Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6.05mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Yellow Carbon ALC
Friendship 729 Yellow ALC is a high-performance hybrid blade built for offensive players who demand a perfect blend of speed, spin, and control. Its 7-ply construction with inner Arylate-Carbon layers delivers a unique playing character, merging the natural feel and dwell of wood with the enhanced power and stability of modern composites. This design creates a large sweet spot for consistent performance on off-center hits. The inner ALC placement yields a softer, more controlled sensation compared to outer carbon blades, making it ideal for spin-oriented attackers and aggressive loopers. Its dynamic response supports a full range of strokes, from heavy topspins to sharp blocks, offering versatile playability for intermediate to advanced competitors.
The blade uses a symmetrical 7-ply construction. It starts with outer Limba layers, followed by Ayous wood, then inner Yellow Arylate-Carbon fiber layers sandwiching a central Ayous core. This configuration is designed to provide wood-like flexibility and dwell with the added speed and stiffness of ALC, creating a balanced offensive tool.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Friendship 729 Yellow ALC is a fast blade engineered for offensive play. The inner Arylate-Carbon layers provide excellent elasticity and a quick rebound, generating significant speed for powerful attacks. However, its design prioritizes a controlled feel over raw explosiveness. Players report it delivers ample pace for winners while maintaining enough precision to place shots effectively, making it faster than many all-wood blades but more manageable than some outer-carbon alternatives.
Despite its offensive pedigree, the Yellow ALC excels in control. The inner placement of the ALC layers creates a softer feel and increases dwell time, allowing players to better guide the ball and execute precise shots. This balance is a standout feature, enabling aggressive spin and placement without sacrificing consistency. Many players find they can confidently engage in touch play and short game while still having the control needed for powerful, directed loops.
Friendship 729 Yellow ALC delivers a feel that leans toward medium-soft, offering a touch closer to wood than many carbon blades. The inner ALC layers provide good feedback and a controlled, connected sensation during strokes. This softer character enhances dwell time and allows players to feel the ball deeply, which is beneficial for spin generation and precise shot execution.
Friendship 729 Yellow ALC produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for aggressive looping and topspin play. This characteristic helps shots clear the net with a good arc and plenty of spin, making it highly effective for offensive rallies and consistent attacking.
The blade provides excellent dwell time, a result of its wood plies combined with the internally placed ALC layers. This design allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, which is crucial for generating heavy spin and executing powerful, controlled loops. Players can really feel the ball gripping the rubber during topspin strokes.
Friendship 729 Yellow ALC offers a moderate level of flexibility. It's not overly stiff, allowing the blade to engage the ball effectively for spin creation, yet it possesses enough firmness from the ALC to ensure efficient power transfer for offensive attacks. This balanced flex supports both touch play and powerful drives.
Vibration is minimal with this blade, thanks to the damping properties of the Arylate-Carbon layers. This results in a very clean, solid hitting sensation even on powerful shots, contributing to improved control and precise placement. The lack of excessive vibration provides a confident, stable feel during play.
Quality perceptions for the Yellow ALC are generally positive, especially considering its price point. It offers solid craftsmanship and durable construction suitable for competitive play. Some users have noted minor finishing details or a characteristic initial scent from the woods, but these do not impact performance. Overall, it represents good value, providing reliable build quality that holds up well during intense matches.
Technology
Friendship 729 Yellow ALC employs an 'inner carbon' construction, a design where Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers are embedded between wood plies rather than placed on the outer surface. This technology aims to fuse the benefits of composite materials with the traditional sensation of wood. The ALC layers enhance speed, stiffness, and elasticity for powerful, spin-heavy shots. Their internal placement softens the overall feel and increases dwell time compared to outer carbon blades, delivering a more controlled and feedback-rich experience. This construction is particularly advantageous for spin-oriented attackers and players moving from all-wood blades to modern composites.
Similar Blades
DHS 301
Players often compare the Yellow ALC to the DHS 301. Our analysis suggests the 729 Yellow ALC offers slightly less raw power but provides more control and a better, more connected feel. Both blades share similar structural concepts and cater to offensive play, making them strong alternatives for players deciding between a touch more control or a bit more outright power.
Stiga Alser
Some players report the Friendship 729 Yellow ALC feels very similar to the classic Stiga Alser. This indicates that players who enjoyed the Alser's performance and sensation might find the Yellow ALC to be a suitable modern successor, offering a familiar wood-like feel enhanced with contemporary ALC technology for added speed and stability.