Weight
86g
Thickness
5.95mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Freitas ALC
Butterfly Freitas ALC is a premium table tennis blade crafted in collaboration with Portuguese professional Marcos Freitas. Engineered for versatile, spin-based play, it features a 7-ply hybrid construction with 5 wood layers and 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers. The ALC fibers are positioned directly beneath the soft Limba outer veneers, creating a distinctive 'ALC-touch' that enhances speed and power while maintaining excellent feel and dwell time. This blade offers a refined balance between offensive capability and control, making it ideal for attacking players who rely on a wide array of spin-oriented techniques. Its high-class design and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the aspirations of its namesake player and the esteemed Butterfly brand.
Freitas ALC features a 7-ply construction with 5 wood layers and 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fiber layers. The ALC layers are positioned as inner plies directly beneath the outer Limba wood veneers. This 'outer fiber' placement, combined with the softer Limba top ply, creates a blade that offers an optimal balance of speed, dwell time, and tactile feel, distinguishing it from blades with harder outer plies or different composite arrangements.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Freitas ALC is classified as an OFF (Offensive) blade, indicating high speed capability. It is generally described as fast, with our testing showing it as faster than the Michael Maze ALC, offering a crisp carbon sensation. This speed stems from the ALC layers, allowing for powerful shots when striking the ball with more force, particularly on drives and loops from mid-distance.
Despite its offensive speed, Freitas ALC is consistently praised for excellent control. The softer Limba outer plies and strategic ALC placement contribute to good dwell time and a more controlled feel compared to some other ALC blades. This balance allows players to execute precise shots, stable blocks, and effective short game tactics, making it suitable for a versatile playing style that demands both power and touch.
Freitas ALC delivers a 'woody' feel with noticeable flex and a softer touch compared to some other ALC blades. The Limba outer veneers contribute to this pleasant sensation and increased dwell time, providing clear feedback to the player. This medium feel is preferred by those who value a tangible connection with the ball during strokes.
Freitas ALC produces a medium-high throw angle, creating good trajectory on loops and drives that facilitates effective attacks from various distances. It's not excessively high, which could send balls long, nor too low, making it easier to clear the net with heavy spin—ideal for players who rely on arc and placement in their attacking game.
The combination of softer Limba outer plies and ALC layers allows for excellent dwell time. This extended ball contact enables players to impart significant spin on their shots, especially during looping and controlled rallies. It offers a more palpable connection with the ball compared to stiffer, faster blades, making it a favorite for spin-oriented play.
Freitas ALC exhibits a moderate to good degree of flexibility. The Limba outer plies and overall construction allow the blade to flex adequately during strokes, contributing to dwell time and spin generation. This flexibility enhances feel and control, particularly for looping and driving shots, reminding some players of the flex found in quality 5-ply blades but with added power.
Vibration level is on the higher side, consistent with its 'outer fiber' construction and ALC composition. While this transmits efficient feedback and enhances the sensation of ball contact for some players, others might find it pronounced. The precise vibrations near the top of the handle provide clear tactile information during play.
Butterfly is renowned for manufacturing quality, and Freitas ALC exemplifies this standard. The blade is hand-crafted with high-class design and workmanship, featuring premium materials and an aluminum plate on the handle for a refined look and feel. Players report exceptional build quality and durability that justifies its position as a top-tier offering.
Technology
Butterfly Freitas ALC utilizes proprietary Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fiber technology, a hallmark of high-performance Butterfly blades. The ALC material is strategically integrated as inner layers directly beneath the soft Limba wood outer veneers. This specific 'outer fiber' placement is designed to impart the characteristic 'ALC-touch'—a blend of enhanced speed and power without sacrificing dwell time and feel. The Limba outer plies, being softer than typical Koto wood used in other ALC blades, further contribute to responsive feel and substantial spin generation. This combination creates a versatile platform for spin-based attacks, appealing to players who seek both offensive capability and tactile connection. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the blade emphasizes precision, durability, and the playing philosophy of its namesake professional.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Marcos Freitas
Marcos Freitas is the namesake and primary user of this blade, employing it as his main equipment in professional play. He previously used the Butterfly Michael Maze ALC and collaborated with Butterfly to develop Freitas ALC based on similar specifications, aiming to carry forward its legacy with his own signature model. Freitas' playing style features aggressive, two-winged attacks from mid-distance, relying heavily on spin generation and powerful shots. The Freitas ALC, with its blend of speed, control, and dwell time, perfectly complements his dynamic, spin-oriented game.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Michael Maze ALC
Butterfly Freitas ALC is widely considered a successor or close relative to the Michael Maze ALC. Marcos Freitas based his signature blade on the Michael Maze ALC, with which he played for many years. While Freitas ALC is often described as slightly faster and having a more comfortable handle, both blades share a similar 7-ply construction (5 wood + 2 ALC) and aim for a balance of speed, spin, and control suitable for versatile attacking players. The main difference lies in the outer wood ply—Limba for Freitas ALC versus Koto for Michael Maze ALC—affecting the feel and speed characteristics.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Timo Boll ALC is another popular Butterfly blade featuring ALC technology, often compared to Freitas ALC. Both blades are designed for offensive, spin-based play and share similar ALC placement. However, Timo Boll ALC typically uses harder Koto wood as its outer ply, resulting in a crisper feel and potentially more direct speed. In contrast, Freitas ALC offers more dwell time and a slightly softer, woodier sensation due to its Limba outer plies, appealing to players who prioritize touch and spin generation alongside power.