Weight
88g
Thickness
5.95mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Innerforce Layer ALC
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC masterfully blends wood sensitivity with Arylate-Carbon power, creating a blade prized for its softer touch and enhanced dwell time. The unique inner placement of ALC layers near the core delivers a characteristic 'holding' feel, providing a stable platform for aggressive topspin and delicate short-game maneuvers. Its balanced performance makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of attacking styles, from close-to-the-table dynamism to mid-distance rallying, offering exceptional spin generation and precise ball placement.
This 5-ply wood plus 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction places the ALC layers internally, closer to the core. This configuration enhances the blade's dwell time and provides a softer, more sensitive feel compared to blades with outer ALC layers. The Limba outer plies contribute to spin generation, while the Ayous core and inner ALC layers offer a blend of flexibility, stability, and speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Innerforce Layer ALC provides a well-balanced speed rated around 8.5. While not as explosively fast as some outer-fiber ALC blades, it offers ample pace for aggressive play, particularly for players who utilize heavy topspin. The ALC layers deliver a noticeable power boost during harder swings, enabling strong attacks from mid-distance without sacrificing the controlled feel that defines this blade.
Control is a standout feature, consistently rated around 9.2. The inner ALC construction combined with softer Limba outer plies creates superior feel and precision, especially in the short game and during blocking. Players report this blade allows them to maintain pinpoint accuracy even during the fastest rallies, making it exceptionally forgiving and reliable.
Innerforce Layer ALC is praised for its distinct woody and soft feel, enhanced by the internal placement of ALC fibers. This configuration provides excellent feedback, allowing players to feel the ball's contact clearly, which aids tremendously in spin generation and precise placement. It offers a more natural, connected sensation than many harder composite blades.
This blade tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, particularly with certain rubber combinations. This higher trajectory is beneficial for creating steep, spinny loops and can be adjusted with different rubber choices to suit a player's preferred arc.
The blade's design promotes a longer ball-to-racket dwell time. This extended contact allows players to impart more spin on loops and counter-loops while providing greater control over the ball's trajectory, creating that signature 'holding' feeling many players love.
This blade offers a medium level of flexibility. It's not overly stiff, allowing for good blade flex during powerful strokes to generate spin, yet it possesses enough stiffness from the ALC layers to provide a solid foundation for attacking shots and quick transitions between strokes.
ALC fibers effectively dampen vibrations, contributing to the blade's softer feel and enhanced control. While there's enough vibration to provide useful feedback, it's not excessive, leading to a more comfortable and precise playing experience, especially during delicate touch shots and blocks.
Butterfly's renowned craftsmanship is fully evident here. The blade exhibits excellent build quality with precise layering and a durable finish. This high standard ensures consistent performance and remarkable longevity, standing up to intensive use while maintaining its playing characteristics over time.
Technology
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC utilizes 'Innerfiber' technology, strategically placing Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers closer to the blade's core. This design aims to achieve a softer feel, enhanced ball dwell time, and superior control compared to traditional outer-fiber blades. The ALC material combines the flexibility and vibration-dampening qualities of Arylate with the strength and speed of Carbon. This specific construction allows the blade to 'hold' the ball longer on the surface, facilitating greater spin generation and precision while still offering sufficient power for offensive play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is a popular outer-ALC blade that offers higher speed and a stiffer feel. Players who find Innerforce Layer ALC slightly too slow or desire a more direct, faster response might consider Viscaria, though it sacrifices some of the softer feel and dwell time that defines the Innerforce series.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Similar to Viscaria, Timo Boll ALC is another outer-ALC blade known for its speed and responsiveness, often seen as a benchmark. While Innerforce Layer ALC provides more control and feel, Timo Boll ALC offers a more aggressive, faster profile for players prioritizing direct power over extended dwell time.