Weight
89g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Innerforce ULC
Butterfly Innerforce ULC is a specialized blade for players seeking a powerful yet nuanced touch. It features Butterfly's Uniaxial Light Carbon (ULC) technology, where carbon fibers are aligned in a single direction to create thinner, high-density layers. This construction enlarges the sweet spot and boosts power without the typical stiffness of carbon blades, offering a blend of speed and enhanced feel. Ideal for aggressive, controlled play, it excels at generating heavy topspin with precise placement, making it a top choice for intermediate to advanced players who value feedback and controlled aggression in their game.
Innerforce ULC uses a 5-ply construction with two layers of Uniaxial Light Carbon (ULC). This ULC technology aligns carbon fibers in a single direction, creating thinner yet strong carbon layers. The design aims to provide a larger sweet spot and more power than traditional wood blades while retaining feel and control by positioning the carbon layers internally.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Innerforce ULC offers a fast rebound and is well-suited for attacking play. The ULC carbon layers contribute to a powerful response, making it effective for drives and smashes. While not as explosively fast as some outer-carbon blades, it provides ample speed for an aggressive game, allowing players to execute quick attacks without sacrificing too much control.
Despite its speed, Innerforce ULC is praised for excellent control. Players report an ability to produce heavy topspin with good feel, enabling precise placement and a controlled aggressive style. The ULC carbon construction enhances control and dwell time compared to stiffer carbon blades, making it easier to manage shots and maintain consistency during rallies.
Innerforce ULC delivers a balanced, medium feel that is not overly stiff. This provides good ball feedback and helps in executing controlled topspin shots, making it responsive without being harsh. The feel allows for a nuanced touch, which is beneficial for spin-oriented play.
This blade produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for powerful, arcing shots that are difficult to return. It supports heavy topspin and controlled aggression, allowing players to loop with depth and consistency, especially when paired with modern rubbers.
Innerforce ULC offers good dwell time, allowing for better ball grip and spin generation. The internal placement of ULC carbon contributes to this characteristic, making it effective for topspin play where holding the ball slightly longer is an advantage.
Innerforce ULC has good flexibility, offering a softer touch than harder carbon blades. This flexibility contributes to dwell time and feel, enabling effective spin generation. It bends enough to aid in shot creation without feeling too mushy or unstable.
This blade provides a moderate level of vibration feedback. Some players note it has noticeable vibration due to its thin profile, while others find it stable for blocking. Overall, it offers a medium vibration level that gives tactile feedback without being overwhelming.
Butterfly's manufacturing quality shines in the Innerforce ULC, with users describing it as a fantastic, well-balanced blade. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the advanced ULC technology underscores its premium build. It feels solid and reliable in hand, reflecting the high standards expected from Butterfly products.
Technology
Butterfly Innerforce ULC features proprietary Uniaxial Light Carbon (ULC) technology. This method aligns carbon fibers in a single, unidirectional pattern within the blade layers, allowing for thinner carbon plies with high fiber density. The primary benefits are a larger sweet spot and increased power and speed, similar to other carbon blades, but with a strong emphasis on retaining ball feel and control. This 'innerfiber' approach places carbon closer to the core, differentiating it from outer-carbon blades by offering a softer touch and enhanced dwell time for superior spin generation and a more nuanced playing experience.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
Innerforce Layer ALC is a related model within Butterfly's Innerforce line, using Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fibers placed internally. While ULC focuses on unidirectional carbon for a lighter feel, ALC offers a similar balance of speed, control, and dwell time with a characteristic 'holding the ball' sensation. Players who liked the ULC's feel but want slightly different characteristics or a more modern iteration might consider this blade.
Butterfly Holy Crown
TTSensei experts note that Innerforce ULC is very similar to the Butterfly Holy Crown, with some considering ULC an improved version. Both blades share a philosophy of controlled power and feel, making Holy Crown a predecessor or close alternative for players who appreciate the ULC's characteristics.