What Does the Thicker Body Add to an ALC Blade?

The Freitas ALC measures 6.0mm thick, noticeably more than standard Butterfly ALC blades that typically sit around 5.7mm. This extra 0.3mm of wood adds mass to each stroke, producing heavier contact on mid-distance topspin loops where the ball needs to travel 2-3 meters with pace and dip. Marcos Freitas, the Portuguese national team player, built his game around powerful forehand loops from half-distance, and the blade reflects that style directly.

At 88g with 9.0/10 speed and 7.5/10 control, the Freitas ALC matches the Viscaria on speed while adding 0.5 control points. The Arylate-Carbon layers produce the same low-vibration feel that defines Butterfly’s ALC line, but the thicker body shifts the sweet spot slightly toward power over finesse. Players who consistently loop from 1.5-2.5 meters behind the table gain more from this construction than close-table blockers who need a lighter, faster-recovering blade.

Priced at $185, the Freitas ALC costs the same as the Timo Boll ALC and less than the Viscaria’s upper range ($150-190). Among Butterfly’s ALC blades, it offers the best value for players whose primary weapon is the forehand loop from half-distance.

How Does the Freitas ALC Handle Close-Table Play?

Close-table blocking and counter-driving work adequately but do not represent the blade’s strength. The 88g weight and thicker body create slightly more inertia during quick exchanges, where lighter blades like the Timo Boll ZLF at 83g recover between shots faster. Players who spend most of their rallies within arm’s reach of the table will feel the difference across a five-game match.

Serve reception remains solid because the 7.5/10 control rating absorbs incoming spin effectively. Short pushes land consistently, and flick returns carry enough speed to pressure opponents. The Omar Assar blade shares the same 8.5/10 speed and 7.5/10 control ratings at a lighter 85g and lower $165 price, making it a strong alternative for players who want ALC performance without the Freitas model’s extra mass.