One-line verdict

The Fan Zhendong ALC is essentially a thicker-handled Viscaria: the same 5-ply + 2 ALC layup, the same proven pedigree, but a steadier, more solid feel at full power — a safe upgrade for two-wing loopers.

Specs (official)

  • Construction: 5-ply wood + 2 aramid-carbon (Koto outer / ALC / Limba / Kiri core), same stack as Viscaria
  • Official: Reaction 11.8 / Vibration 10.3, thickness 5.8mm, ~87g FL, head 157×150mm
  • Made in Japan; named after 2023 World Champion Fan Zhendong

Hands-on

The outer ALC gives a crisp, direct contact, but the wood-heavy layup — the Kiri core in particular — adds a beat of dwell, so mid-distance loops are spinny and steady and hard strokes stay on the table. The handle is noticeably thicker than Viscaria’s, letting larger hands loosen the grip and snap the wrist faster. Rubber tolerance is wide: tacky Chinese (Hurricane 3 Neo) and European tensors (Dignics 09c/05, Tenergy 05) all work.

How it compares

  • Loved Viscaria but the handle felt thin? This is the upgrade.
  • Want more raw power and a bigger sweet spot? Viscaria Super ALC.
  • Block a lot and want something softer? Inner-carbon like Hurricane Long 5.

Buying advice

Intermediate–advanced shakehand loopers. Penholders and passive blockers need not apply. The neck edges are sharp out of the box — sand them first.

References

  • UltraSpin Fan Zhendong ALC review
  • Butterfly official spec page
  • ButterflyOnline customer reviews