Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC vs Stiga Infinity VPS V: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Stiga Infinity VPS V | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| feel | Crisp and direct with noticeable dwell on contact; slightly softer arc than Viscaria Super ALC | stiff thin outer (Diamond Touch), medium-hard |
| 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 (all wood) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | approx 5.7mm | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 87-92g typical | 88 |
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The Fan Zhendong ALC (8.8 rating) dominates in raw speed and power consistency for players who demand carbon performance. Its Viscaria-class setup and thick handle suit aggressive two-winged loopers perfectly. The Stiga Infinity VPS V (8.6 rating) trades raw pace for control gears and spin refinement, making it ideal for players who brush heavy loops close to the table and value feel over inherited blade speed. The Fan is faster at distance; the Infinity suits the short-to-mid game. The Infinity needs minor veneer sealing before play, whereas the Fan needs edge smoothing.
FAQ
Which blade suits heavy brush looping better?
The Stiga Infinity VPS V. Its flex and dwell reward medium-arc heavy brushing, and the VPS construction gives consistent feedback for spin development. The Fan is stiffer and faster—better for looping at power.
How much slower is the all-wood Infinity?
The Infinity gives up a little power when playing well behind the table. Close to mid-table it feels similar in speed, but deep loops from the endline favor the carbon Fan.
Which needs more prep before play?
The Infinity: the thin outer veneer should be sealed and wings may need light sanding. The Fan needs sandpaper on its sharp neck edges. Both minimal—the Infinity requires a bit more finishing work.