Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC vs Butterfly Viscaria: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC | Butterfly Viscaria | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| feel | soft, grippy, wood-like with carbon activation on full swings | medium-hard |
| 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 | 87 |
Butterfly Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC
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These two are close cousins — both 5-wood + 2-arylate-carbon — separated by where the fiber sits. The Harimoto Innerforce ALC places its ALC beneath two wood plies, giving a softer, woodier contact, lower vibration and a higher arc with more dwell on opening loops. It measures slower (OFF-) but rewards spin, touch and close-to-table control, with an enlarged head that widens the sweet spot. The Viscaria runs its carbon under a single koto outer ply, producing the textbook crisp, fast (OFF) release and the deep power that made it a benchmark. Owners praise its forgiveness and versatility for a carbon blade — looping, blocking, flat hitting and short game all play well — though that power only shows up when you supply an active stroke.
Who each suits
Choose the Harimoto Innerforce ALC if you want maximum dwell, a softer natural feel and spin-first play close to the table, and you don’t need top-end speed. Choose the Viscaria if you want a crisper, faster, do-everything attacking blade with deep power and an unmatched pedigree.
The pick
The Viscaria (9.0) is the more complete, higher-ceiling attacking blade for most shakehand loopers. Pick the Harimoto if you are a Viscaria owner specifically chasing more touch, arc and spin at the cost of speed.
FAQ
Which is easier for learning to loop?
Butterfly Viscaria offers more help due to sponge characteristics.
Which offers the best value?
Butterfly Viscaria delivers better value. Butterfly Viscaria 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.