butterfly-fan-zhendong-super-alc-review

Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC

  • Speed
  • Control
  • Feel / Vibration
  • Sweet Spot
  • Dwell Time
  • Build Quality
4.5/5Overall Score

Quick Summary

Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC is a premium OFF+ carbon blade developed for modern offensive players seeking a balance of speed, spin, and refined touch. Featuring Super Arylate-Carbon (an enhanced version of traditional ALC), this blade offers a larger sweet spot, faster rebound, and greater stability without compromising the dwell time that loopers crave. Designed in collaboration with Chinese superstar Fan Zhendong, it’s ideal for two-winged attackers, mid-distance loopers, and players who demand top-level performance with advanced control.

Specs
  • Type: Offensive
  • Plies: 5W + 2 Super ALC
  • Material Highlight: Super Arylate-Carbon
  • Head Size: 157 x 150 mm
  • Thickness: 5.7 mm
  • Weight: 88–90g
  • Handle Type: FL (Flared), ST (Straight)
  • Speed Rating: OFF+
  • Feel / Hardness: Medium-Hard
  • Vibration: Low
  • Balance: Neutral
  • Made In: Japan
Pros
  • Offers faster rebound than standard ALC with improved control
  • Very large sweet spot for consistent shot quality
  • Clean feedback for advanced touch shots and spin variation
  • Excellent for modern loop-based offense
  • Premium construction and design
Cons
  • Less forgiving than inner carbon or all-wood blades
  • Demands good timing and proper stroke mechanics
  • Expensive, targeted at serious players or professionals

Scoring Breakdown

AspectRatingExplanation
Speed5.0Faster than standard ALC blades; strong acceleration with high-end power.
Control4.0Great control for an OFF+ blade, responsive and predictable during rallies.
Feel / Vibration4.0Clean and crisp with minimal unwanted vibration; great ball feedback.
Sweet Spot5.0Larger sweet spot due to Super ALC’s enhanced fiber weave.
Dwell Time4.0Very good dwell for a fast blade, supports topspin-heavy play.
Build Quality5.0Flawless Butterfly finish with top-tier craftsmanship and aesthetic design.

Build Quality and Design
Butterfly’s Super ALC material represents a technological advancement over standard Arylate-Carbon, designed to maximize speed and widen the sweet spot without overly stiffening the blade. The outer Koto ply provides a crisp contact point, while the core structure maintains consistency across impact zones. The Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC is elegantly finished, featuring his signature branding and a sleek, modern handle design. Like all Butterfly blades made in Japan, the construction is precise and highly durable.

On-Table Performance

  • Loops & Counterloops: The Super ALC blade is tailor-made for looping. Topspin attacks benefit from the blade’s solid dwell time and fast rebound, making it effective at both close and mid-distance. The added crispness and stability of Super ALC help maintain control during counter-loop exchanges, even under pressure.
  • Blocks & Drives: Blocking is stable and crisp, with minimal blade flex. The sweet spot ensures even off-center blocks maintain quality. Drives are powerful and fast, making this blade an excellent choice for active players who enjoy initiating and finishing points quickly.
  • Smashes & Flat Hits: Flat hits are clean and direct. The blade’s stiffness allows confident smashes and fast kills without loss of control. Compared to inner-carbon blades, the Fan Zhendong Super ALC provides better punch on direct shots.
  • Short Game & Serves: Although it’s a fast blade, it performs surprisingly well in the short game. Touch shots, flicks, and pushes can be executed with confidence. Serves benefit from the crisp feel, allowing for good spin when paired with the right rubber.

Comparisons to Similar Blades

  • Vs. Fan Zhendong ALC: Super ALC version is faster with a larger sweet spot. The regular ALC offers slightly better dwell and control for spin-focused players.
  • Vs. Viscaria: Viscaria is more forgiving and slightly softer; Super ALC is more powerful, more modern, and built for advanced loopers.
  • Vs. Fan Zhendong ZLC: ZLC is stiffer and faster, but less dwell-friendly. Super ALC offers a nice compromise between speed and feel.

Rubber Compatibility
This blade pairs best with:

Suitable Playing Styles and Experience Levels

  • Ideal for: Advanced two-winged attackers, counter-loopers, and spin-oriented mid-distance players
  • Not recommended for: Beginners or players who rely on passive blocking or all-wood feel
  • Best for players who can fully utilize a fast blade with a large sweet spot and crisp feedback

Price-to-Performance Value
With a price tag around $240–$260, the Fan Zhendong Super ALC is an investment-grade blade. It offers excellent long-term value for competitive players who want power, feel, and stability in one high-performance package.

If you’re a competitive offensive player looking for a high-performance blade that delivers speed without sacrificing feel, the Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC might be the perfect fit. Browse current offers from trusted retailers below.

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