Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC vs DHS Hurricane 301: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC | DHS Hurricane 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| feel | medium, high feel/dwell | medium-hard, crisp, direct inner arylate-carbon with deep dwell on power shots |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Inner Arylate-Carbon | 5W+2 Aramid-Carbon (Koto outer, Ayous middle and core, inner Arylate-Carbon) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 86 | 90 |
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This is a strong like-for-like duel. Both are OFF inner arylate-carbon blades that feel like wood up close before delivering carbon acceleration, with deep dwell on power shots. The Innerforce Layer ALC is the premium benchmark with a large stable sweet spot and standout value for its tier; the DHS Hurricane 301 is often cited at around one third the price, with a Koto outer and aramid-carbon layup.
The Innerforce ALC offers more feel and control than the Viscaria, plenty of flex for spin, and on-demand power, though its first feel is bouncy and it rewards a developed stroke. The Hurricane 301 has a very wide gear range, from controllable touch up to OFF+ power loops, long dwell, high spin and a crisp Koto feel that loves close-to-table topspin, but it splinters when changing rubbers and needs sealing, has a sharp index-finger feel some dislike, and a handle that can feel slippery for heavy sweaters.
By style: shakehand allround-to-offensive players wanting refined feel with carbon stability should take the Innerforce ALC. Forehand-dominant loopers and third- or fifth-ball attackers who want a spin-friendly inner-ALC blade with a wide control range on a budget should pick the Hurricane 301.
FAQ
How similar are these two blades?
Very. Both are OFF inner arylate-carbon blades with all-wood feel up close, deep dwell on power shots and strong spin. The Hurricane 301 is the budget option at around one third the price.
Does the Hurricane 301 really need sealing?
Yes. It splinters when changing rubbers, so sealing or sanding the surface is recommended. The Innerforce ALC does not carry that warning.
Which has the wider range of gears?
The Hurricane 301 is praised for a very wide gear range, controllable on touch and OFF to OFF+ on power loops. The Innerforce ALC is versatile too but slightly bouncy at first feel.
Which is better for a forehand looper?
The Hurricane 301 is aimed at forehand-dominant loopers and early-ball attackers with its crisp Koto top and high spin, while the Innerforce ALC suits a broader allround-to-offensive game.