Site Products
Louis Levene (Photo by Veronica Navarro)

Ask The Experts: Louis Levene, No. 395

Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question:  I’m looking to choose between the butterfly innerforce zlc and and the harimoto alc. I rely on spinny loops mid distance from the table. I want a blade that will give good dwell time without compromising speed and spin. please compare the two paddles in detail.

Answer: 

Your Ask the Experts question was answered by Louis Levene. He is a Content Creator on YouTube (channel: Looeelooee) focused on helping viewers improve their table tennis. Coach Levene’s response is as follows:

Hi Rajesh,  

The Innerforce ZLC and Harimoto ALC have a very similar composition. They are inner-layer blades, in which the layer of composite material is close to the core. That creates a softer, more wood-like feeling, while still allowing for great power and spin.  

The main difference between the Innerforce ZLC and Harimoto ALC is the composite material used. The Harimoto ALC is stiffer, but creates a softer and springier feeling at contact. In comparison, Innerforce ZLC is more flexible, and has a harder, duller feel to it. When you make contact using the Harimoto ALC, the ball will have a more direct trajectory in comparison to the Innerforce ZLC. However, the Innerforce ZLC may feel like it has more gears than the Harimoto blade.   

In my opinion, if you like to play far away from the table, the Innerforce ZLC is the better option, but if you like to stay close, the Harimoto ALC will be better. As you play mid distance, either blade will be a great choice, with the decision coming down to your preference of how you want your blade to feel.   

Thanks for reaching out!   

– Louis 

 
Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

MLTT Week 4 Recap: Chicago Wind Steady at Home, New York Slice Make Their Mark

October 26, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Fourth Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) event was played in Bensenville, Illinois… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Joyous Table Tennis Club

October 26, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins) Joyous Table Tennis Club provides 8 professional tables in one of the largest professional table… Read More

France takes Gold in Euro Team Championships

October 26, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo ETTU) The French team with the Lebrun brothers, Simon Gauzy, Thibault Poret, and Flavien… Read More

Jha to Face Calderano as Draws for Montpellier are Posted

October 26, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) USA’s Kanak Jha will see action on Wednesday, on the second day of the WTT… Read More

Dang Qiu Wins WTT London

October 26, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Dang Qiu benefitted from some upsets in his half of the draw at this week’s… Read More

Sanuka Herath – 2025 Canadian Senior Table Tennis Championships

October 26, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Bowmar Sports Tournament Highlights, Sanuka Herath is in action at the 2025 Canadian… Read More

Taiwo Adeyinka – Backhand Loop from underspin

October 25, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips,  Taiwo Adeyinka is in action at the Atlanta Open https://youtu.be/TQQMo7vKMqU… Read More

Put Your Whole Bodyweight Into The Table

October 24, 2025
Serve, short game, flip with defense to offense (wait function) Jhon serves short backspin, robot plays short backspin… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.