Weight
88g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC
Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC is a premium offensive blade designed for players seeking a powerful yet controlled game. Developed with input from Tomokazu and Miwa Harimoto, it features an Innerforce construction that places Super Arylate-Carbon layers near the core. This design enhances dwell time and feedback, enabling explosive counterattacks and stable play close to the table. The slightly enlarged head size adds stability and a solid feel. It's an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players who want modern fiber technology blended with classic Butterfly craftsmanship for an aggressive, two-winged attacking style.
The construction features a 5-ply wood core augmented by two layers of Super Arylate-Carbon positioned near the core (Innerforce design). This configuration aims to deliver the speed and elasticity of carbon with the enhanced dwell time and feel associated with inner plies, creating an optimal balance of power and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC offers high speed potential thanks to its Super ALC fibers. While not as explosively fast as some outer-carbon blades, it provides ample power for all offensive shots, truly coming alive when you engage the ball with full force. Our testing shows it delivers surprising power on hits, making it excellent for players who want speed without losing the connection to the ball.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The Innerforce construction and strategic placement of the Super ALC plies create excellent dwell time and a direct feel. This allows for precise ball placement, especially in blocking and short game situations. Players report it feels easy to control during decisive points, offering confidence for accurate shots.
The blade delivers a crisp, medium-hard feel. It's noticeably harder than some inner ALC blades but maintains good feedback. Players describe a woody, controlled sensation with a crisp touch that provides a clear distinction from softer or mushier options, balancing carbon directness with a dampened, controlled response.
This blade produces a noticeable medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps in clearing the net with topspin shots and creates a deeper arc, which is advantageous for aggressive looping. Players accustomed to lower-throw blades may need a slight adjustment period, particularly for blocking and countering.
Dwell time is a standout feature. The Innerforce placement of the Super ALC layers, combined with the outer wood plies, significantly increases the time the ball stays on the blade. This extended contact facilitates excellent spin generation and allows for more controlled, powerful topspin shots.
Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC offers medium flexibility. It provides sufficient stiffness for powerful attacks and speed, yet retains a degree of flex that aids dwell time and control during slower shots or when generating heavy spin. This balance makes it versatile for various offensive techniques.
Despite containing Super ALC, the blade is designed for low vibration. The Innerforce construction effectively dampens excessive oscillations, providing a comfortable feel while retaining enough feedback for precise shot execution. Some players appreciate the subtle vibration that remains.
Butterfly blades are renowned for their exceptional build quality, and the Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC continues this tradition. The materials are carefully selected and assembled with precision, resulting in a durable, aesthetically pleasing blade that delivers consistent performance. The finish and craftsmanship reflect its premium positioning.
Technology
Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC incorporates Butterfly's proprietary Innerforce technology, which strategically positions Super Arylate-Carbon (Super ALC) plies closer to the blade's core. This inner construction enhances dwell time and provides a softer, more controlled feel compared to outer-carbon blades, while still leveraging the speed and power of Super ALC. Super ALC itself is an evolution of Arylate-Carbon, featuring a denser weave and adjusted material ratios for increased reaction speed and improved feel with reduced vibration. The slightly enlarged head size is a deliberate design choice to increase stability and optimize the balance between speed and dwell time for aggressive counterattacking play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Tomokazu Harimoto
Tomokazu Harimoto, the top Japanese professional known for his aggressive, close-to-the-table counter-attacking style, uses this blade. Developed with his input, its increased dwell time and power from the Super ALC perfectly complement his dynamic play, allowing him to execute powerful topspin shots and engage in fast-paced rallies with confidence.
Miwa Harimoto
Miwa Harimoto, also a professional player, uses this blade. Her style emphasizes aggressive attacks and strong counterplay. The Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC provides her with the necessary speed and control to execute attacking shots effectively, offering a good balance of power for offense and stability for consistent play.
Kim Gaon
South Korean professional Kim Gaon also uses the Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC. His adoption of the blade suggests its effectiveness across different playing styles within the offensive spectrum, highlighting its versatility for advanced attackers.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC (HALC)
This is the direct predecessor to the Super ALC version. Both share the Innerforce construction, but the Super ALC features enhanced fiber plies for greater speed and a crisper feel. The original HALC offers a slightly softer, woodier sensation and may appeal to players seeking a bit more dwell time or a more traditional feel at a slightly lower performance ceiling.
Sanwei Surge Prism
Often cited as a budget-friendly alternative, the Sanwei Surge Prism mimics the performance profile of inner ALC blades like the Harimoto series. It features a similar 5+2 inner ALC construction with Limba outer plies, aiming to deliver comparable feel, dwell time, and control for aggressive attacks. While significantly more affordable, the Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC is expected to offer superior material quality, finish, and a refined performance edge from Butterfly's advanced Super ALC technology.