Weight
82g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x150
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Head-Heavy
Chinese AL
Butterfly Chinese AL is a specialized Chinese penhold blade built for aggressive, topspin-focused play. Its 5-ply construction integrates Arylate fiber to enhance dwell time and spin generation while balancing speed and control. Designed for penhold players, it offers a comfortable feel that supports quick attacks and consistent performance near the table. The Arylate provides a softer touch and improved ball feedback compared to standard carbon blades, making it ideal for players seeking to add significant spin and power to an attacking, modern style.
This 5-ply construction integrates Arylate fiber layers to enhance dwell time and elasticity. The design promotes increased spin and a softer feel compared to traditional carbon blades, allowing for powerful topspin shots while maintaining good control and feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Butterfly Chinese AL is a fast blade suited for offensive play, though its speed is moderated by the Arylate fiber to emphasize control and spin. Our testing shows it offers a more controlled speed range compared to pure carbon blades, making it effective for powerful attacks without being overly demanding.
Control is a standout feature, with players consistently praising its maneuverability and precision. The Arylate fiber increases dwell time and provides excellent feedback, making it highly suitable for controlled topspin attacks and close-to-the-table play.
Butterfly Chinese AL offers a balanced feel that provides good feedback without harshness. The Arylate fiber imparts a softer, more elastic touch than carbon, allowing for precise control and comfortable impact.
The combination of speed, control, and Arylate fiber properties likely produces a medium-high throw angle. This allows for effective attacking loops that clear the net with a good margin while maintaining a penetrating trajectory.
The integrated Arylate fiber layers are specifically engineered to increase the ball's dwell time on the blade. This extended contact allows players to impart more spin and offers greater control over shots, which is crucial for modern, spin-oriented play.
The blade exhibits moderate flexibility, which works in tandem with the Arylate fiber to promote good dwell time and spin generation while retaining enough stiffness for aggressive attacking shots.
Arylate fiber is known for its vibration-absorbing properties, leading to a comfortable feel with reduced harshness on impact. This contributes to better control and player comfort during rallies.
Butterfly's renowned craftsmanship is evident in the Chinese AL. Players report excellent build quality, durability, and reliable performance, reflecting the high manufacturing standards expected from the brand.
Technology
Butterfly Chinese AL utilizes Arylate fiber technology, a composite material that blends lightness, flexibility, and shock absorption with speed. Unlike traditional carbon, Arylate offers a softer touch and increased elasticity, which translates to greater ball dwell time on the racket. This extended contact period allows players to generate more spin and achieve better directional control. The integration of Arylate within the 5-ply construction is engineered to enhance playing characteristics for modern, aggressive topspin players, providing a unique balance of power, spin, and control favored in contemporary table tennis.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is another highly regarded Butterfly blade featuring Arylate Carbon (ALC) in its construction. While often considered faster and more power-oriented, both blades utilize ALC technology to enhance spin and speed. Players who enjoy the feel and spin-generating capabilities of the Chinese AL but seek a potentially faster or more versatile option might consider the Viscaria.
Butterfly Innerforce ALC.S
Innerforce ALC.S is an 'innerfiber' blade where the ALC layer is placed closer to the core, typically resulting in a softer feel and more dwell time compared to 'outerfiber' designs. This aligns with the Chinese AL's emphasis on dwell time and spin. Players who appreciate its control and spin characteristics but prefer an innerfiber construction for a softer touch might find the Innerforce ALC.S a suitable alternative.