Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC is a 5 + 2-ply inner-fiber Arylate-Carbon composite (OFF class) that sits between the classic Innerforce Layer ALC and faster “outer” ALC blades such as Viscaria. At 6 mm thick with a slightly enlarged 158 × 152 mm head, it offers a soft, “grippy” feel and extended dwell, giving loopers and spin-based all-round attackers extra arc and safety over the table. Players who value vibration control, mid-distance stability, and balanced power-to-control ratios will feel right at home.
Specs
Type: Offensive / All-round
Plies: 5 W + 2 ALC
Composite Layer: Arylate-Carbon (Innerfiber)
Thickness: 6.0 mm
Weight: 88g
Speed (Manufacturer): N/A
Control (Manufacturer): N/A
Handle Types: FL, ST, AN
Made In: Japan
Pros
Excellent dwell and high arc make opening loops safe and loaded with spin.
Wide sweet spot with muted vibration keeps passive blocks and touch shots predictable.
Balanced OFF- speed that scales well from close-to-table flicks to mid-distance power.
Premium Japanese build quality ensures a consistent feel.
Cons
Less explosive than outer ALC or ZLC blades
Can feel head-heavy when paired with thick/hard rubbers
Softer feedback may feel “numb” to players who like the crisp click of outer ALC blades.
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
4.0
Delivers respectable OFF- speed; slower than Viscaria but still punishing when you engage the ALC layer on full swings.
Control
4.5
Inner-fiber construction and larger head enlarge the margin for error on blocks, pushes, and opening loops.
Stiffness
3.5
Medium-flex: woody on touch shots, stiffens noticeably under impact as the ALC kicks in.
Vibration Feel
3.5
Slightly muted on light contact, then clear but never harsh on harder strokes, ideal for feeling the ball without buzz.
Dwell Time
4.5
Inner-layer ALC and soft outer plies “grip” the ball, helping heavy brush loops and spinny serves.
Sweet Spot
4.0
Carbon enlarges the effective hitting zone; mishits stay on the table more often than with pure-wood blades.
Build Quality
4.5
Premium Japanese craftsmanship and precisely matched handles.
Core Performance Aspects
Looping & Topspin Play
The inner-fiber layout in Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC offers extra dwell, so you can brush slowly against underspin or rip power loops with pronounced clearance. The arc is naturally medium-high, reducing net hits on the third ball and giving a heavy kick on the table.
Driving & Flat Hitting
While not as explosive as outer ALC blades, full-powered drives remain fast enough to finish points. The blade stiffens on impact, preventing energy loss and delivering a satisfying “boom” without excessive rebound.
Blocking & Passive Control
On passive blocks, the soft outer plies absorb pace, while the carbon core stabilizes the face; directional accuracy is excellent, and chop blocks stay low.
Serve & Short Game
The muted feel and fine-grained handle let you deaden short pushes or impart late wrist acceleration on side-spin serves. Low-trajectory flicks are easy thanks to the blade’s dwell-driven bite.
Mid-to-Far Distance Play
From two steps back, the Harimoto ALC still offers OFF-level rebound, though pure power-loopers may crave more snap compared with Viscaria or Boll ALC. High arc helps you lift low balls without over-forcing the stroke.
Strategic Considerations
Comparison to Similar Blades
Viscaria / Timo Boll ALC: faster, crisper, but lower dwell and smaller margin on open-ups.
Innerforce Layer ALC: similar feel; Harimoto version adds a bigger head and marginally higher reaction for extra punch.
Tacky Hybrids (e.g., DHS Hurricane 3, Tibhar K3) – blade’s flex assists in catapult and reduces the “dead” feel of very hard topsheets.
Ideal Playstyle Fit
Spin-oriented loopers and modern two-wing topspin players who hover between close and mid-distance will benefit most. Counter-hitters seeking a softer, more controlled alternative to classic ALC blades should also shortlist it.
Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC blends inner-fiber feel with Arylate-Carbon stability, producing a forgiving yet potent weapon for arc-driven attackers. High dwell, wide sweet spot, and premium craftsmanship set it apart from both pure wood ALL blades and crisper outer-ALC classics.
Ready to elevate your topspin game? Check today’s best prices on the Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC and see how its balanced OFF performance can upgrade your arsenal.
