Weight
87g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fan Zhendong ALC
Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC is a premium offensive blade designed in collaboration with the world champion. Built on the legendary Viscaria structure, it features a 5-ply wood core with two outer Arylate-Carbon layers. This hybrid construction delivers an exceptional balance of explosive speed, heavy spin, and reliable control, making it ideal for powerful topspins and quick counter-attacks. The ALC material enhances elasticity and provides a larger sweet spot with improved dwell time, perfect for players who want to dictate high-tempo rallies with aggressive, dynamic strokes.
This 5-wood + 2 Arylate-Carbon outer-fiber construction is a well-established design. The Koto outer plies provide a hard, crisp surface for effective topspin and power shots, while the inner Ayous and Kiri core layers contribute to overall balance and feel. The strategically placed ALC layers beneath the Koto offer enhanced elasticity, vibration dampening, and a larger sweet spot.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Fan Zhendong ALC is renowned for its exceptional pace, making it a premier choice for aggressive attackers. The outer Arylate-Carbon construction combined with Koto outer plies generates a high-rebound effect, enabling fast-paced rallies and powerful offensive shots. It maintains a commendable level of control, preventing the ball from flying uncontrollably when paired with suitable rubbers.
Despite its high speed, this blade offers a commendable level of control. The Arylate-Carbon layers provide sufficient dwell time and a larger sweet spot, which greatly aids in precise ball placement and maneuverability during fast exchanges. It demands good technique but its balanced feel allows for effective execution of both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
The feel is often described as crisp and direct, leaning towards the harder side due to the outer ALC construction and Koto outer plies. However, the ALC material imparts a degree of elasticity and feedback, preventing it from feeling overly stiff and providing a good sense of connection with the ball.
The combination of Koto outer plies and ALC layers typically results in a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for offensive players, allowing for aggressive looping with a good arc over the net while maintaining enough control for consistent placement.
The Arylate-Carbon layers contribute to a moderate dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade surface slightly longer. This characteristic is crucial for generating spin and provides a better feel during strokes, especially for powerful topspin shots, offering a good balance for offensive play.
The blade offers a good degree of flexibility, primarily due to the Arylate-Carbon layers. This allows for excellent ball pocketing and spin generation, particularly during powerful topspin strokes. It finds a fine balance between stiffness for speed and flexibility for control and feel.
Vibration feedback is generally described as moderate, striking a good balance between feeling the ball and minimizing excessive shock. The ALC material helps dampen unwanted vibrations, providing comfortable yet informative feedback that benefits shot control during aggressive play.
Butterfly's exceptional manufacturing standards are fully evident in the Fan Zhendong ALC. The blade exhibits superb build quality with precise construction and a durable finish. Players frequently praise its premium feel and the meticulous attention to detail, which contributes to its high perceived value and longevity.
Technology
Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC incorporates advanced Arylate-Carbon (ALC) technology. This composite material is strategically placed between wood veneers to provide a significant boost in elasticity and rebound speed without compromising control. The result is a larger sweet spot, improved vibration dampening, and a lively feel for the ball. Based on the successful Viscaria model, it features Koto outer plies for a crisp touch and excellent spin potential, coupled with inner wood layers for balance. The design is inspired by Fan Zhendong's fast-paced, attacking style, aiming to provide a blade that facilitates aggressive play and consistent offensive execution.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Fan Zhendong (CHN)
Fan Zhendong, the world number one and multiple world champion, uses this blade as his primary choice. Designed to match his aggressive, high-tempo style, he utilizes its speed and spin for powerful forehand and backhand topspins, as well as his aggressive serve and receive game. The blade's balance allows him to dictate play from all areas of the table.
Sora Matsushima (JPN)
Sora Matsushima utilizes the Fan Zhendong ALC blade. His dynamic attacking style benefits from the blade's necessary speed and spin to execute powerful shots and control the game. The consistent performance and feel support players like Matsushima who rely on precision and power in their offensive strategies.
Shunsuke Togami (JPN)
Shunsuke Togami employs the Fan Zhendong ALC blade. His aggressive playing style, characterized by strong offensive drives, benefits from the blade's inherent speed and spin-generating capabilities. Its balanced characteristics allow effective transition between offense and defense, helping maintain pressure on opponents.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Fan Zhendong ALC is directly based on the highly popular Viscaria, sharing the same 5-ply wood with 2 outer ALC layer construction. It's often described as a refined or 'tuned-up' version, with a slight thickness difference and potentially adjusted material treatment. Players find them very similar, with some perceiving the FZD ALC to have a slightly crisper feel or better feedback.
Butterfly InnerForce Layer ALC.S
This represents an 'inner fiber' construction alternative. With ALC layers embedded deeper within the wood core, it generally offers a softer feel, more dwell time, and a more controlled, less vibration-prone response compared to the faster, crisper feel of the Fan Zhendong ALC. It's a good option for players seeking a more forgiving blade with enhanced ball feeling.