ALC — Precision, spin, and a balanced character.
Arylate-Carbon (ALC) is the most proven composite fibre in modern table tennis. Since the Viscaria was introduced in 1993 as the world's first ALC blade, blades with this fibre have set the standard for offensive play. ALC blades are the quintessential topspin blades and are suitable for every offensive playing strategy.
Arylate meets Carbon — the perfect balance.
The ALC fibre combines soft, flexible Arylate with elastic Carbon. The result: high speed through Carbon, characteristic ball feel and controllability through Arylate. A consistent bounce across the entire blade surface makes ALC blades the most versatile fibre category in offensive table tennis.
Viscaria
Since 1993, the Viscaria has been the reference for ALC blades — and the template for many of the most popular table tennis blades that followed.
The Viscaria combines the advantages of the high-tech Arylate fibre with Carbon in an impressive way. It is offensively oriented and ideally suited for a variable attacking game with a particular focus on rotation. Due to its moderate ball contact time and manageable hardness, it has been the quintessential topspin blade for over 30 years.
ALC blades offer precision and penetrating power, and thanks to the composite fibre, a consistent ball response. The Viscaria's compact head size makes it ideal for quick re-looping right off the bounce.
Frequently asked questions about ALC blades
What does ALC mean and how does it differ from pure carbon?
ALC stands for Arylate-Carbon — a hybrid fibre combining soft Arylate and elastic Carbon. Pure carbon is faster, but also more direct and harder to control. Arylate fibres are softer and more flexible, absorb vibrations better, and enable a more sensitive stroke feel. The ALC combination delivers the best of both: speed through carbon, ball feel and controllability through arylate.
Which playing styles suit ALC blades?
ALC blades are the quintessential topspin blades and suit every offensive playing strategy. They are particularly strong in variable attacking play with a focus on rotation — ideal for players who execute topspin from various positions while also wanting to play clean blocks and counters. Their manageable hardness makes them suitable for a broad skill range from ambitious club players to professionals.
What is the difference between ALC and Super ALC?
Super ALC is a further development of the ALC fibre with more densely woven fibres. The result is a higher reaction property (more bounce and speed) without a simultaneous increase in vibration. ALC is the more balanced, versatile choice — Super ALC is aimed at players who consciously seek more speed at the cost of slightly less ball feel.
Which rubbers pair best with ALC blades?
ALC blades pair excellently with Butterfly's Tenergy and Dignics rubbers. The balanced hardness of the blade perfectly complements the high rotation of Tenergy and Dignics rubbers. For beginners and intermediate players, Rozena or Glayzer are a softer combination with good ball feel. As a general rule: the softer the rubber, the more controlled the overall system.
What skill level do I need for an ALC blade?
ALC blades are suitable for a broad skill range — from ambitious club players to professionals. Unlike ZLC or Super ALC, they are not excessively demanding. Players switching from a pure wood blade will initially feel the difference in speed and directness — but combining with softer rubbers (Tenergy 05 FX, Rozena) quickly results in a well-controllable system.