(by Bowmar Sports)

Choosing the right table tennis blade can be challenging, especially with so many technologies available such as ALC, Super ALC, ZLC, CNF, Innerforce, and Outer Fiber. During a recent Ask The Expert live session, Butterfly’s Logan Rietz explained how blade materials affect speed, spin, control, feel, vibration, and overall performance.

Many players assume that carbon automatically means more speed, but blade materials offer much more than that. They can expand the sweet spot, improve stability, modify feedback, increase power, and change dwell time. One of the most popular technologies is ALC (Arylate-Carbon), which provides an excellent balance of speed, control, and feel. Popular examples include the Viscaria, Timo Boll ALC, and Harimoto Innerforce ALC.

For players looking for additional speed, Super ALC offers a larger sweet spot and increased power while maintaining a comfortable feel. Examples include the Viscaria Super ALC, Fan Zhendong Super ALC, and Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC.

Other technologies such as ZLC provide a crisper response and larger sweet spot, while Innerforce blades place the special material closer to the core, creating a softer feel and increased control. Technologies like CNF, Outer Fiber, and Super ZLC offer additional options depending on a player’s style and performance goals.

Ultimately, there is no single “best” blade material. The right choice depends on your skill level, playing style, and personal preferences. The right blade won’t play the game for you but it can help you play your best.

🎥 Watch the full video to learn more and find your ideal setup.

We invite you to submit questions through Butterfly’s Ask the Experts or by joining the next live session on Instagram.

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