Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC vs Butterfly Maze Advance: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC | Butterfly Maze Advance | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| feel | medium, high feel/dwell | soft, controlled, slightly stiff for an all-wood blade |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Inner Arylate-Carbon | 5W (all wood) |
| speed | OFF | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.9 | 6.7 |
| weight_g | 86 | 85 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Both are Butterfly blades, but they sit a tier apart. The Innerforce Layer ALC is an OFF inner arylate-carbon blade that feels like all-wood up close, then delivers a carbon kick and acceleration on hard swings, with a large stable sweet spot and plenty of dwell for spin. The Maze Advance is an ALL+ all-wood blade, light at around 82 to 85g, often around 66 dollars, and coach-recommended as a first proper blade.
The Innerforce ALC offers more feel and control than the Viscaria or Timo Boll ALC plus on-demand power, though its first feel is bouncy, it rewards a developed stroke, and it is a premium OFF blade. The Maze Advance prizes exceptional control, low vibration and clean touch for short play and blocking, but its thicker 6.7mm build plays stiff (some call it firm or even a brick), and its moderate speed limits the offensive ceiling.
By style: allround-to-offensive players with a developed stroke who want carbon stability and acceleration should take the Innerforce ALC. Beginners and intermediates stepping up from a premade who want a light, controllable all-wood for all-around play and blocking should choose the Maze Advance.
FAQ
Which blade is better for a developing player?
The Maze Advance. It is light, controllable and coach-recommended as a first proper blade, while the Innerforce ALC is a premium OFF blade that rewards a developed stroke.
Does the Innerforce ALC feel like a carbon blade?
It feels like all-wood with dwell up close, then provides a carbon kick and acceleration on hard swings, blending all-wood feel with carbon stability and sweet spot.
Why does the Maze Advance feel stiff?
Its thicker 6.7mm build plays stiffer than many classic five-ply blades, and some owners find it firm, with one calling it a brick despite its all-wood construction.
Which has more offensive power?
The Innerforce Layer ALC. It is an OFF blade with on-demand acceleration, while the Maze Advance is rated ALL+ with moderate speed that limits its offensive ceiling.