Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC vs Stiga Allround Classic: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Stiga Allround Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | Crisp and direct with noticeable dwell on contact; slightly softer arc than Viscaria Super ALC | soft, high control |
| 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 |
| speed | OFF | ALL |
| thickness_mm | approx 5.7mm | 5.1 |
| weight_g | 87-92g typical | 75 |
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Fan Zhendong (8.8) is competitive-level offensive ALC; Stiga Allround Classic (8.4) is the iconic beginner blade—soft, controllable, honest feedback. Classic teaches correct stroke through high dwell and forgiving feel; Fan Zhendong executes aggressive topspin loops at speed.
Allround Classic is the entry-level standard: versatile rubber compatibility, low cost, long lifespan, and confidence-building control. Upgrading is natural progression—players keep it for years as a secondary or teaching blade. Fan Zhendong is the advanced blade these players graduate to after several seasons of serious looping.
FAQ
Should I buy Allround Classic first, then Fan Zhendong later?
Yes, classic progression. Classic teaches technique; Fan Zhendong rewards mastery.
Is Allround Classic truly ‘ALL’ or is it slower?
Genuine ALL speed—slow by modern standards, but adequate for beginners and defensive play.
Can I outgrow Allround Classic?
Yes, within 200-300 hours if you loop aggressively. Many players then invest in Fan Zhendong.