel, and more spin—try this.

• If you play with a Lin Gaoyuan ALC but want more speed while keeping the same feel—try this.

For me, this is a par excellence blade that truly does it all.

Karel Malík