Andro Treiber Z vs Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC: Which Should You Buy?
| Andro Treiber Z | Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| feel | mild, crispy, low vibration, large sweet spot | Crisp and direct with noticeable dwell on contact; slightly softer arc than Viscaria Super ALC |
| handle | FL, ST, AN, Chinese pen | Flared (FL), Straight (ST), Anatomic (AN) — notably thicker grip than Viscaria |
| plies | 7-ply: kiso hinoki outer + ZLC (Z-fiber composite) inner layers + wood core | 5 wood plus 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — Koto / ALC / Limba / Kiri / Limba / ALC / Koto |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 6.6-6.8 | approx 5.7mm |
| weight_g | 87-90 | 87-92g typical |
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Both are outstanding offensive composites in the OFF class, but with different strengths. The Treiber Z excels at predictability and feel, with a huge sweet spot that forgives off-center hits and a mild, crispy touch ideal for short-game work. Counter-looping is a standout skill. The Fan Zhendong ALC grabs the ball harder, releasing more power on heavy topspin, and works well with diverse rubber types including tacky Chinese. Its thicker handle suits larger hands.
Choose Treiber Z if you prioritize consistency, control, and technique development. Pick Fan Zhendong if you want proven offensive performance and heavy spin generation, provided you can source one on the secondary market and manage its premium price.
FAQ
Which blade has the larger sweet spot?
The Treiber Z delivers a huge, even sweet spot with predictable returns on off-center hits. The Fan Zhendong has an excellent sweet spot but slightly smaller due to its stiffer overall construction.
Which is better for close-to-table play?
The Treiber Z shines in the short game with exceptional pushes, blocks, serves, and touch shots. The Fan Zhendong favors mid-distance looping and power loops.
Do they have different throw angles?
Yes. Treiber Z has a low throw angle requiring medium-high throw rubbers for comfortable net clearance, while Fan Zhendong is compatible with a wider range from tacky to European tension rubbers.
How do their feels compare?
Treiber Z offers mild, crispy feel with minimal vibration. Fan Zhendong delivers crisp, direct contact with noticeable dwell, giving a slightly softer arc than the softer Viscaria.