butterfly-fan-zhendong-super-alc-review-1

Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC

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

Quick Summary

Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC is a premium 7-ply (5 wood + 2 Super Arylate-Carbon) outer-fiber composite blade designed for modern offensive players. Co-developed with Fan Zhendong, this blade uses Koto as the outer ply over Super ALC, delivering an explosive yet controlled feel. Rated in the OFF category, it offers direct rebound, crisp feedback, and a wide sweet spot, ideal for loopers, counter-hitters, and third-ball attackers.

Compared to traditional ALC blades, the Super ALC material enhances sweet spot size and stability while maintaining low vibration. Its outer-fiber structure offers a lower arc, powerful driving potential, and quick transitions. This blade is designed for high-level players who seek speed and precision, with no compromise on control or quality.

Specs
  • Type: Offensive
  • Plies: 5 wood + 2 Super ALC (Outer Ply: Koto)
  • Composite Layer: Super Arylate-Carbon (Outer placement)
  • Thickness: 5.7 mm
  • Weight: 89g
  • Speed (Manuf.): N/A
  • Control (Manuf.): N/A
  • Handle Type: FL / ST
  • Made In: Japan
Pros
  • Incredible power and rebound speed for aggressive attackers
  • Large sweet spot for forgiving and consistent contact
  • Excellent for quick counters and third-ball attacks
  • Professional-grade finish and balance from Butterfly Japan
Cons
  • Shorter dwell time may not suit high-arc, brush loopers
  • Too fast or stiff for touch-based or defensive players
  • Expensive, targeted at serious players or professionals
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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.
Stiffness4.5High stiffness for direct rebound and fast timing.
Vibration Feel4.0Crisp feedback with mild dampening from Super ALC.
Dwell Time4.0Quick contact; brushing is possible but requires technique.
Sweet Spot5.0Expanded impact zone due to enhanced composite layout.
Build Quality5.0Flawless Butterfly finish with top-tier craftsmanship and aesthetic design.

Core Performance Aspects

Looping & Topspin Play

With its Koto outer ply and outer-fiber Super ALC, the blade excels in fast, compact loop drives. The trajectory is medium to low arc, giving you more speed than lift. It favors timing-based topspin rather than slow, high-arc brushing. The dwell time is short, so generating heavy spin requires quality rubbers and advanced technique, but the output is rewarding. The blade’s direct nature makes it excellent for looping off the bounce or fast counters.

Driving & Flat Hitting

This is where the blade truly dominates. The combination of Koto and Super ALC provides crisp and stiff contact, resulting in massive energy transfer during flat hits, power drives, and smashes. Players who prefer aggressive finishes will appreciate how little effort it takes to close out points.

Blocking & Passive Control

Blocking is consistent and secure, thanks to the wide sweet spot and stiff composite core. The feedback is immediate and helps guide direction during active blocks and counters. However, players who rely on soft touch blocks may find the rebound slightly too reactive without well-matched rubbers.

Serve & Short Game

The Koto outer ply makes the blade quick and responsive, which is a double-edged sword in the short game. Pushes and flicks are precise, but the speed requires fine touch and rubber pairing to avoid over-hitting. On serves, the crisp contact aids in creating sharp spin variation with minimal input, although players used to Limba outer plies may notice reduced dwell.

Mid-to-Far Distance Play

Even from mid and far distances, the blade retains pace and stability. Thanks to its enhanced Super ALC composition, it doesn’t lose control under pressure, making it a reliable option for rallies that extend beyond the table. That said, the lower arc may require more active brushing from afar.

Strategic Considerations

Comparison to Similar Blades

Compared to Viscaria, the Fan Zhendong Super ALC has a larger sweet spot and more refined feedback, with a similarly crisp feel due to the shared Koto outer. It’s faster than Innerforce ALC, but with less dwell and arc. Compared to Timo Boll ALC, it offers more punch and a slightly stiffer sensation. It feels like a fine-tuned Viscaria with better balance and more professional tailoring.

Rubber Pairing Recommendations

Due to the blade’s speed and stiffness, it pairs best with:

  • Dignics 05 / 09C – Excellent for spin and arc correction
  • Tenergy 05 / 80 – Balanced performance with strong catapult
  • Yasaka Rakza Z – Good for adding dwell and grip
  • Avoid ultra-hard rubbers unless you have elite technique, as the combo may become overly rigid.

Ideal Playstyle Fit

This blade suits advanced-level loopers and counter-attackers who demand direct power, fast rebounds, and precision. It’s ideal for players who rely on third-ball attacks, close-table pressure, and fast counter loops, and is less suited to defensive or control-based play.

If you’re an offensive-minded player looking for a professional-grade outer ALC blade with elite performance and balance, the Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC is a top-tier choice. Explore trusted retailers below for the latest deals and availability.

  • Increased feel and more speed than a traditional ALC blade
  • Recommended for players who want more power utilizing the features of a conventional ALC blade
  • Designed in conjunction with World Champion Fan Zhendong of China

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