Butterfly Timo Boll ALC vs Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| feel | medium | stiff outer oak veneer, medium throw, solid dwell, consistent blocking |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | Flared, Straight, Anatomic |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | carbon composite (oak outer + carbon fleece CFNW inner, 5+2 layers) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.5-5.6 |
| weight_g | 86 | 87-90 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Both are OFF-speed carbon blades but address different buyer needs. The Timo Boll ALC (9.0) is Butterfly’s pinnacle of balanced spin, speed, and control with class-leading spin on both wings, large sweet spot, long dwell, and proven elite reliability across styles. The Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon (8.0) delivers genuine carbon speed at an accessible price point with excellent blocking, near-table consistency, and forgiving CFNW carbon fleece for a larger sweet spot.
The ALC is genuinely fast, rewards active, technically sound strokes, and offers little vibration feedback — less suited to intermediate players still developing technique. The Yasaka is forgiving and accessible to club and intermediate players making their first move to carbon, prioritizing blocking and consistency over raw speed. Weight differs slightly: the ALC is 86g, the Yasaka 87-90g. Speed rating favors the ALC; the Yasaka’s early ball release makes heavy topspin harder to produce than ALC’s long dwell advantage. The Yasaka shines with softer rubbers (Rakza 7 Soft, Mark V) and offers excellent build quality from Yasaka’s Swedish factory. The ALC is premium-priced and proven with elite players; the Yasaka is budget-conscious and beginner-friendly to carbon. For attackers with developed stroke seeking balanced high-spin play, choose the ALC; for intermediate club players prioritizing blocking and consistency, the Yasaka is exceptional value.
FAQ
Which is faster?
The Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is faster and more direct. The Yasaka Sweden EK is genuine carbon speed but not as fast in real play.
Which spins more?
The ALC delivers class-leading spin on both wings. The Yasaka’s early ball release makes heavy topspin harder to produce.
Which is better for beginners to carbon?
The Yasaka Sweden EK is explicitly for club and intermediate players making their first move to carbon, with forgiving CFNW carbon fleece. The ALC demands developed technique.
Which costs less?
The Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon is significantly cheaper and accessible. The ALC is premium-priced.
Which is heavier?
The Yasaka at 87-90g is slightly heavier than the ALC at 86g.