Perfect Weapons for Poly Balls & Acoustic Carbon

All,

I assumed that the title is good enough to catch your attention.  Before I discussed what combinations, here is a disclaimer:  The word "Perfect" is for my game at this moment.  You may find it different, also, you can use this as a foundation to research for your "Perfect" combinations.

With the team tournament coming up fast and out of practice, I was thinking what combination that I can use with poly ball at the tournament.  I practiced with poly ball for one night and broke 4 of them in 2 games with short pips on both sides (Keyshot+Moristo SP+Joola Express Ultra).  The result wasn't good, but I understand the poly ball a little bit more.

Just like very one here, I was puzzled how the poly ball could affect my game.  I started reading and researching for new rubbers/blade combination.  I spent about 5 hours doing this.  Five-hour search is a lot to me since I don't have much time now days, but I did it.  By now, you are yelling at me: "So, tell us the combinations already..." Ok, I am not holding any longer

Combination #1:  TB TriCarbon + Xiom Omega IV (Max on Forehand) + Nittaku Moristo SP (1.9mm on Backhand)






Combination #2:  Nittaku Acoustic Carbon + Juic 999 Turbo (Max on Forehand) + Nittaku Moristo SP (1.9mm on Backhand)







So, the next question is which one do I like better?  I don't know.  I love both combinations.

Usually, I am very decisive when it comes to equipment.  I can say yes or no to certain setup; however, I think that I cracked the "Poly ball code" by accident.  Again, I love both combination.

How do they play?  Here we go...

Combination #1: This combination is very interesting because of the blade.  This blade is 105 grams, but it feels great with Omega IV Pro.  If you play close to the table (or to mid-distance), this is a great combination for all out attacks.

Blocking was easy.  Since the plastic ball has less spin and speed, this combination is a blocking machine.  If you understand spin and angle the racket correctly, the ball will be on the table.  I was surprise how easy I can block with the this combination.

Feel was everything.  Balsa core blade usually stiff and fast, but has decent feel for blocking and short game.  I could flip the ball on the table and returned short serves with no issues.  Pushing was somewhat tricky.  Even though, I could feel the ball, but pushing deep and heavy seemed to be a challenge.  Maybe, it's just me.

Looping and smashing were more consistent.  I am a lazy player.  I am the type of player that hit/loop hard the very first shot and who cares where it land because I try to avoid long rally.  This type of game is very risky, but not tonight, 90% of my shots were on the table.  I am sure, it's not me.  It was the plastic ball.  The plastic ball made it easier to loop and smash.  For smashing, this combination is perfect.  For consistent looping, this combination is easier for close-to-the-table game.  For mid-distance is ok, but it seemed slow.  Maybe the sponge is not hard enough?  For power-loop, it was ok from mid-distance, but not great.  However, counter-looping on top of the bounce was awesome with this combination.

Combination #2:  I like Nittaku Acoustic for its stability, but not for speed.  The Acoustic Carbon is great.  It has the control and the speed.  It plays well with sticky rubbers (i.e. H3, and Juic 999 Turbo, etc..).  This is an interesting combination for plastic ball.

Blocking was relatively easy, but not as easy as Combination #1.  However, I could angle the ball better because of the tacky topsheet.  With more practice, this combination could be more dangerous than Combination #1 by far.  Since I have short pips on backhand, it's easy to block with my backhand no matter what blades.  However, my backhand block was more deadly with this combination because the balls go faster (and dead).

Feel was great with this combination.  However, the more I think about this the more I am convinced because of the ball.  It's easier to play with plastic ball in general.  For pushing, I like this combination more since I could push heavy backspin with 999 Turbo.

Looping was the best with this combination no matter where I was.  Third ball attack was amazing.  I don't remember I missed any third ball attack with this combination (well, maybe one or two, but honestly, I don't remember I missed any).  I would give this credit to the Juic 999 Turbo more than the Acoustic Carbon (70% to the rubber and 30% to the blade).  The blade helped out during the rally.  I did not have to work so hard for counter looping from any distance.  The rubber is tacky and the blade is fast, so for placement shots, this combination was much better than Combination #1.  Smashing with this combination was great, but Combination #1 is more enjoyable because it was faster.

Final Thoughts:

1.  I don't think plastic ball will mess up anyone's game.  However, we all need to change our strategies.  We will have to hit more to win, at least 1 more hit than before.

2.  I did not have to adjust my stroke much to play well; however, I had to adjust my tactics to stay in the game.

3.  In my opinion, Pips (long/short/medium) do not any much advantages with plastic ball like with celluloid ball.  I am thinking about switching back to inverted on my backhand after the team tournament (will see how well I do at the teams).  Of course, it also depends on many other factors.  Will see...

4.  Changing from celluloid ball to plastic ball is not as bad as from 38mm to 40mm years ago.

BTW, those Angry Bird cars are my daughter's toys.  It's going to be my trademark from now on, thanks to my daughter! 



Edited by speedy - 10/23/2014 at 10:14pm

i found the same after playing with the plastic ball. there's less spin resistance so the ball feels lighter. you really do need to hit more bc the same touch shot that worked with celluloid now goes long. on low gear shots, you either need more spin or hit longer. other than that, the new ball didn't change my game beyond initial trouble serving. 

duke4u2c wrote: What happened to TB T5000 ? Thought that was your fav set up.

Actually, my favorite setup is the old Keyshot, then TB ZLC, then TB T5000.  One of our friends on MyTT asked if I wanted to trade with this Acoustic.  At the time, I didn't even play at all, so I traded.  Now, I have no more T5000.

If you hit really hard with this Tricarbon-Moristo combo, you might spend $10 in plastic balls every training session...

For me.  Photino + Blowfish + BF-J01 is awesome with the new ball.  I may try Blowfish+, and J01 Turbo, and possibly Photino light.  I find that having lighter combo allow me to stay close to the table and still be quick enough on my stroke.

I actually tried a very soft, thin balsa blade and for the first time, o was able to get the heavy rotation that is a staple of my game. Close to the table. A pity no one makes this blade anymore but I will like into the TSP balsa series or for any soft blades from other blade makers. Rotation over speed for now.

DreiZ wrote: NextLevel wrote: I actually tried a very soft, thin balsa blade and for the first time, o was able to get the heavy rotation that is a staple of my game. Close to the table. A pity no one makes this blade anymore but I will like into the TSP balsa series or for any soft blades from other blade makers. Rotation over speed for now. I tried balsa carbo x5 and it had a unique feel, very soft. Might want to try that. Its quite thick though.

Another thing - the newer rubbers with stretchy topsheets from ESN get pretty close to the Tenergy effect.  I've only tried Rasant Grip, but I wouldn't be surprised if other rubbers played similarly.  I compared Rasant Grip with Narucross GS and while both get good spin, for topsheet elasticity, it wasn't even close.