Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Innerforce Layer ALC.S
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S is a meticulously crafted offensive blade for players who prioritize spin and control. It evolves the popular Innerforce Layer ALC with a thinner core, reducing weight and vibration for a softer, more stable feel. This design excels in close-to-mid-distance play, enhancing spin-oriented techniques like counter-topspin and first-ball attacks. The inner placement of Arylate Carbon fiber provides precision and stability while maintaining an approachable, wood-like touch. Made in Japan with Butterfly's renowned craftsmanship, it delivers premium performance for players looking to elevate their spin game.
The 'Innerfiber' construction places Arylate-Carbon layers closer to the core, contributing to a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to outer-carbon blades. The thinner core and specific wood selection aim to reduce weight and vibration while enhancing spin-oriented play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Innerforce Layer ALC.S delivers a controlled speed ideal for close-to-mid-distance attacks. While official specs rate its reaction highly, our testing shows a more moderate pace compared to outer-carbon blades. The thinner construction balances power with ease of use, providing enough acceleration for offensive play without sacrificing manageability, making it fast enough for aggressive shots but not overwhelming for tactical placement.
This blade is highly praised for its exceptional control. The inner ALC construction and thinner profile create a soft feel with excellent ball feedback, allowing for precise shot placement, especially in the short game. Players report a confident touch for delicate pushes, blocks, and tactical plays, making it a top choice for those who prioritize accuracy and consistency over raw power.
Innerforce Layer ALC.S offers a noticeably softer touch compared to many ALC blades, thanks to its thinner construction and inner carbon placement. This medium-soft feel enhances dwell time and provides excellent feedback, making it easier to control the ball and generate spin with a comfortable, engaging connection on impact.
The combination of ALC material and blade construction produces a medium-high throw angle, facilitating aggressive topspin shots with good trajectory. This helps players generate effective arcs on loops and drives while maintaining control over the ball's flight path.
This blade excels in dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the surface longer for enhanced spin creation. The extended contact is crucial for generating heavy spin on serves, loops, and counter-topspin shots, giving players more time to impart their desired rotation.
Good flexibility characterizes this blade, aiding its dwell time and spin generation. This pliability creates a more engaging feel with the ball, particularly beneficial for spin-oriented attacking shots where the blade needs to flex and snap back to impart maximum rotation.
Players report reduced vibration compared to thicker blades, contributing to a softer feel and better control. This lower vibration level makes it comfortable for extended play sessions and allows for nuanced touch shots without excessive feedback, though it still provides enough sensation for good ball awareness.
Butterfly's legendary manufacturing standards shine in the Innerforce Layer ALC.S. Players consistently note excellent build quality, a premium feel in the hand, and durable materials that withstand serious play. The craftsmanship from Japan ensures reliable performance and a polished finish, making it a trustworthy investment for competitive players seeking top-tier equipment.
Technology
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S utilizes proprietary 'Innerfiber' technology that strategically places Arylate-Carbon layers closer to the core rather than directly beneath the outer plies. This construction enhances dwell time and provides a softer, more wood-like feel while retaining ALC benefits like stability and power. The 'S' denotes a 'soft' variation achieved through a thinner core layer and specific wood selection, reducing weight and vibration. This approach targets players who prefer exceptional spin creation and precise control in close-to-mid-distance attacking scenarios.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
The original Innerforce Layer ALC serves as a direct comparison point. The ALC.S is designed as a 'softer version' with a thinner core layer, resulting in reduced weight, lower vibration, and a more delicate touch while maintaining similar ALC properties for control and stability. Players might consider the original if they prefer a slightly different feel or more direct feedback from their blade.
DHS H301
Often discussed as an alternative in inner ALC comparisons, DHS H301 combines characteristics of different popular blades. It features Koto outer plies for feel and short game control but uses softer Ayous wood with ALC placed near the core, aiming for enhanced feeling and easier spin generation similar to the Innerforce series approach.