Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Innerforce AL
Butterfly Innerforce AL is an offensive table tennis blade crafted for players who value feel, control, and spin. Its unique inner Arylate Carbon construction delivers a softer touch and increased dwell time compared to traditional carbon blades, enabling exceptional spin generation and precise placement. This blade excels for topspin-oriented players who focus on looping and counter-looping from mid-distance. With a well-balanced feel, it supports a wide range of strokes with confidence and consistency, making it a popular choice for developing and intermediate players looking to elevate their game.
This 5-wood + 2-Arylate Carbon construction features the Arylate Carbon plies sandwiched between the inner wood layers. This 'innerfiber' placement offers a softer feel and greater dwell time than blades with outer carbon layers, while still providing benefits like increased speed and a larger sweet spot. The Limba outer plies contribute to the blade's flexibility and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Innerforce AL offers good speed for an offensive blade, though its emphasis leans more toward spin and control. Players can achieve solid pace with powerful strokes, but it lacks the extreme speed of some outer carbon blades. Our testing shows its speed is sufficient for modern attacking play, particularly for those who effectively use spin to set up aggressive shots.
Control is a standout feature. The flexible nature and inner ALC construction provide excellent ball feedback and a large sweet spot, enabling precise placement on serves, in the short game, and during blocking. Players report they can execute controlled shots confidently even under pressure, making it suitable for those refining their technique.
Innerforce AL delivers a soft and flexible feel. The inner Arylate Carbon layers combined with Limba outer plies dampen vibration and create a distinct 'holding' sensation on the ball. This soft feel promotes exceptional dwell time and tactile feedback, crucial for spin-oriented players, offering a comfortable and responsive experience that aids precise shot execution.
Innerforce AL typically offers a medium-high throw angle, advantageous for players who rely on looping and topspin. This characteristic helps lift the ball over the net with a good trajectory, making it easier to execute offensive strokes and generate spin effectively.
The blade provides significant dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the racket face. This extended contact is key for generating heavy spin on serves and topspin shots. It also grants players greater control in the short game and during passive play like blocking.
Flexibility is a key attribute, contributing to the blade's dwell time, feel, and control. The combination of Limba outer plies and inner ALC layers creates a blade that bends agreeably on impact, enhancing spin potential and providing a forgiving playing experience.
Innerforce AL is noted for excellent vibration dampening. The strategically placed Arylate Carbon fibers absorb excess vibrations, resulting in a very comfortable, smooth feel that reduces hand fatigue and helps maintain focus and precision during long matches.
Butterfly is renowned for high-quality manufacturing, and the Innerforce AL upholds this standard. The combination of premium wood veneers and Arylate Carbon fibers results in a durable, well-constructed blade. TTSensei experts note consistent praise for its craftsmanship, consistency, and overall feel, indicating excellent production quality.
Technology
Butterfly Innerforce AL utilizes 'Innerfiber' technology, where composite materials like Arylate Carbon are placed between inner wood plies rather than on the outer layers. This strategic placement enhances the natural feel and flexibility of wood while benefiting from the performance of artificial fibers. Arylate Carbon offers a unique blend of flexibility, vibration absorption, and a softer touch compared to traditional carbon, allowing for extended ball dwell time and superior spin generation. This 'inner' approach delivers a more controlled and tactile playing experience, ideal for players who value precision and feel in their offensive, spin-focused strategies.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Tomokazu Harimoto
Tomokazu Harimoto, a top Japanese professional, has been associated with blades sharing the Innerforce ALC's construction principles. While he may not have exclusively used the Innerforce AL itself, his success is linked to Butterfly blades featuring inner Arylate Carbon layers, known for their spin-friendly nature and excellent feel. The Innerforce ALC's design, focusing on dwell time and spin, aligns with Harimoto's dynamic, topspin-heavy style. Butterfly has also developed blades specifically for him based on this successful inner ALC construction, highlighting the effectiveness of this technology for elite players.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S is a more recent, softer variation within the Innerforce line. It shares the inner Arylate Carbon construction but is optimized for even greater spin creation and control, particularly at close to mid-distances. While the Innerforce AL is discontinued, the ALC.S offers a similar ethos of flexible, spin-focused play with a softer feel, making it a potential successor for players who enjoyed the original's characteristics.