Blade for the New Poly Ball???

emihet wrote: Hi, I was wondering... for you tournament players and/or players that have switched to the poly ball...did it affect your equipment choice?...thanks for voting...explanations to the way you vote is welcomed as well.

In the USA, probably too early to tell yet for most players.

My first impressions (with actual plastic balls, seems they will improve during the year...) make me try to switch from an Inneforce AL/T05fx to an Innerforce ZLC/T80.
It's not a great change but enough to keep the speed more or less. With old ball Inner ZLC was too much for me, actually it fits perfectly with plastic.
I tried to use my old blade. Of course it's perfect to play but too slow, a lot of 'arm' was needed, not so good at my age...

So I voted to change the blade, but I think that depending the blade you are using, it can be perfect to switch to a faster rubbers.

Will stick with rubbers but go to a faster blade

the_theologian wrote: So far my experience has provoked me to: stay with the same blade and rubber, but with a thicker sponge

+1 I tend to agree. Have to do something to account for the poly ball's lack of flex.

JonathanVN wrote: I don't really think any equipment change is necessary for the new poly ball. However, definitely rotate your body more and get lower on loops. By bending down on loops shots, you are creating a higher arc for the ball to travel. That is very important information to know when dealing with the new poly ball.

Yes....i totally agree with this statement.   It was very evident to me after making the switch to the new ball and playing several times only with it.  It is one aspect of your game that will help you with adapting to the new ball, by using more of your body than your arms or wrists. 

suds79 wrote: the_theologian wrote: So far my experience has provoked me to: stay with the same blade and rubber, but with a thicker sponge +1 I tend to agree. Have to do something to account for the poly ball's lack of flex.

I voted Other...for slightly diff version of you guys.


I am sticking with my Rakza soft 2.0 on both sides, but changed my blade from the Spartacus to my Yasaka ML soft carbon.   The speeds of these 2 blades is not much different, but the Spartacus is slightly too flexible for my rubber choice and feel I desire with the new ball.

The ML soft carbon is maily stiffer and about 8gr. heavier than the Spartacus I used for so long.  The weight difference was the only thing I had to readjust to for a few weeks. 

The biggest reason for this blade change to me, I lost control with the Spartacus using the new ball. Stiffer blade gave that back to me, but I did not need more speed per say.  The stiffness/hardness of the new balls changes the feel quite a bit.

Though with several of the new balls, they do not all feel or react quite the same.  The Joola ball feels much softer than the Double Fish ones I have been using for example.  So to be able to compress and impart spin with the new ball, I went with a stiffer blade.  My rubbers work just as well with either old or new ball for me.   

I am glad there are at least a few posts on technique requirements of the new ball in this thread, rather than expecting a miracle from the equipment again :/

Ray wrote: frogger wrote: I will wait. I can see very soon the manufacturers will come out with a plethora of new stuff to play the new ball. I will wait as well but I will wait plastic ball manufacturers to improve the ball quality and durability. Until then I'll stay with both existing equipment and celluloid balls.

Baal wrote: emihet wrote: Hi, I was wondering... for you tournament players and/or players that have switched to the poly ball...did it affect your equipment choice?...thanks for voting...explanations to the way you vote is welcomed as well. Blades and rubbers don't change your timing.  Once your timing adjusts to the new ball, things get better.  I am not changing equipment -- except I am using a certain black tag Viscaria, instead of a silver tagged one that was my previous favorite!!!

I am going short pips out on both wings. The new ball does not have enough spin. I can hit thru spin with no trouble against guys I used to have trouble with. I think short pips pen holder hitting style will benefit the most. Week loopers are in big trouble. I play against 2200-2300 + players and I already seeing them sweat. For loop loop game there will be longer rallies. Fitness will be tested.

I think I will stick with my blade and rubber for a while. I am playing with Airoc M now and I do not feel any big difference between the new and the old ball to be honest. I think it´s just a matter of getting used to it. I have read that the Airoc is made for the poly ball and maybe thats why I did not feel so much difference, do anyone feel that the rubbers respond completely different with the new ball?