Butterfly Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC vs Butterfly Viscaria: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC | Butterfly Viscaria | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| feel | crisp and firm with controlled dwell | medium-hard |
| handle | FL / ST / AN | FL/ST/AN |
| head_size_mm | 158 x 152 | — |
| plies | 5 wood plies with 2 inner ALC (Arylate Carbon) layers, 7-ply total construction | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon |
| reaction | 117 | — |
| speed | OFF+ | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 6.2 | 5.8 |
| vibration | 105 | — |
| weight_g | 91 | 87 |
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Two elite Butterfly arylate-carbon blades that reach similar speed by opposite routes. The Viscaria is the original outer-ALC benchmark: a crisp, medium-hard 5+2 build with deep power, a famously large sweet spot, and a smooth block-to-loop hand-off that makes it the more versatile do-everything attacking board. The Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC buries its two ALC layers next to the core, then thickens the blade to 6.2mm to claw back outer-ALC pace. Lab measurements put its elasticity across the outer-ALC threshold, yet it keeps lower vibration (Vp 1.21) and longer dwell, so it throws a higher, spinnier arc than the Viscaria and feels softer at contact. Trade-offs: it is heavier (91g+), more head-forward, and demands real conditioning.
Who each suits
Pick the Viscaria if you want the proven, slightly lighter all-rounder whose forgiveness and crisp directness reward looping, blocking, flat hits and short game in equal measure. Pick the Ovtcharov if you are a power attacker who has outgrown standard Innerforce, or a Viscaria owner chasing more dwell, spin feedback and a calmer vibration profile without losing speed.
The pick
For most attacking shakehand players, the Viscaria is the safer, more versatile choice and our overall winner (9 vs 8.8). Step up to the Ovtcharov only if you want maximum power with inner-fiber feel and can manage the extra weight.
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.