|
|
The Quest for Lighter Rubbers |
Post Reply | Page 123> |
Author | |||
tabten5
Super Member Joined: 01/30/2012 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 420 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 01/07/2014 at 9:22am |
||
I currently use a Maze with T05 on FH and Rakza 7 Soft on BH. This works pretty well (perhaps a little too fast in the short game), but there is one significant problem: it's too heavy, and particularly too head-heavy. I had an operation on my wrist a few years ago, and it seems I am in danger of damaging my wrist again (my doctor tells me) if I continue to put such strain on it.
So, I need your help in searching for lighter rubbers that still do the job well enough. I'm not minded to change the Maze: the balance is actually nearer the handle than any other BTY ALC blades I've tried, and it suits my loopy game well. It is 85g in any event, which is fine. T05 Max is 48g cut to the Maze, and R7S 2.0 is 43g. I'd like to cut weight on both sides, and more than just a gram or two. It needs to be an appreciable difference. The questions: 1) which rubbers act as good substitutes for T05 for a strong FH-oriented looper, but are also significantly lighter? 2) which rubbers act as good BH rubbers for punching, blocking, occasional looping, but are lighter than R7S? (A note on my game: former top-ranked national junior, stopped playing for some years, now playing in regional premier division and national league. Left-handed looper, weaker backhand. Think Gatien.) |
|||
T05 2.1 | VISCARIA | T64 1.9
|
|||
Sponsored Links | |||
Imago
Premier Member Joined: 07/19/2009 Location: Sofia Status: Offline Points: 5897 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Xiom Vega Europe for your BH. Even lighter with 2.0
There is no substitute for T05. Try 1.9. |
|||
stiltt
Assistant Admin Joined: 07/15/2007 Location: Location Status: Offline Points: 984 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
What a great question and a super answer from zhejie. Thanks to both. I am going to enjoy that thread. The post glue ban era has put so much weight on our setups.
The nano spin rubbers are light compared to today's average looping rubbers. Also the cheap lkt rapid speed for the bh are light. |
|||
tabten5
Super Member Joined: 01/30/2012 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 420 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Zhejie's reply came to me via PM. Not sure whether that was intentional on his part or not - perhaps he can repost it in this thread? As Fatt says, it's an excellent response.
|
|||
T05 2.1 | VISCARIA | T64 1.9
|
|||
Imago
Premier Member Joined: 07/19/2009 Location: Sofia Status: Offline Points: 5897 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
He edited his post and deleted its content. We had to hide the empty post...
|
|||
ztec
Super Member Joined: 11/14/2009 Status: Offline Points: 414 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Not to say that they're going to be similar to T05, but Stiga Calibra rubbers are quite light. I've enjoyed Calibra Spin on my backhand. I haven't tried the new Calibra Tour rubbers yet so I don't know the weight in comparison, but perhaps others who have used both can shed light on that.
|
|||
Your play will change your opinion of your equipment more than your equipment will change your opinion of your play.
|
|||
tabten5
Super Member Joined: 01/30/2012 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 420 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Thanks. I didn't get on with Calibra (either Spin or Tour M/S) when I tried it at the club - it does feel very different to Tenergy, and Rakza too. It's very fast, nowhere near as much spin, lower throw, no dwell. I didn't like it personally.
|
|||
T05 2.1 | VISCARIA | T64 1.9
|
|||
frogger
Premier Member Joined: 08/03/2010 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3062 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Also Stiga Boost TC and TS are light rubbers. TS is a bit softer than TC and is great on BH. The lightest rubber I have seen is Innova Light, however the spin is low but control high. Suitable for lower levels or blockers.
|
|||
Wood Paddle
Red side Black side. |
|||
zeio
Premier Member Joined: 03/25/2010 Status: Offline Points: 10833 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Try TSP Agrit for backhand. Opinions have it as a hybrid of traditional Japanese non-porous sponge with the snap of German Tensor minus the hollow feel
The Max(2.15-2.2) weighs about 40g cut to a Stiga CL headsize |
|||
Viscaria FL - 91g
+ Neo H3 2.15 Blk - 44.5g(55.3g uncut bare) + Hexer HD 2.1 Red - 49.3g(68.5g 〃 〃) = 184.8g |
|||
Mickael
Silver Member Joined: 10/30/2011 Location: World Status: Offline Points: 794 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Andro hexer powersponge on backhand spinny fast good in everything yet durable. And keep the 05 on FH. You feel it very light, i tried this combo before.
|
|||
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon FL
Butterfly Dignics 05 2.1 FH Butterfly Dignics 05 2.1 BH |
|||
CraneStyle
Silver Member Joined: 08/06/2013 Location: Europe Status: Offline Points: 786 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I'm currently trying T25FX on BH.
I have two identical blades and the 25FX BH blade is a lot lighter. I have read T25FX described as T05 light; I agree. I'm liking it. ... |
|||
1. Mizutani Jun ZLC, FH T80, BH T05
|
|||
NextLevel
Forum Moderator Joined: 12/15/2011 Location: Somewhere Good Status: Offline Points: 14822 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
As a fan of light rubbers...
The light hard sponge rubbers are the Japanese non Tenergy rubbers. Nittaku and Stiga are your best bet. There is a relative power reduction with lighter sponges so be warned. My favorites are the Nittakus, currently Narucross GS even though that is ESN, a Japanese approach definitely informed it. Nanospin 2 deserves recognition, but with a warning about the break in period. I never got the best spin out of my thicker spongy sheets. In softer sponges, especially medium soft, there is more variety. Here, I think even Tenergy is passable but for lighter rubbers, go with Xiom, Nittaku, Stiga or even Joola. |
|||
I like putting heavy topspin on the ball...
Cybershape Carbon FH/BH: H3P 41D. Lumberjack TT, not for lovers of beautiful strokes. No time to train... |
|||
tabten5
Super Member Joined: 01/30/2012 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 420 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Thanks for the suggestions so far. My provisional conclusion is that I cannot significantly lower the weight without adversely affecting my game. As many say, T05 is difficult to replace, and I rely on my FH a great deal - it's my match-winning shot. The only other setup I've ever found that worked is speed-glued Mark V. So, T05 stays.
As for BH, it turns out that Rakza 7 Soft is a fairly light modern rubber. If I use it in red, the 2.0 sponge comes out at 41g cut to the Maze. That's pretty darn good. I also get it for free, so it would have to be a substantially better and lighter BH rubber for me to start paying for it. I don't think that exists right now. What I have done, however, is get a lighter blade: an 85g Viscaria. If the balance is roughly equal to the Maze, it should hopefully result in a very small reduction in wrist strain during a match. I'm also hopeful that the Viscaria should be equally effective for my game as the Maze, given it is seen as softer and dwellier than a TBS on average (which I can also play with, but prefer something ever-so-slightly softer.)
|
|||
T05 2.1 | VISCARIA | T64 1.9
|
|||
eonblue
Super Member Joined: 12/28/2010 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 157 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I've had some terrible wrist problems in the past too, mostly from snapping so hard on under spin serves.
Just one or two of these 2g tungsten weights on the bottom of the handle help the head heaviness a lot and even add a bit of control. A double length sweat wrist band folded in half flexes just enough. I've tried taping and stronger wrist guards but they are too locked.
These two things helped my wrist more than anything else. |
|||
Michael Maze ALC
Volt-T/Volt-M |
|||
hookumsnivy
Gold Member Joined: 11/04/2010 Location: Syracuse, NY Status: Offline Points: 1599 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I've done that before - felt like the wrist popped out of place for a second. Fortunately it doesn't happen too often, but when it does I lose the point unless my opponent misses the table completely.
|
|||
the_theologian
Premier Member Joined: 01/11/2009 Location: U.S. Status: Offline Points: 3895 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I once sprained my wrist doing a sidespin/underspin serve and it literally was in pain for months. Thanks for the product tip, wasn't familiar with those
|
|||
Appelgren Allplay ST / Vega Europe max
|
|||
benfb
Platinum Member Joined: 10/10/2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2709 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I normally play with heavier rubbers (Tenergy 05 or Donic Barracuda), however, starting this week I am testing Juic Nano Spin II. It is much lighter than those rubbers -- in fact, it's been a long time since I've handled any rubber that feels so light. It does take some adjustment, though, as it is a low throw rubber and I am used to high throw rubbers.
Anyway, I would recommend trying it for a light rubber. At the moment I'm using it on the Juic Stellan Bengtsson Alpha and that setup has very good feel as well as light weight. |
|||
roulage
Member Joined: 04/07/2011 Location: Slovakia Status: Offline Points: 94 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I heard that some players glue their rubbers 1-2 cm up to the end of grip where is none playing area anymore. It is said they save 10-15 gr - especially with heavy rubbers. Has anybody such experience ?
|
|||
Photino+Andro Plaxon
|
|||
yogi_bear
Forum Moderator Joined: 11/25/2004 Location: Philippines Status: Offline Points: 7219 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
a very light bh rubber is ritc focus 3 snipe. also genius sound, aurus sound, adidas P3, stiga calibra sound
|
|||
Independent online TT Product reviewer of XIOM, STIGA, JOOLA, SANWEI, GEWO, AIR, ITC, APEX, YASAKA and ABROS
ITTF Level 1 Coaching Course Conductor, ITTF Level 1 Coach |
|||
JimT
Premier Member Joined: 10/26/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 14602 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Another - more readily available - item is sticky (adhesive) magnetic tape sold at Staples, Sears and hardware stores. Like this one http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogIdentifier=2&partNumber=69368 or this http://www.dickblick.com/items/61413-1011/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=google&wmcid=items&wmckw=61413-1011&CAWELAID=520010530000019837&catargetid=520010530000188127 The advantage is that you can cut whatever shape you need out of this tape - it is very soft. For instance you might want to cut the oval shape identical to the bottom of your handle. |
|||
Single Ply Hinoki Club, Founding Member
Say "no!" to expensive table tennis equipment. Please... |
|||
cole_ely
Premier Member Joined: 03/16/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 6895 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I would think this might make it actually feel heavier by shifting the balance upward.
|
|||
Wavestone St with Illumina 1.9r, defender1.7b
Please let me know if I can be of assistance. |
|||
jt99sf
Premier Member Joined: 04/29/2005 Location: San Francisco Status: Offline Points: 4946 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
+1. Doing that doesn't make any sense...
|
|||
Photino/Super Viscaria : H3 (FH)/Dr N pips(BH)
林德成 HardBat:Hock 3-Ply /Dr Evil |
|||
TurboZ
Gold Member Joined: 05/31/2012 Status: Offline Points: 1298 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
This Stiga Innova Ultra Light must be very light. I have it on Stiga Offensive Wood NCT Cpen BH and H3 FH. Total weight is just 159g, the lightest in my collection. Second lightest is a 161g Stiga Intensity NCT Cpen with Calibra Tour M FH and T64 BH. I did not weight the blades as I ordered them assembled but they must be very light as well. Most of my Cpens setup are close to 190g.
|
|||
smarta
Super Member Joined: 05/10/2013 Location: MILANO ITALY Status: Offline Points: 109 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
for bh:donic coppa silver x3, very light 37 gr cutted 150x157, soft sponge, speedglue effect
for fh: tibhar genius sound |
|||
blade: yinhe galaxy t-11+
fh: sigmaIIeurope 2.0 mm bh: donic coppa silver x3 2mm |
|||
ttping85
Gold Member Joined: 04/09/2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 1061 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
the latest tensors are all very heavy. The Calibra Tour Series are quite light.
|
|||
My list of blades for sale https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wYci9423byd3X43DhSsaXOmysNKMfK-RnPWSo3UfpkQ/edit?usp=drivesdk
|
|||
JimT
Premier Member Joined: 10/26/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 14602 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Guys, you are mostly giving examples of very soft rubbers - which is natural as they are usually lighter than harder-sponged rubbers.
But how about rare exceptions - rubbers that are not too soft but still light. I recently encountered two such rubbers - Gambler Outlaw Pro and KTL Red Diamond Mechanical. Any more suggestions? I would say that the rubber is light, if its weight when cut to a standard SH blade is no more than 41-42 g. |
|||
Single Ply Hinoki Club, Founding Member
Say "no!" to expensive table tennis equipment. Please... |
|||
swampthing
Super Member Joined: 02/15/2011 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 176 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
It might help a shoulder or elbow issue. :)
|
|||
Xiom Zetro Quad: FH: Hexer HD, BH: Hexer HD
Galaxy K-4: Tibhar Nimbus Medium, Palio Blitz |
|||
benfb
Platinum Member Joined: 10/10/2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2709 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I don't know the weight or hardness but Nano Spin II is quite light and I would not consider it a soft sponge. |
|||
stiltt
Assistant Admin Joined: 07/15/2007 Location: Location Status: Offline Points: 984 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
the 1st answer to this thread I remember was mentioning adidas p5 and p7. I am confident those are about 45g cut and they are fast, playing in the calibra and nimbus league in terms of speed (not as fast though). that's where I start considering a rubber light by today standards; 45 and under. to me 40 is very light. under that? like 1.8 calibra lt sound? feather light :)
I tried nimbus medium, not soft, and that was light and fast, about 40g in 2.0; I don't see any for sale anymore; it was a great bh rubber. for harder sponge, nimbus vip is also fast and light. at $42 it's a bargain at http://www.tabletennisstore.us/p-1572-nimbus-vip.aspx |
|||
viktorovich
Super Member Joined: 04/08/2009 Status: Offline Points: 294 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
P7 : 48g and 47g.
|
|||
Post Reply | Page 123> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
Forum Home | Go to the Forums | Forum Help | Disclaimer
MyTableTennis.NET is the trading name of Alex Table Tennis Ltd. |