Weight
91g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Dimitrij Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC
Butterfly Dimitrij Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC is a high-performance blade engineered for aggressive, modern offensive play. Developed with German superstar Dimitrij Ovtcharov, it uniquely blends speed, control, and dwell time. Its inner Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers create a softer feel and enhanced ball pocketing compared to outer ALC blades, while a slightly thicker, larger head size delivers increased power and resilience. With refined aesthetics including Ovtcharov's initials, this premium blade is a formidable choice for players looking to elevate their game with a powerful yet controlled offensive weapon.
This 5+2 ply construction features Limba outer plies for a classic feel, Ayous inner plies for structure and a slightly softer touch, and crucial Arylate-Carbon layers positioned internally to provide a blend of speed, vibration dampening, and extended dwell time characteristic of innerfiber technology.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade delivers high-level speed amplified by its thicker construction and inner ALC layers. It enables powerful shots and fast topspins, especially from mid-distance, and is considered faster than standard Innerforce ALC blades, rivaling some outer fiber blades in speed while maintaining better control characteristics.
Despite its impressive speed, Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC provides superior control thanks to its innerfiber construction. The extended dwell time allows for precise ball placement, while the softer feel compared to outer ALC blades enhances touch shots, blocks, and defensive maneuvers, making it exceptionally manageable for an offensive blade.
The feel is slightly harder than standard inner ALC blades but significantly softer than outer ALC blades. It provides clear, pleasant feedback without excessive harshness or vibration, offering a balanced sensation for both aggressive shots and sensitive touch play.
The combination of inner ALC and thicker construction produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for generating powerful, arcing topspin shots that are difficult for opponents to return effectively.
Inner ALC layers contribute to noticeable dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the racket face longer. This characteristic is highly beneficial for generating heavy spin on loops and improving control during slower shots like pushes and serves.
This blade possesses a medium-high level of flexibility. It's not overly stiff, allowing for good ball pocketing and spin generation, but also not excessively flexible, which preserves speed and directness in shots.
While offering high speed, the blade manages vibration effectively through innerfiber technology that dampens excessive harshness. This provides a more comfortable playing experience and allows for better feel and control during powerful strokes.
Butterfly is renowned for exceptional build quality, and this blade is no exception. The materials, construction, and finish are all top-tier, ensuring durability and a premium feel that players can trust for competitive play.
Technology
Butterfly Dimitrij Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC utilizes advanced Innerfiber technology, integrating Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers between wood plies closer to the core. This placement is key to its performance, offering a softer, more dampened feel and enhanced dwell time compared to traditional outer-fiber constructions. The ALC material combines Arylate (often Vectran) and Carbon to provide elasticity, vibration reduction, and increased resilience. The blade also features a slightly enlarged head size and increased thickness compared to its predecessor, engineered to maximize power and create a larger sweet spot for aggressive offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Dimitrij Ovtcharov
Dimitrij Ovtcharov, a top German professional, uses this signature blade developed in close cooperation with him. Tailored to his aggressive, dynamic style, he utilizes its power and dwell time for potent topspin attacks, favoring the combination of speed and control. The slightly larger and thicker design aligns with his preference for a blade that generates significant power while maintaining good ball feel, crucial for his high-level offensive game.
Anton Källberg
Anton Källberg, a Swedish professional, uses this blade, demonstrating its appeal extends beyond its namesake to offensive players seeking powerful yet controlled options. He likely benefits from the blade's dwell time for spin generation and its overall speed for initiating attacks and counter-attacking effectively in competitive matches.
Yuta Tanaka
Yuta Tanaka, a Japanese player, also uses this blade, indicating its global appeal and suitability for players with different stylistic nuances within the offensive category. He may leverage the blade's combination of power and control for attacking strategies, benefiting from its capacity to produce both fast shots and spin-oriented topspins.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC
Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC shares similar inner ALC construction and is also a signature model designed for aggressive offensive style. It's very similar to the Ovtcharov model, differing primarily in having a slightly larger head size. Both blades offer excellent dwell time and control due to their inner ALC placement, making them suitable alternatives for players seeking powerful yet sensitive offensive blades.
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
Innerforce Layer ALC is the predecessor and close relative to the Ovtcharov model, featuring the same inner ALC technology but with a slightly thinner and smaller head. While the Ovtcharov offers enhanced power and a larger sweet spot, the Innerforce Layer ALC provides a slightly softer feel and potentially more refined control for players who prioritize touch and precision over raw power.