Innerforce Layer AL

Weight

85g

Thickness

5.9mm

Plies

7-ply

Head Size

157x150

Handles

FL / ST

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Butterfly

Innerforce Layer AL

Japan
2015

Butterfly Innerforce Layer AL is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade designed for players who value spin and tactical control. Its unique inner Arylate Carbon construction delivers a medium-soft feel with excellent dwell time, allowing you to generate heavy spin on loops and serves while maintaining precise placement. The blade offers a comfortable, low-vibration experience with good flexibility, making it a forgiving yet responsive choice for intermediate to advanced players focused on spin-oriented attacks from mid-distance.

7-Ply Construction

The 7-ply construction follows a symmetrical Koto-Arylate Carbon-Ayous core design. The two Arylate Carbon fibers are positioned as the second and sixth layers, sandwiching a thick Ayous core. This inner placement is responsible for the blade's signature soft feel, flexibility, and high dwell time, while the outer Koto plies provide a firm, responsive surface for ball contact.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.2

Innerforce Layer AL delivers very good offensive speed, particularly effective for looping and counter-looping exchanges. The inner Arylate Carbon provides a responsive, elastic feel that translates well into quick attacks when you engage the blade fully. It's not the absolute fastest blade available, as it trades some outright power for enhanced control and dwell time, but its speed is more than sufficient for aggressive, spin-focused play from close to mid-distance.

Control
8.8

Control is where this blade truly shines. The soft, flexible construction and increased dwell time give you a remarkable sense of connection with the ball, allowing for precise placement, delicate short game touches, and confident spin manipulation. This high level of control makes the blade forgiving on off-center hits and empowers players to execute complex tactical shots with consistency, a quality highly valued by our testing team.

Feel
Medium-Soft
SoftMedium-SoftHard

You'll notice a distinctly medium-soft feel upon impact, characterized by a comfortable, slightly cushioned sensation. This comes from the inner fiber placement, which creates a forgiving touch and a noticeable 'holding' effect on the ball, excellent for feeling spin and controlling your shots.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Expect a medium-high throw angle, ideal for aggressive topspin play. The combination of flexibility and spin-friendly design helps lift the ball over the net with ease, allowing for deep, arcing loops that pressure opponents.

Dwell Time
8.5

Dwell time is a major strength. The flexible inner carbon construction lets the ball sink into the blade, prolonging contact for superior spin generation. This is especially beneficial for brushing loops, heavy serves, and any stroke where maximizing rotation is the goal.

Flexibility
8.0

The blade is quite flexible, which directly contributes to its high dwell time and soft feel. This flexibility aids in generating a good catapult effect on powerful strokes while remaining controllable for softer touches, offering a dynamic range for different shots.

Vibration
3.0

Vibration is very low, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and comfortable feel. The Arylate Carbon fibers effectively dampen harsh feedback, providing a consistent, solid sensation on impact that is easy on the arm and enhances overall playing comfort.

Quality
9.0

Butterfly's renowned manufacturing standards are fully present in the Innerforce Layer AL. Players report exceptional build quality, with precise layer construction, excellent finish, and reliable durability over time. The blade performs consistently, and the materials feel premium, justifying its position as a high-end product that can withstand rigorous play.

Technology

Butterfly's Innerfiber technology places the Arylate Carbon layers closer to the blade's core rather than under the outer plies. This design philosophy aims to blend the natural feel and dwell time of wood with the performance boost of composite materials. The result is a softer, more controlled blade with enhanced spin potential and reduced vibration, offering a unique blend of touch and offensive capability.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC

Often considered its direct sibling, the Innerforce Layer ALC uses Arylate-Carbon fiber instead of pure Arylate. TTSensei experts note it typically feels slightly faster and crisper, with a touch less dwell time and a more direct feedback. It's a great alternative if you want a similar inner-fiber concept but with a bit more punch and a firmer feel.

Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S

This variation is designed to be softer and thinner than the standard ALC. It aims for even higher stability and ease in performing spin techniques, optimized for close-to-the-table counter-topspin play. It can feel closer to a high-quality all-wood blade while retaining added speed, making it an option for players seeking maximum control with a touch of modern composite performance.