729 Friendship Blue ALC Advance Table Tennis Blade Review & Buying Guide
An arylate-carbon blade that adds speed without losing control — here's how the 729 Blue ALC Advance plays and who should buy it.
729 Friendship Blue ALC Advance blade review: the short version
The 729 Friendship Blue ALC Advance Blade (₹3799) is an arylate-carbon (ALC) table tennis blade aimed at attacking players who want speed with a usable amount of control. This 729 Blue ALC Advance review explains what the ALC layup does on the table, who the blade suits, and how to pair it — so you can decide if it is your next upgrade.
What ALC means on the table
ALC stands for arylate-carbon, a composite fibre layer built into the blade. Arylate softens vibration for a cleaner feel, while carbon stiffens the blade and widens the sweet spot for more speed and consistency. The result is a fast, stable blade that stays controllable — the reason ALC is one of the most popular constructions among offensive players worldwide.
How the Blue ALC Advance plays
- Fast, stable speed: the carbon layer drives the ball with power on loops and drives, ideal for an attacking, topspin game.
- Forgiving sweet spot: the fibre layer makes off-centre hits more reliable than a pure wood blade of similar speed.
- Clean feedback: arylate damps harsh vibration, so the blade feels crisp rather than hollow.
It is a blade for players who have outgrown an all-wood beginner setup and want to commit to attacking topspin. Pure defenders and absolute beginners may find it too fast.
Who should buy it
The Blue ALC Advance suits the improving intermediate-to-advanced player building an offensive, topspin-led game who wants speed without losing all touch. If you are a complete beginner still learning strokes, start with a slower all-wood ply such as the Friendship 729 C-5 Max Table Tennis Ply (₹1499) or the Friendship 729 Z-2 Table Tennis Ply (₹2399), which build technique before you add carbon speed. Want a ready-assembled attacking bat instead of building your own? The 729 Friendship 6 Star Ready Bat (₹2299) is a convenient pre-made option.
How it compares
| Blade / bat | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 729 Friendship Blue ALC Advance Blade | ₹3799 | Attacking topspin, speed with control |
| Friendship 729 Z-2 Table Tennis Ply | ₹2399 | All-round developing players |
| Friendship 729 C-5 Max Table Tennis Ply | ₹1499 | Beginners building technique |
| 729 Friendship 6 Star Ready Bat | ₹2299 | Ready-to-play attacking bat |
Setup and care tips
Pair the blade with offensive inverted rubbers to make the most of its speed, and use protective film between sessions to keep the rubber tacky. Re-glue or replace rubbers when they lose grip. Treat the blade well and an ALC frame like this lasts for years.
Verdict
Choosing rubbers and handle shape
A blade is only as good as the rubbers on it. For the Blue ALC Advance, attacking inverted rubbers with a medium-to-hard sponge get the most from the carbon speed, while a slightly softer rubber on the backhand can aid control if you are still developing. Handle shape is personal: flared handles suit most grips and lock into the hand for looping, while straight handles appeal to players who switch grips often. Hold a few handle types before deciding if you can. Finally, keep a rubber-cleaning sponge in your bag — clean rubber grips the ball far better and extends its playing life.
At ₹3799, the 729 Friendship Blue ALC Advance is a strong-value entry into arylate-carbon for attacking players ready to step up from all-wood. Fast, forgiving and controllable — a smart upgrade for a developing offensive game.
Shop the gear
- 729 Friendship Blue ALC Advance Blade — ₹3799
₹6999 - Friendship 729 Z-2 Table Tennis Ply — ₹2399
₹2999 - Friendship 729 C-5 Max Table Tennis Ply — ₹1499
₹1999 - 729 Friendship 6 Star Ready Bat — ₹2299
₹4999
Related reading
- Monsoon Indoor Sports: Table Tennis, Foosball & Game-Room Gear for India
- How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat
- Tibhar Carbon Burst Table Tennis Blade Review
Frequently asked questions
What does ALC mean in a table tennis blade?
ALC stands for arylate-carbon, a composite fibre layer in the blade. Arylate softens vibration for a cleaner feel while carbon adds stiffness, speed and a wider sweet spot — a popular combination for attacking players.
Is the 729 Blue ALC Advance good for beginners?
It is better suited to improving intermediate-to-advanced players building an attacking topspin game. Complete beginners should start with a slower all-wood blade to develop technique before moving to a faster carbon frame.
How much does the 729 Blue ALC Advance cost in India?
It is priced at ₹3,799, which makes it a strong-value way to step into arylate-carbon blades for an offensive game.