Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC vs Donic Appelgren Allplay: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Donic Appelgren Allplay | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | Crisp and direct with noticeable dwell on contact; slightly softer arc than Viscaria Super ALC | medium, controlled |
| handle | Flared (FL), Straight (ST), Anatomic (AN) — notably thicker grip than Viscaria | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5 wood plus 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — Koto / ALC / Limba / Kiri / Limba / ALC / Koto | 5W (abachi core + limba) |
| speed | OFF | ALL |
| thickness_mm | approx 5.7mm | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 87-92g typical | 85 |
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Fan Zhendong (8.8, intermediate+) is built for aggressive topspin and power loops; Donic Appelgren Allplay (8.3) is an all-wood do-everything blade at a fraction of the price. Allplay is the learning blade—high forgiveness, wide control range, honest feedback on every stroke. Fan Zhendong demands development and pays off with speed and spin once technique matures.
Appelgren suits beginners and all-round defensive players (under USATT 1800) seeking one reliable blade for all strokes. It pairs best with non-tension rubbers. Fan Zhendong is the investment for intermediate players ready for one-way attack. They are in completely different markets and not direct competitors.
FAQ
Should beginners buy Fan Zhendong or Appelgren?
Appelgren. Fan Zhendong will feel unforgiving and waste speed until you develop 200+ hours of consistent stroke.
Can Appelgren transition to offensive play?
Yes, with faster European or Japanese rubbers, but the blade itself tops out at intermediate all-round play.
Which lasts longer?
Both are durable. Appelgren is designed for frequent equipment changes; Fan Zhendong asks for stable rubber pairing.