Dawei Setup for Novice Modern Defender

I've taken alot of input on my thread regarding a setup for a novice modern defender, and am about to purchase my first non-premade setup from Cole's. This is what I'm looking at:

Dawei DW2 (ALL+)
FH - Gambler Reflectoid (1.5mm)
BH - Air UpUpUpUp ox (1.8mm ???)
Handle: Straight

Should I purchase sponge for the FH, it only comes with a factory 0.6 soft sponge, but shouldn't I have a sponge that is closer to 1.9mm? I still want to be able to loop with this rubber if need be incase that changes the thickness preference at all.

Also there are two settings for the AirUpUpUp, one is UQ Softer/Slower the other is US Firmer/Reversal, what the hell does that mean?

Thanks!


Edited by backhand_crane - 04/25/2016 at 10:55pm

I used Air upupupup for 3 years. 0.5 or 0.6 mm are the best for defense and attack if your blade is fast (carbide). If your blade is slow, then you can try 1.0 mm. Otherwise it's so easy to push outside. This rubber is not good for loop. If you really want to loop, use Dawei 388D or 388D-1. I still suggest hit with medium force much more effective than loop. One more advantage for 388D or D1 is: away from table chop. 

so you want long pimples forehand?

backhand_crane wrote: I've taken alot of input on my thread regarding a setup for a novice modern defender, and am about to purchase my first non-premade setup from Cole's. This is what I'm looking at: Dawei DW2 (ALL+) FH - Air UpUpUpUp ox (1.8mm ???) BH - Gambler Reflectoid (1.5mm) Handle: Straight Should I purchase sponge for the FH, it only comes with a factory 0.6 soft sponge, but shouldn't I have a sponge that is closer to 1.9mm? I still want to be able to loop with this rubber if need be incase that changes the thickness preference at all. Also there are two settings for the AirUpUpUp, one is UQ Softer/Slower the other is US Firmer/Reversal, what the hell does that mean? Thanks!

backhand_crane wrote: pgpg wrote: * If you never played with LP before - it takes time to learn how to play with them.  * When you say that your current style is 'Modern defense' - what do you mean? TLDR: LP goes on backhand, 0.6mm is fine. Reflectoid is mostly defensive in nature, if you like to be aggressive on FH, get something more lively. That's right, I've never played with LP before. My only experience with pips are those found on pre-mades with zero sponge. So I consider myself mostly a defensive player because I rely on my very fast BH for the kill. I can return nice low and fast forehands but they are not consistent and I sometimes fall back with just blocking. I will chop hard with my BH when faced returning low lying backspin balls. Also I'm 6'1" and need to make an effort to stay low to the ground and away from the table, as most of my errors are due to overshooting. I use a shakehand grip. My mistake on the FH, BH on the OP, I've since fixed it. pgpg wrote: TLDR: LP goes on backhand, 0.6mm is fine. Reflectoid is mostly defensive in nature, if you like to be aggressive on FH, get something more lively. After thinking about it, yeah it doesn't make sense for me to put Air UpUpUpUp on FH because I only use it offense. Hmmm maybe I should just use Reflectoids on the BH and then use what for the FH?

I suggest you go to: North Little Rock Table Tennis Group on Facebook

There is a lot of info relevant to your style and playing level.

Your blade selection is okay but I would personally get a different set of rubbers (from Cole):