Note (11th October 2023) : The data of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ in this article were measured in 2018. At that time the thickness of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ was around 5.7~5.8mm. However, in 2023 TTGearLab noticed that ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ has become heavier and thicker. The thickness of 2023 version is around 5.9mm, and newly measured Performence Indices are significantly different from those of 2018 version. TTGearLab is gradually updating recent articles those include ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. The data of 2018 version will be gradually replaced by the data of 2023 version. This article includes the data of 2018 version, and hasn’t been updated yet.
1. Introduction
‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is one of the most important blades in current Butterfly blade range. It is softer and slower than ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ in the same ‘InnerForce Layer’ series. Because ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is quite close to 5-ply wood offensive blades, many top players and skilled amateur players are now trying it.
‘InnerForce Layer’ series which was announce in 2014 is renewed blade family which is modified from older ‘InnerForce’ series. Design of blades in ‘InnerForce’ was renewed, and head size of some models such as ‘InnerForce ZLC’ was reduced. Former model of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is ‘InnerForce ALC’.
Fig.02 shows older ‘InnerForce ALC’ and newer ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. There isn’t fundamental difference between those two models, except for graphic design. At the time of ‘InnerForce’ series, the appearance of ‘InnerForce ALC’ was one step cheaper than that of top model in the series – ‘InnerForce ZLC’. Instead of Aluminum nameplate of ‘InnerForce ZLC’, plastic lens of normal shape was applied for ‘InnerForce ALC’. Differently from simple design of the handle of ‘InnerForce ZLC’, somewhat strange design was applied for the handle of ‘InnerForce ALC’. However, this design strategy was changed when ‘InnerForce’ series was replaced with ‘InnerForce Layer’ series. Now the same design concept (except for coloring) as ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is being applied for ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
The head size of ‘InnerForce ZLC’ was reduced from 158mm x 151mm to 157mm x 150mm when it was replaced with ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’. However, the head size of ‘InnerForce ALC’ was not modified because it had already been 157mm x 150mm. ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ just succeeded the head size of ‘InnerForce ALC’.
Fig.03 shows the plywood construction of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ (top) and that of ‘InnerForce ALC’ (bottom). There isn’t any difference between those two. The plywood construction of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is identical to that of ‘InnerForce ALC’.
Well known ‘ALC (Arylate Carbon)’ is placed between 2nd layer (middle layer) and center layer of 5-plywood construction. Top layer is Limba. Middle layer and center layer are Ayous. Overall thickness is about 5.7~5.8mm, while it is written as 6.0mm on Butterfly catalog. This kind of difference between specification and actual product can usually occur in blade construction.
The FL (flared) handle of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is similar to that of ‘Timo Boll’ series. It is different from the FL handle of ‘Zhang Jike’ series which is a bit wider and a bit flatter. Therefore the cross section of the FL handle of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is narrow and tall. The width of FL handle at the middle of handle is about 26mm. European adult players with big hand may feel that it is too narrow. In that case, ST handle is recommended.
The ST (straight) handle of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is similar to that of ‘Zhang Jike’ series. The cross section of it is a much more rounded than that of ‘Timo Boll’ series which is squared. Width of ST handle is about 28mm. Although we can’t say that it is ‘wide’, the player with big hand can grip it without problem.
Fig.05 shows the backside of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. Differently from older ‘InnerForce ALC’, there isn’t any printing on the backside face of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
At low place of handle, there is small rounded lens which includes hologram. This hologram lens started to be applied to all Butterfly blades from 2014. Maybe there are some customers who don’t like this new hologram lens but likes older bigger rounded lens which includes the name of fiber. However, at least for this model – ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’, the new hologram lens looks doesn’t look bad. The simple graphic of the handle of ‘InnerForce Layer’ series fits well for small hologram lens. (But, I don’t like the hologram lens on the backside of Zhang Jike series because the handle graphic of Zhang Jike series is not as simple as that of ‘InnerForce Layer’ series.)
Then let’s examine the characteristics of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ by ‘Performance Indices’ and compare it with some other models in the market.
2. Blades to be compared
Following blades will be compared with ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
- Stiga Allround Classic – Reference for Performance Indices
- Butterfly InnerForce Layer ZLC
- Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
- Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon
- Stiga Offensive Classic Carbon
- Butterfly Korbel
‘Allround Classic’ is the representative of traditional all-round blades. And, it is the reference blade of Performance Indices in TTGear Lab. All indices for ‘Allround Classic’ is 1.0.
‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is the representative model of ‘InnerForce Layer’ series. Its construction is similar to that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. But, its fiber is different from ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’, and it is a bit thicker than ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
‘Timo Boll ALC’ is very famous blade whose fiber is ‘ALC’. Differently from ‘inner fiber’ construction of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’, its fiber is placed directly under top layer. We can call that kind of construction as ‘outer fiber’ construction.
‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ and ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ can be also compared with ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ because those two are also the blades with ‘inner fiber’ construction. Especially ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ looks similar to ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. However, its center layer is softer than that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
‘Korbel’ is the representative 5-ply wood offensive blade. It is important in this comparison because most of ‘inner fiber’ blades are being selected as the replacement of 5-ply wood offensive blades such as ‘Korbel’, in this ‘poly ball’ age.
Comparison will be done by performance indices. Concerning the detail of four performance indices, please refer to following articles in ‘Background’ section :
- Performance indices : the way to evaluate blade by measurement
- The example of comparison by performance indices
3. Comparison by Performance Indices
Fig.06 shows the comparison graph of Elasticity Indices
Ep (Primary Elasticity Index) is directly concerned with the rebound speed of blade. Ec (Central Elasticity Index) is concerned with additional ‘kick’ when player hits ball very hard.
Ep and Ec of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ are 1.62 and 1.45 respectively. Its Ep (= 1.62) is higher than Ep of Korbel (= 1.54) which is a widely used 5-ply wood offensive blade. But, the difference isn’t big. Its Ec (= 1.45) is also higher than that of Korbel (= 1.27).
‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ shows higher values of Ep and Ec (= 1.90 and 1.73 respectively) than ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. That is because of the difference of fiber material. ‘Timo Boll ALC’ shows even higher values (Ep = 2.14, Ec = 1.77). That is because the distance between fiber and fiber in the construction of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ is bigger the distance between fiber and fiber in ‘inner fiber’ construction. If we think only about elasticity, ‘outer fiber’ construction such as that of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ is much more effective than ‘inner fiber’ construction. Nevertheless we know that ‘inner fiber’ construction is meaningful because elasticity is not everything of table tennis blade. Softer and more natural feeling is sometimes more important than elasticity.
Although its construction looks similar to that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’, ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ shows noticeably lower values of Ep and Ec (= 1.32 and 1.24 respectively). That is because its center layer is Kiri which is softer that Ayous which is the center layer of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ also shows noticeably lower values of Ep and Ec (= 1.40 and 1.14 respectively) although its center layer is the same Ayous as the center layer of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. That is because ‘Carbon Fleece’ which is the fiber of ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ is much softer and much less elastic than ‘ALC’.
Examining Ec/Ep is an easier way to understand the tendency of elasticity of blades. Fig.07 shows the relationship between Ec/Ep and Ep.
Ec/Ep expresses the ‘tendency’ of the elasticity of blade. By examining Ec/Ep and Ep at the same time, we can easily understand the behavior of blades.
On the graph, all the blades in this comparison except for reference blade are in the range of Ec/Ep < 1.0, i.e. ‘Hold’ range. ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is on the border between ‘Mild Hold’ range and ‘Deep Hold’ range. If we compare its characteristic with ‘Korbel’, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is a bit faster and holds ball one step less than ‘Korbel’ when player hits ball very hard.
Although ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is somewhat different from ‘Korbel’, it is relatively close to ‘Korbel’ on the graph when it is compared with ‘InnerForce ZLC’ and ‘Timo Ball ALC’. It means that relatively less effort is needed when player tries to replace 5-ply wood offensive blade such as ‘Korbel’ with ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.
If we just think about the ease of replacement from ‘Korbel’, ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ made be better choice because it is placed very close to ‘Korbel’. And, ‘Timo Boll ALC’ shows very similar Ec/Ep as ‘Korbel’ and provides much higher rebound. However, the primary elasticity of ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ is not higher than that of ‘Korbel’, and ‘Timo Boll ALC’ may be too fast for the players who have used ‘Korbel’ or 5-ply wood offensive blades with similar speed level as ‘Korbel’ for long time.
If what we want is small but certain increase of power, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ may be optimum choice because it provides a bit higher speed and one step higher kick than ‘Korbel’. Also, if we only think about elasticity, we may be able to recommend ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ to the players who want one step higher speed than ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. But, we have to also check Vibration Indices before that recommendation.
Then successively, let’s compare Vibration Indices. Fig. 08 shows the comparison graph of Vibration Indices.
Vibration Indices are concerned with feeling. Vp indicates primary feeling which is transferred to player’s palm. And, Vl is the feeling at the wing of a blade. It is felt by player’s index finger or middle finger.
The Vp and Vl of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ are 1.15 and 1.23 respectively. The blade whose Vp is the closest to that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ (Vp = 1.11). The Vl of ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ (= 1.25) is also very close to that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. (However, on the graph ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ looks somewhat different from ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ because its Vp is smaller but its Vl is bigger than those of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. )
‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ and ‘Timo Boll ALC’ show higher primary Vibration Indices than ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. (Vp’s are 1.24 and 1.26 respectively.) It coincides with our expectation because ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is equipped with harder fiber, and the span between two ALC layers of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ is bigger than that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. But, the Vl of ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ (= 1.21) is a bit smaller than that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ (= 1.23) while the Vl of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ (= 1.41) is much bigger than that of ‘InnerForce ALC’. Because the difference of 0.02 is almost ignorable, we can think that ‘InnerForce ALC’ and ‘InnerForce ZLC’ provide almost identical feeling to the fingertip of index finger. From this result, we can consider that the kind of fiber material gives less influence to the feeling at index finger if the construction of blade is ‘inner fiber’ construction. It is even more apparent if we examine the Vl’s of three other blades – ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’, ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ and ‘Korbel’. The Vl’s of those three blades (1.25, 1.26 and 1.23 respectably) are also very close to those of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ and ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’, while Vp’s of those blades show much more difference.
By the examination of Vibration Indices, we can see that the primary feeling of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is just a bit harder than that of ‘Korbel’ which is the representative of offensive 5-ply wood blades, and that the fiber blades with ‘inner fiber’ construction under this comparison provide similar feeling with ‘Korbel’ at the fingertip of index finger.
Examining Vl/Vp is an easier way for the comparison of the tendency of feeling. Fig.09 shows the relationship between Vl/Vp and Vp for easier comparison.
Fig.09 Vl/Vp vs. Vp
On the graph of Vl/Vp, all the blades except ‘Allround Classic’ (which is reference blade whose values are fixed as 1.0) and ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ are placed in the range that Vl/Vp > 1.0. Being placed at the range that Vl/Vp > 1.0 means that the feeling of blade is relatively sharper at fingertip (of index finger) and relatively softer at palm. If we don’t think about reference blade, all the blades in this comparison except for ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ provides relatively sharper feeling at index finger than at palm. That is very important characteristic of ‘Korbel’ which is the representative of 5-ply wood offensive blade.
Some players select ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ as the replacement of ‘Korbel’ for getting more power. However, at least we consider the issue of feeling, ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is placed somewhat far from Korbel. Players may feel that ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is similar to 7-ply wood blades such as ‘Clipper CR’. On the contrary, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is placed in the same ‘sharper at index finger’ range as ‘Korbel’ on the graph. Strictly speaking, on the graph ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is placed in between ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ and ‘Korbel’. We can consider that ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ may be better choice than ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ if we need the replacement of ‘Korbel’ and feeling is very important issue.
If we just consider feeling, ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ or ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’ can be better choice than ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ because those two are placed near ‘Korbel’ on the graph. And, if we just consider Vl/Vp, ‘Timo Boll ALC’ can also be very good choice for the replacement of ‘Korbel’. (And, Ec/Ep of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ is also very close to that of ‘Korbel’.) However, for some players who have been accustomed to 5-ply wood offensive blades ‘Timo Boll ALC’ may be too hard. (Vp of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ is much higher than that of ‘Korbel’.)
‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ may be optimum choice if we can accept that it provides noticeably less sharp feeling at index finger than ‘Korbel’. Therefore, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is not as exciting as ‘Korbel’. But, although the level of sharpness is low, anyway ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is still in ‘relatively sharp at index finger’ range. And, primary feeling of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is one step harder than that of ‘Korbel’. But, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is not as hard as ‘Timo Boll ALC’. That may be the optimum feeling of a blade which replaces 5-ply wood offensive blade such as ‘Korbel’ for surviving poly-ball age.
4. Summary
The result of comparison can be summarized as follows :
- On comparison graphs, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is placed roughly in between ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ and ‘Korbel’.
- ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is one step slower than ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’. And, it is noticeably slower than ‘Timo Boll ALC’ which is equipped with same ‘ALC’ material. But, it is a bit faster than typical 5-ply wood offensive blade such as famous ‘Korbel’, and at the center of blade head it is more elastic than ‘Korbel.
- Primary feeling of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is a bit harder than that of ‘Korbel’ which is the representative of 5-ply wood offensive blades. But, the primary feeling of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is much softer than that of ‘Timo Boll ALC’ whose fiber material is same as that of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ but placed one step outward. The ‘inner fiber’ construction of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ makes this advantage.
- All ‘inner fiber’ blades in this comparison provide similar level of feeling at index finger to the feeling of ‘Korbel’ which is the representative of 5-ply wood offensive blade. It may be one of important characteristics of ‘inner fiber’ construction.
Some players may feel that ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is too common, and is less distinctive than ‘InnerForce ZLC’ or ‘Timo Boll ALC’. It is not as fast as ‘InnerForce ZLC’ or ‘Timo Boll ALC’. And, it doesn’t hold ball as deep as ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’ and ‘Timo Boll ALC’. Also, although it provides sharp feeling at index finger, that feeling is not as sharp (or exiting) as that of ‘Korbel’, ‘Stratus Samsonov Carbon’, ‘Timo Boll ALC’ and ‘Offensive Classic Carbon’. However, if we don’t want sudden change of blade, and just want a bit improved power from 5-ply wood offensive blade such as ‘Korbel’ for surviving poly-ball age, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ may be the optimum blade that can provide what we want.
TTGearLab 
It is very useful analysis. Would you consider to do the lab test on BTY Apolonia ZLC and Nittaku Tornado King Power too. Both are inner fiber construction
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Thank you for comment. The construction and the size of ‘Apolonia ZLC’ are same as those of ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’. Please refer to the information on ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’.
Regarding ‘Tornado King Power’, it is difficult for me to get a Nittaku blade. But, I will try if there is a chance.
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I’m always impressed and fascinated every time I read your blogs. No one does this in depth analysis on TT equipment the net (at least I haven’t found any other). Keep up the good work! Look forward to future blogs!
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Thank you a lot for comment!
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Nice analysis! Thanks.
Wonder how the new ALC.S would fit in. It’s a much thinner blade with spruce. So, might be more flexible and more vibrations.
In theory, The ALC.S is like a Stiga Infinity VPS (they have the same layers of wood), but with the addition of ALC layer next to the core.
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Thank you for comment.
I will check ALC.S as soon as possible. I want to comment after I get every information on it.
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Please, compare Old innerforce alc – layer alc.
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I couldn’t find any difference between old InnerForce ALC and new InnerForce Layer ALC. Everything except for graphic design is identical.
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Can yo compare the innerforce layer alc to the harimoto alc? I have a harimoto alc and planning to get the innerforce layer alc as my backup blade since it is cheaper than Harimoto. Instead of getting a second harimoto blade, maybe I could just get the innerorce if they are very identical in terms of characteristics. Thank you.
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Thank you for comment. Harimoto ALC (Harimoto Tomokazu InnerForce ALC) is thicker than InnerForce Layer ALC, and has bigger head. Therefore, it is different blade from InnerForce Layer ALC. Its data is as follows :
Ep = 2.10
Ec = 1.83 (Ec/Ep = 0.87)
Vp = 1.24
Vl = 1.20 (Vl/Vp = 0.97)
Ep of Harimoto ALC is noticeably higher than that of InnerForce Layer ALC. The other factors are not significantly different.
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All this work is really fantastic. It is very helpful. I am playing with Amultart, Carbonado 290, Viscaria, Innerforce ZLC and recently Cornilleau Hinotec OFF+ carbon (which I like a lot).
1- Viscaria is one of the most popular blade. Why not including some data as reference too ?
2- About Hinotec Off_ carbon, I have no idea about the Ec, Ep … data but I feel that Ec/Ep is opposite of Amultart, and VL/Vp might be similar to C290. So if time allows … could you confirm my feeling ?
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1. Viscaria is almost identical to Timo Boll ALC. Therefore, you will be able to refer to Timo Boll ALC. (Please note that the Ep is lower in case the weight is lighter. The other factors are not that influenced by weight.)
2. I don’t have Hinotec OFF-. But, its construction is similar to that of Korbel except for the top layer. Therefore its Ec/Ep is expected to be lower than 1.0. The Ec/Ep of Amultart is higher than 1.0. Also its Vl/Vp will be higher than 1.0 like Carbonado 290.
However, if you mean Hinotec OFF+ Carbon, it is difficult to expect its characteristics.
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thank you for the feedback, and yes, I am talking about Hinotec OFF+ carbon, because it is Hinoki-carbon like amultart, or Darker Esteem. And actually, that will be nice to focus on Hinoki-carbon study, compared to limbs-carbon or koto-carbon. Cause I suppose that equations to output Ep, Ec, etc… depends on the properties of the wood and wood/stack, but also, on the interface (glue) used to assemble those thin wood films on a core (kiri or balsa, or else) leading to a total flexibility and stiffness.
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Hinoki is ver interesting material. And, I want to study more blades with Hinoki top layers.
(But, unfortunately Hinoki blades are continuously forgotten in the market.)
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Dear TT Gear Lab,
Thank you for your fantastic and interesting work!
I have two questions:
(1) In what ways (if any) is Butterfly’s ALC different to Andro’s KVL Fibre in their Treiber blades (CI Off and FI Off)?
(2) Have you tested the Andro Treiber CI Off and, if so, how does it compare to the Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC?
At about half the price I’m sure many would be interested!
Thanks again, and keep it up!
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Thank you a lot.
And, I’m sorry that currently I don’t have Andro blades too mentioned. But, I will memorize those blades and try if I have a chance.
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What rubbers can be used in the forehand and also what in the backhand to feel the ball more and what is best suited to the wood, my game is offensive, thank you very much
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There isn’t right answer for the best rubber combination. It differs by player. But, if you don’t have any preference, I recommend the top model of new-generation (= Tenergy type) tension rubbers with soft ~ medium soft sponge. For example Tenergy 05 FX or Rasanter R42.
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Dear TTGearLab,
I found your analysis while looking for a new setup and I am deeply impressed by your work. It helps me a lot. Thank you very much for your effort.
This is my situation:
Last November I re-started playing table tennis with my old Donic Appelgren Allplay and Sriver S from 2008. But found, it is too slow, althought it fits nicely to my playing style (mainly offensive).
In December I changed to Butterfly Korbel (Europe version) with Rozena. It plays quite nicely. But some weeks ago I tried Korbel with Dignics 09c. In comparison, the Dignics 09c is completely different: much harder, much less “catapult-effect” and much more grippy. And this fits much better to my playing style.
I like the responsiveness or the Korbel very much, but for this rubber, the Korbel is too slow: it needs significant more effort to play a ball with the same speed than with the Rozena-rubber.
At the moment I want to upgrade my blade either to the Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC (recommended by the Butterfly store) or the Viscaria ALC (my secret favorite). The Viscaria may be a little bit more flexible than the Timo Boll ALC, and if I choose a lighter version, the Ep is lower.
After read your analysis I fear, that the Innerforce Layer ALC will be too close to the Korbel and that a light Viscaria (maybe 83g) could be the better option for the Dignics 09c for me.
What to you think?
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Unfortunately I found your review of the Butterfly Viscaria Super ALC, where also the Viscaria (actual version) and the Ovtcharov-ALC are included after posting my last comment.
I read it, and now I guess there are three options for me:
Innerforce ALC
Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC
Viscaria ALC
I am really excited to read your opinion.
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Thank you for comment.
At first, we have always consider the fact that there isn’t a right answer of equipment in table tennis. We can guess many things and TTGearLab can help it in some amount. But, the help can’t be perfect.
Among those three, I strongly recommend Ovtcharov InnerForce ALC. That is because of its ability of hugging ball deeply when we hits the ball very strongly. Ovtcharov InnerForce ALC will provide similar level of ability as Korbel while giving you much higher elasticity. (But, that is the case that the weight of Korbel is around 90g, and the weight of Ovtcharov InnerForce ALC is also around 90g.)
Current versions of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ and ‘Viscaria’ will not give sufficient level of hugging as ‘Korbel’. And, ‘Viscaria Super ALC’ may be too fast and somewhat difficult to control.
And, Dignics 09c is a rubber which is somewhat difficult to use. I think that Glazer 09c or Tenergy 05 may be better selection. And, if your former rubber is Rozena, I think that Tenergy 64 or Dignics 64 will be much better selection for you. *** 09c or *** 05 may be too hard if you have been accustomed to Rozena.
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Thank you for your reply.
I will choose the Ovtcharov-plate I guess. Your analysis fits to the estimation of the store too.
But concerning the rubber you might have misunterstood me. I have played the Rozena since December, but I tried the Dignics 09c in a store on a Korbel-blade some weeks ago and I felt much more comfortable with it.
The Rozena is not bad, but compared to the Dignics 09c it is much faster and has a quite noticable “catapult-effect”. The Dignics 09c is much slower, the sponge is much harder and the rubber much tackier. And it has improved my playing drastically. The reason might be, that I previously played the Sriver S many years ago (in the pre-polybal-era), so this fits more to my stable playing-technique.
The Glayzer 09c was not such an improvement compared to the Rozena (I tried this in the store too against the Rozena on the Korbel).
I switched to Korbel-Dignics09c two weeks ago, and I feel I should never touch Rozena again. I am just missing a little bit of speed, that is the reason why I consider also changing the blade.
Maybe I should remain in the Korbel-Dignics 09c-combination for a while before switching to the new blade.
On the other hand one has to accustom on every material, and the aim is to stick for one good-fitting for as long as possible. So probably is now the best moment to change the blade as well and then stick to it, if the first impression of the combination Ovtcharov-Dignics09c is positive enough.
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Thank you for additional explanation. Now I clearly understand your situation, and then keeping Dignics 09c will be all right.
By the way, I worry about one thing – the shape of handle. If you are using ST, it will be all right. But, if you are using FL, you may feel that Ovtcharov InnerForce ALC is narrower and taller than current handle. I have to point it out because there are many players who are sensitive to the shape of handle. I’m one of that kind of players.
The FL handle of Korbel is a semi-wide handle, and its bulge is quite wide. The FLs of Viscaria and FZD series are basically same as the FL of Korbel. But, the FL of Ovtcharov InnerForce ALC is based on the FL of InnerForce series or Timo Boll series which is narrower and taller than the FL of Korbel.
Of course you will be able to ignore it if you don’t care the difference of handle shape.
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Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I will choose the FL handle. I guess there is a variance in the handles too, and I will look for a little bit more thick one. I am not that critical in that point, as long as the handle is concave.
The Korbel-handles are different too. My first Korbel (about 90g) had a nice handle. The shop took it back, because during changing the rubbers a quite large splinter of the center of the blade came off. My second one (I selected 85g, it has the Rozenas on it) has a little bit narrower handle. Not as comfortable as the first one, but it is alright. The third one (also 85g, it has the Dignics on it) has a little bit thicker handle, what I prefer.
I like the handles of Donic Waldner Senso Carbon or Persson PowerAR more. They are a little bit thicker and longer. But their blades are smaller (about 5mm), so that I have chosen the Korbels as my main blades.
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As you mentioned, in fact the handle of Korbel has changed for some times. The handle of 20 years ago was much thinner than current one, and even the material of handle was different. I think that current handle is quite good.
The handles of Donic Walnder/Persson series launched in 1990’s are also good although those are different from the handle of current Korbel/Viscaria. BTW, I like the 152mm x 148mm heads of Persson series and Waldner Carbon (Other models of Waldner series have bigger head with egg shape) because small head makes the close-to-table play very easy. But, it seems that that kind of small head isn’t popular now and no maker is selecting that size for new models.
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Today I tried the Ovtcharov with Dignics 09c against Korbel+Dignics 09c.
Slower shots were improved with the Ovtcharov, faster shots were really dynamic, sometimes I felt more comfortable with the lower dynamic of the Korbel.
It might be, that the Ovtcharov is a little bit too dynamic for me right now.
What would you think: Could the Waldner Senso Carbon be a better alternative between those two blades?
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I’m not sure whether Waldner Senso Carbon can be the one between Korbel and Ovtcharov InnerForce ALC. In fact, its Ep and Ec are lower than those of Korbel.
Another solution is InnerForce Layer ALC.S whose Ec and Ep are not much different from those of Korbel but makes faster ball thanks to artificial material.
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