Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S
Blade description:
The Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC.S is a 5+2 construction composite blade that features Arylate-Carbon fibers positioned closer to the core. This design prioritizes a soft, wood-like feel and extended dwell time, distinguishing it from traditional outer-carbon blades. The use of spruce outer plies contributes to a high degree of rotation, allowing for significant spin generation during serves and looping sequences.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Control: The blade is noted for its high level of tactile feedback, which remains consistent during short-game play and passive blocking. Players often describe the sensation as softer than typical composite blades, offering a unique “braking” effect that aids in control, particularly when paired with OX long pips or when executing chop blocks.
- Speed and Power: While the blade provides a distinct all-wood sensation during touch shots, the Arylate-Carbon layers offer additional power and stiffness for offensive maneuvers. It is best suited for players who prefer a high arc trajectory. Because the carbon layer requires a degree of input to engage, players must rely on their own technique and swing speed to generate maximum velocity; it is generally recommended to pair this blade with fast, responsive rubbers to optimize its performance.
- Handling: The blade features a thin construction that contributes to its agility. Despite variations in overall weight, users report that the mass is well-distributed, often preventing the blade from feeling cumbersome during fast rallies. It is particularly effective for controlled, spin-oriented attacks close to the table.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2024
I am quite positively surprised by the ALC.S, especially with OX and close to the table. I found the control with OX on the table particularly strong. However, I made too many twiddling errors with the Shield because of the blade protruding too far into the handle. I also did not warm up with the Shake Defence blade.
The Shield was actually the best I could test from the play characteristics (Zeulloid). The ALC.S was just an impulse buy, but it harmonizes extremely well with the Zeitgeist OX. Apart from the excellent control and the surprisingly pronounced braking effect, this combo has the best characteristics in “pip-spin” (and highest control) that I have ever experienced.
It does indeed feel softer than the Shake and Shield blades, but is obviously stiff enough due to the ALC to control the pimples very well. I find the slightly heavier weight to be a very good offset to the lack of weight from double pimple insides. I cannot say for sure how much the Spruce plywood plays a role in this, but the ALC.S really does everything very well and controlled, including chop block (most important to me), flip, empty block, counter, and “pimple-spin.”
As for pimples inside, the ALC.S also has super control in the short and passive game and becomes faster than expected when playing topspin (tested with T 25 max and now covered with Battle 2). It makes a relatively high arc for my standards, which I do not necessarily like, but the balls sink surprisingly often still on the line. The ALC.S has a softer feel than the Shake and Shield blades, but is definitely on par (with advantages in pimple attack - in combination with Zeitgeist) and with better spin play (noticeably more rotation). So those who disrupt at the table and mainly play topspin attacks might get happy here.
#2 — December 2021
Vyborná šepel, lehká (nemusí každému vyhovovat), perfektní cit na pálce, přesná, vynikající pro hru u stolu.
#3 — October 2021
Great control and ball feeling. Enough power if you play close to the table. Easy to produce spin on serves and loops. I use it with Impartial XS 2.1mm.
Very good! Note: please use fast rubbers on it.
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