Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC vs Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC | Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| feel | soft, grippy, wood-like with carbon activation on full swings | medium |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 ALC (Arylate-Carbon inner fiber) | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon |
| speed | OFF- | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 88 | 86 |
Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC
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Both are 5-wood + 2-arylate-carbon blades, but the fiber placement sends them in opposite directions. The Harimoto Innerforce ALC buries its ALC beneath two wood plies, so it opens with a soft, grippy, almost all-wood touch and only stiffens into carbon power once you commit a full swing. That gives it a high arc, long dwell and outstanding spin on opening loops, plus easy blocking and short-game touch — but it measures genuinely slower (OFF-) and can feel head-heavy with hard rubber. The Timo Boll ALC runs its carbon under a single koto outer ply, producing the crisper, faster (OFF) release and the famous large, even sweet spot. Its identity is balance: class-leading spin on both wings, solid un-hollow feel and superb play from mid-distance to away from the table.
Who each suits
Pick the Harimoto Innerforce ALC if you are a spin-first, close-to-table two-winged looper who wants maximum dwell and feel and doesn’t mind sacrificing top-end pace. Pick the Timo Boll ALC if you want a do-everything attacking blade with more speed, a bigger margin for off-center contacts and proven versatility from blockers to all-out attackers.
The pick
For most attacking shakehand players the Timo Boll ALC (9.0) is the safer, more versatile choice. Choose the Harimoto only if touch and spin outrank raw speed for you.
FAQ
Which is easier for learning to loop?
Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC offers more help due to sponge characteristics.
Which offers the best value?
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC delivers better value. Butterfly Timo Boll ALC combines affordability with strong performance.
Which rubber maintains its grip longer?
Both have different longevity patterns handles wear better. Check specific playing conditions in detailed reviews.