Very Old Blue TSP Spectol

For everyone following this thread, I just started a poll here:
http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41702&PID=516058&title=poll-colorful-rubbers#516058


Edited by sweetstrike - 05/04/2011 at 1:23pm

Tornado had a lot of followers in the yellow/gold color, it was never the same in red or black.  Something was different in the way it played.  So apparently the dyes used in the making of the topsheet do make a difference, at least in this case. 

I used to play with maroon (Dark Red) and black, the maroon (dark red) was a Friendship sheet (dark because of the dark blue sponge underneath), it was hard to tell the two colors apart from the other side of the table.  Colors can be tricky to regulate, everyone thinks of the colors as being different, but under less than ideal lighting it can be hard to see at times.  I think this is why the ITTF settled on red/black combos.  Even now some of the red sheets are more pink than red.  I have a sheet of feint III, a sheet of feint II and a sheet of Gambler PeaceKeeper that I would call pink, not red.  In this case I can't tell that they play any different than a red sheet.  Personally I liked the gold, blues, and greens.  It livened up the sport a little.  Now we have blue tables, and I have played on some purple tables also. 

Is it possible to buy some blue dye on try on it on like my long pips ox or would i need a better colorant? We totally need more colors back!

I think a first step would be to have some manufacturers re-make some of the colored rubbers from the past. Easier said than done since the rubbers would not be ITTF approved. We would need some evidence showing that the colors won't add deception compared to black/red. Although this is subjective, it would probably be more efficient than proposing ideas at some meeting where they would immediately be ignored. It would be much better to get colored rubbers in the hands of players first, even if they are illegal.

I believe he is speaking of your national association, for the USA it is USATT.

sweetstrike wrote: Thanks Anton. Although unlikely, I really want to make this happen. I believe MyTT.net can be considered the association but what is AGM?

Not sure what AGM is, but if you get a petition going or something then let me know. I'll sign it or whatever and help in whatever way I can.

sweetstrike wrote: I got this response from Odd Gustavsen of the ITTF: "Thank you for your e-mail. This was quite unexpected, I must say. When we limited the colours to two some years ago, it was felt as a relief by most players. Since then it has been very quiet, hopefully since most players are satisfied with the present situation. However, you are of course entitled to bring forward your proposal. It must then be done through your own Association. Because this is part of the Law, it will require acceptance in AGM. I would think the chances are small to come through at present. Anyway, you are free to try."

Well... there's only one way to prove him wrong.

EDIT: Nice job taking the initiative, sweetstrike!




Edited by Anton Chigurh - 05/03/2011 at 12:06pm

When I started table tennis and looked to buy my first pre-made, the first thing I looked for was unique colored rubbers. I was shocked that only red and black were available. Colors would be very easy to make for the manufacturers as it is just a matter of adding a different colorant. I'm so sick of just red and black

We can email them :), if they don't agree then we need to make a ground swell movement but really I can't see how this isn't one of the best ideas ever for the sport. Well not really an idea, but setting things "right" after a long time of a half way wrong half way right decision. I suppose you guys have got your pre-order in for translucent hot pink T05 already :p

Edited by bluebucket - 05/02/2011 at 12:22pm

How about this rule. You are allowed to have any of these colors:
Black, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple, White

Combinations not allowed:
Same Colors
Red/Orange
Yellow/Orange
Red/Pink
Red/Green (color blindness)

This would grow the game as it allows individuals to express themselves. Now how can we suggest this to the ITTF?

EJs are in big trouble. The orange feels a little softer than the purple... haha


Edited by sweetstrike - 05/02/2011 at 12:21pm

Nice!, that's a rubber I never saw. I only ever saw Mark V in red back then. I'd like to see a picture of that if anyone has one or an old catalogue

Was the blue Mark V a clear blue like Tornado is yellow/gold or was it a solid blue like that spectol, it would have been very nice looking in a clear blue :)?

liXiao wrote: I was roaming around the internet today when I stumbled upon these photos of a BLUE spectol.

Does anyone anyone happen to have a blue any rubber?? I would love to pay to have a blue rubber! :)

The ITTF should allow multiple color combinations.
Black/Red
Blue/Yellow
Blue/Red
Black/Green
etc...

As long as the colors are not the same or really close to each other. This would be GREAT for the game.