Fan Zhendong’s Name on Proven ALC Technology

The Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC pairs the world number one’s name with Butterfly’s most popular fiber technology. Its 5W + 2 Arylate-Carbon construction matches the Viscaria and Zhang Jike ALC in specifications: 9.0/10 speed, 7.5/10 control, 7 plies. At $185, all three ALC blades share the same price point. The Fan Zhendong ALC distinguishes itself through outer fiber placement geometry and handle design rather than fundamentally different performance.

Butterfly describes the Fan Zhendong ALC’s outer carbon as producing a harder, more direct feel compared to innerforce models where carbon sits closer to the core. On contact, the blade transmits ball impact cleanly to the hand, giving players precise feedback on stroke quality. Mis-hits register immediately through vibration, while clean contact produces a solid, satisfying response.

The 87g weight sits 2g above the Viscaria but matches the Zhang Jike ALC exactly. Players comparing these three $185 ALC blades need to focus on handle comfort. Each has a subtly different flared handle profile. Testing all three in person remains the most reliable way to choose, since the on-table performance gap between them falls within the range of individual blade variation.

Rubber Pairing and Upgrade Path

Fan Zhendong pairs his blade with DHS Hurricane 3 National on the forehand and Butterfly Dignics 05 on the backhand. Recreational players can approximate this setup with standard DHS Hurricane 3 ($25) and Tenergy 05 ($60-70), creating a complete setup around $270-325 with the Fan Zhendong ALC blade.

The Fan Zhendong ZLC ($270) provides the natural upgrade path when players outgrow the ALC’s speed ceiling. ZL-Carbon replaces Arylate-Carbon for 9.5/10 speed and a more flexible response. The handle dimensions and blade shape remain consistent across the Fan Zhendong series, so the transition requires no grip adjustment. Players coming from all-wood blades or budget carbon options like the SK Carbon ($100) will find the Fan Zhendong ALC a significant step up in speed and responsiveness.