Weight
86g
Thickness
5.95mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Marcos Freitas ALC
Butterfly Marcos Freitas ALC is a professional-grade offensive blade designed in collaboration with Portuguese star Marcos Freitas. Its 5+2 ply construction combines Limba outer plies with Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers, creating a unique blend of speed, spin, and control. The softer Limba wood provides enhanced dwell time and a distinct 'ALC-touch,' making it exceptionally versatile for spin-based attacks. This blade offers a more forgiving feel compared to other ALC models, balancing power for mid-distance rallies with precision for close-table play. Its elegant design and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship reflect its premium status, making it a top choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a responsive and controlled offensive tool.
This 5+2 construction features softer Limba wood as the outer plies, with Arylate Carbon (ALC) fiber layers placed directly beneath them. This 'outer fiber' placement, combined with the Limba, contributes to a softer feel and increased dwell time. The core is Ayous wood, providing stability and a balanced foundation for the blade's performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Marcos Freitas ALC delivers significant offensive speed, responsive to a player's input. While not the absolute fastest in its class, it provides a noticeable power boost over all-wood blades and is generally considered a step up from similar models. The speed comes with a linear feel, offering extra kick during powerful loops and drives while remaining manageable for controlled shots.
This blade is praised for its exceptional control within the offensive category. The softer Limba outer plies and specific ALC placement create a stable, predictable feel that allows for precise ball placement. Players report rock-solid consistency in blocking and pushing, making it a reliable choice for maintaining accuracy during fast exchanges.
The blade offers a distinctly 'woody' and softer touch compared to many ALC models, attributed to its Limba outer plies. This provides good feedback and a comfortable connection with the ball, especially on softer shots and touch play, making it feel more forgiving and responsive.
Our testing shows a characteristically low throw angle, which requires some adjustment for players accustomed to high-arcing loops. This trait makes it excellent for driving the ball forward with pace but may benefit from pairing with higher-throw rubbers for optimal spin loops.
The combination of soft Limba outer plies and the ALC layers directly beneath them significantly enhances dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, facilitating greater spin production on loops, serves, and brush strokes, which is a key feature for spin-oriented attackers.
It exhibits a moderate level of flexibility, particularly evident during powerful strokes. This flex contributes to the dwell time and spin potential, creating a more elastic response that helps catapult the ball with added spin, distinguishing it from stiffer carbon blades.
Vibration feedback is precise and noticeable, providing good tactile information about ball contact without being harsh. The feel is often described as informative and 'woody,' offering a clear connection that helps players gauge their shots effectively.
Crafted with premium materials in Japan, the Marcos Freitas ALC showcases Butterfly's renowned attention to detail. The finish is excellent, with consistent construction and an elegant design that reflects its professional-grade intent. This high level of craftsmanship ensures durability and a performance feel that matches its premium positioning.
Technology
Butterfly Marcos Freitas ALC utilizes the proprietary Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fiber technology, known for creating a unique balance of speed and elasticity—the 'ALC-touch.' In this blade, the ALC layers are positioned directly beneath the outer Limba wood plies, a specific construction choice. This 'outer fiber' placement, combined with the softer Limba, aims to increase dwell time and create a more responsive, spin-friendly feel compared to blades with inner ALC or harder outer woods like Koto. The technology is engineered to support a versatile, spin-oriented attacking style, mirroring the preferences of Marcos Freitas himself.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Marcos Freitas
Marcos Freitas collaborated closely with Butterfly to develop this signature blade, seeking a successor to his long-time favorite. His aggressive topspin style, especially from mid-distance, benefits from the blade's design, which combines ALC technology with softer Limba outer plies to provide power for his loops while offering the control and dwell time necessary for his spin generation.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Michael Maze ALC
Often considered the direct predecessor and closest relative, the Michael Maze ALC shares a similar 5+2 ALC construction. Many players find the Freitas ALC to be a modern evolution, often described as slightly faster with potentially more dwell due to its specific build. It serves as an excellent alternative for those who enjoyed the classic Maze ALC feel but seek a contemporary update.
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is another iconic ALC blade but typically features harder Koto outer plies. This results in a crisper, faster, and potentially less forgiving feel compared to the Limba-faced Freitas ALC. Players might choose the Freitas ALC for its softer touch, greater dwell, and enhanced spin focus if they find the Viscaria's stiffness and directness too demanding.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Like the Viscaria, Timo Boll ALC often uses Koto outer plies, leading to a stiffer and crisper playing experience. While all are designed for attacking play, the Freitas ALC distinguishes itself with a softer, more dwell-oriented profile. It's a strong option for players who prioritize spin generation and a connected feel over maximum crispness and raw speed.