Get Notified of New Equipment and Reviews
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ No spam or other useless stuff. We plan to send out some newsletters from time to time with the latest reviews and project updates. Feel free to unsubscribe at any time.
Butterfly Freitas ALC
Blade description:
The Butterfly Freitas ALC is a meticulously crafted table tennis blade designed for intermediate to advanced players who seek a balance of speed, control, and responsiveness. Characterized by its 7-ply construction, the blade combines traditional wood with Arylate-Carbon, a material renowned for its improved vibration dampening and dwell time. The result is a blade that not only allows for powerful attacks but also enhances precision during defensive maneuvers. With a thickness of 5.9 mm, it proves effective in managing various playing styles.
Weighing approximately 90 grams, the Freitas ALC is categorized as medium, striking a chord between nimbleness and heft, ensuring both solid strokes and agile play. Players appreciate the control it offers, rated at an impressive 8.3, which is beneficial for executing loops and active blocks. The blade’s stiffness is rated at 6, providing enough flexibility to generate spin while also maintaining speed, rated at 8.6. This combination makes it particularly favorable for players who prefer an aggressive style, yet still want the ability to finesse their shots.
Alternatives to consider include the Timo Boll ALC and Viscaria blades, which are similarly styled yet may offer different nuances in gameplay. Based on player feedback, while some emphasize the need for good technique to maximize the blade’s potential, its consistency and touch make it a favorite among those who have mastered their strokes. Despite its price point, the Freitas ALC is seen as a worthy investment for serious competitors aiming to elevate their performance on the table.
Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2023
Blade: Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Type: Off+
Speed: 9.0
Control: 8.5
Weight: 85g
Thickness: 5.8mm
Handle: Flared
Plies: 5 (Kiri, Ayous, Ayous, Carbon, Kiri)
Review:
The Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a popular blade among professional table tennis players. It is known for its excellent combination of speed and control. The blade is made from a combination of Kiri, Ayous, and Carbon, which gives it a good balance of power and touch.
The blade is slightly thicker than average, which gives it more stability but also makes it slightly heavier. The flared handle is comfortable to hold and provides a good grip.
Overall, the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a great blade for players who want a combination of speed and control. It is a good choice for both offensive and defensive players.
#2 — February 2023
I already have two copies of this blade, one with a weight of 87 grams and one with 91 grams, but their characteristics are almost identical. I personally like to pair these blades with softer and medium-hard rubbers, as they provide me with the desired feel and rotation. I specifically use Joola Dynaryz ACC on the forehand and Joola Dynaryz CMD on the backhand.
I appreciate these blades for their soft feel when topspinning, but I have recently reached a level where I require a blade that is better suited for a short game and backhand flicks, which I find challenging with this blade. As a result, I am considering switching to a different and slightly faster blade, such as the Viscaria or Lin Gaoyuan ALC.
Overall, I recommend this blade to players who prefer a soft feel when topspinning and desire greater comfort in open rallies.
#3 — August 2022
This blade is very good. It has a good balance of speed and control, and it is also very durable. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the blade is well-made. I would definitely recommend this blade to anyone who is looking for a good all-around blade.
However, there are a few minor issues with the blade. First, it is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver quickly. Second, the blade is not very forgiving, which means that it can be difficult to control for beginners.
Overall, this is a good blade that is suitable for a wide range of players. It is a good choice for beginners who are looking for a durable and forgiving blade, and it is also a good choice for experienced players who are looking for a blade that offers a good balance of speed and control.