The Butterfly Dimitrij Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC is a high-quality table tennis blade manufactured in Japan, developed in collaboration with German national team star Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Designed for aggressive offensive (OFF) players seeking a balance of speed, spin, and control in elite-level play, this blade features a 7-layer construction consisting of 5 wood plies and 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) fibers embedded in the inner layers (Innerfiber technology). This ensures high speed (~13.5/20), good control (~8.5/20), and strong spin (~9.8/20).
The blade’s rebound characteristics (11.7/10) and vibration properties (10.5/10) provide a powerful yet controlled feel, maintaining extended ball contact (dwell time) for enhanced spin generation—particularly in topspin strokes. With a 6.2 mm thickness and a slightly larger head size (158 x 152 mm) compared to the Innerforce Layer ALC (~12.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control), this blade offers greater power and stability. Its weight (~86 g) ensures maneuverability, while the elegant black handle design with blue and gold ALC accents symbolizes strength and victory. Available handle types include Flared (FL), Straight (ST), and Anatomic (AN) to suit different player preferences.
Online player feedback, including reviews on TableTennisDB and Revspin, highlights that the blade "delivers an exceptional balance of power and spin," "is ideal for topspin attacks and counterattacks," and "provides outstanding touch," making it an excellent choice for advanced and professional players.
Key Specifications:
Blade Type: Offensive (OFF)
Rebound (Speed): 11.7/10 (~13.5/20 on a general scale)
Vibration (Stiffness): 10.5/10
Speed: ~90/100 (~13.5/20)
Control: ~85/100 (~8.5/20)
Spin: ~9.8/20 (estimated based on player feedback)
Construction: 5 wood plies + 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers (Innerfiber)
Thickness: 6.2 mm
Blade Dimensions: 158 x 152 mm
Handle Dimensions:
Flared (FL): 100 x 25 x 34 mm
Straight (ST): 100 x 23 x 28 mm
Anatomic (AN): 100 x 25 x 34 mm
Weight: ~86 g
Manufacturer: Butterfly (Japan)
Certification: ITTF-approved
Playstyle: Offensive, topspin drives, counterattacks, blocks, short game
Player Level: Advanced/Professional
Unique Features & Playing Characteristics:
The Dimitrij Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC is an elite offensive blade engineered for players who demand high speed (~13.5/20), solid control (~8.5/20), and strong spin (~9.8/20). Its 7-ply construction—featuring 5 wood layers (typically limba outer plies and harder inner woods) and 2 ALC fibers placed near the core (Innerfiber tech)—optimizes the balance of speed, power, and spin.
The ALC fibers enhance stiffness and speed while reducing vibration and enlarging the sweet spot, whereas the wood plies increase dwell time for spin-heavy shots like topspins and aggressive serves. The blade’s rebound (11.7/10) and vibration (10.5/10) properties deliver a powerful yet precise feel, enabling players to execute strong strokes with accuracy.
Compared to the Innerforce Layer ALC (157 x 150 mm, 5.7 mm thick), the Ovtcharov version is thicker and slightly wider, enhancing stability and power—especially in counterattacks and mid-distance topspin rallies. The 86 g weight ensures quick handling, while the sleek design with "D" and "O" initials reflects Ovtcharov’s dynamic playing style.
Optimized for ABS balls, the blade ensures consistent ball grip and high spin potential, particularly when paired with tacky inverted rubbers. Player testimonials emphasize that the Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC "offers an incredible power-control balance," "excels in aggressive topspin play," and "delivers a stable hitting feel," making it a top-tier choice for competitive players.
Construction Breakdown:
The blade consists of:
5 wood plies (limba outer layers for flexibility and feel + harder inner woods like koto for rigidity)
2 ALC fibers (placed near the core via Innerfiber tech)
This design prioritizes speed (~13.5/20) over the Innerforce Layer ALC (~12.5/20) while slightly reducing control (~8.5/20 vs. ~9.0/20). Compared to the Timo Boll ALC (~13.5/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control), the Ovtcharov version offers comparable speed but better control due to its Innerfiber layout.
Trajectory & Feel:
High trajectory (~8.5/10), ideal for topspin loops and counters.
Innerfiber ALC + wood core extends dwell time for spin-heavy shots.
Low vibration (10.5/10) ensures a solid, controlled feel even on off-center hits.
Control Performance:
With ~8.5/20 control, the blade performs well in:
Topspin drives
Counterattacks
Blocks
Short game
It surpasses the Timo Boll ALC (~8.0/20) in control but slightly trails the Innerforce Layer ALC (~9.0/20) due to its thicker build.
Technical Ratings:
Category | Rating (General Scale) |
---|---|
Speed | ~90/100 (~13.5/20) |
Control | ~85/100 (~8.5/20) |
Spin | ~9.8/20 |
Rebound | 11.7/10 |
Vibration Damping | 10.5/10 |
Playing Style Suitability:
Stroke | Rating (10) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Topspin | 9.4 | Dominant in forehand loops. |
Backspin | 8.3 | Effective for chopping. |
Blocking | 9.2 | Stable against heavy spin. |
Push/Short Game | 8.8 | Precise for short placements. |
Chopping | 8.0 | Suitable for occasional defensive play. |
Counter-Drives | 9.3 | Explosive for fast exchanges. |
Smashing | 9.2 | Powerful for finishing points. |
Serves/Receive | 9.0 | Strong spin potential. |
Flicks | 8.9 | Effective for backhand banana flicks. |
Recommended Rubbers:
The blade pairs best with tacky inverted rubbers, such as:
Forehand: Butterfly Tenergy 05 / Dignics 09C (max spin/speed)
Backhand: Stiga Mantra Pro M / Yasaka Rakza 7 (balanced control)
Ideal For:
Advanced/professional players (5–10+ years of experience).
Aggressive attackers relying on topspin, counters, and table play.
Players prioritizing speed + spin without sacrificing control.
Advantages:
Elite speed (13.5/20) for offensive play.
Strong spin (9.8/20) with high trajectory.
Innerfiber ALC tech enhances dwell time and stability.
Premium craftsmanship (Made in Japan, ITTF-approved).
Final Verdict:
The Butterfly Dimitrij Ovtcharov Innerforce ALC is a top-tier offensive blade that merges speed, spin, and control through its Innerfiber ALC construction. Ideal for players seeking explosive topspin attacks and counterplay, it stands out as a high-performance choice for advanced competitors.