What is a long pimpled rubber?
On the ITTF list of approved rubber sheets, long pimpled
rubbers are categorized as those where the aspect ratio of the pimples is more
than 0.9. The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing the length of the pimples
by the breadth -- a sheet with pimples of 1.8mm length and 1.7mm diameter will
have an aspect ratio of 1.06. To be approved the aspect ratio is not allowed to
exceed 1.1. This in effect means that very long and thin pimples are not
permitted. Most pimpled rubbers today have a length of between 1.5mm and 1.8mm.
On the 2005 ITTF list of Authorized Racket Coverings there are 79 different long
pimpled rubbers listed.
The playing characteristics of long pimpled rubbers.
The most deceptive long pimple rubber and the one with most
effect is red, hard, without sponge and on a fast blade, so that the ball
springs off the blade very quickly. Many players don�t understand that what is
happening is that they are in effect getting their own spin back. If they for
example put heavy backspin on the ball and the opponent pushes the ball back
with the pimples, the return will not have backspin (even though his or her
stroke is down and forward) but an element of topspin. A long pimpled rubber
with a thicker sponge will usually return the backspin ball as �float�, while
the rubber without sponge can send back a ball with considerable topspin.
Once you understand the above then all the rest of the �hype�
about long pimples is very much simplified. So-called spin reversal becomes
obvious, you play topspin you get back backspin, you push you get back topspin.
Whatever the opponent does with his or her racket is largely immaterial. Even
the �wobbling� balls are easily explained -- these occur when you play with a
none-pure spin, when for example you loop with topspin and sidespin (as most of
us do) and you get back a backspin ball with a sidespin �kick�, simply because
there are two different axes both trying to assert themselves at the same time.
The most important consideration when playing against long pimples is not what
the opponent is doing with his or her racket, but what you did with your last
stroke.
Another factor that many players and coaches overlook is that power also
affects the return ball. The harder you hit the ball with a closed racket, the
more spin you create. Thus the harder you hit the ball against long pimples, the
more backspin you get back on the return ball. It is often a better tactic to
play slower balls or balls without spin to this type of rubber.
Of course there are one or two other aspects to consider �
with some long pimples it�s easier to play short or low returns or even initiate
some spin. Certain players are able to get much more effect from their pimples
than others. The sponge (if used) will also have a considerable impact on what
you can do with the rubber. No sponge will have maximum return effect, thin
sponge will often have more control (but less effect) and it�s much easier to
hit with thicker sponge.
Spin Reversal.
The long pimpled rubbers with the most pronounced anti-spin
(or spin reversal) effect are quite hard and the individual pimples feel more
like �plastic� rather than rubber. As a result there is absolutely no �grip� on
the ball.
Wobbling effect.
The most pronounced effect is usually where the pimples are
more widely spaced and less �rubber� comes into contact with the ball. The
flexibility of the pimples can also give unusual reactions but of course very
soft pimples are easily broken.
Control.
Where long pimples are shorter, wider and more densely packed
the control and spin elements will usually be higher. These are of course the
reverse characteristics to the more �anti-spin� types of long pimple. A thicker
rubber base will also give a slower rebound speed and more control as will a
thin layer of sponge. Softer pimples which are more flexible can help in
returning balls short on the opponent�s half of the table.
Speed.
We must really define what we are talking about in terms of
speed off the racket. Pimples with no sponge will give very quick recoil from
the wood of the racket and at times it may be difficult to control hard loops.
Pimples with medium or thick sponge will have a slower rebound from the racket
and it can be easier to control topspin or even initiate one�s own spin.
Spin.
Some pimples have a ribbed or rough surface and therefore
have the capability to produce spin. This is still relatively small when
compared to the spin created by reverse or some short pimpled rubbers. Often too
the softness of the pimples or sponge or the thickness of the sponge will play a
much larger roll in creating spin than the actual surface of the pimples.
Long pimpled rubbers, anti-spin (no friction)
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Dr Neubauer Scalpel. 0.0/1.0mm. new
The new all round weapon for long pimple players. Frictionless surface gives
strong spin reversal. Easy to use in blocking, attacking and defensive play.
Gives strong wobbling balls when pushing aggressively and rolling as well as
when counter-attacking. Above all excellent control. New unique gluing
technique between sponge and rubber sheet increases the spin reversal for
the version with sponge. The multiple World Champion Herbert Neubauer�s new
BH-weapon (red ox).
Speed57/Spin5/Control67 |
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Dr. Neubauer Super Block. 0.0 /1.0 mm.
Almost max length, broad, very densely packed pimples with absolutely
frictionless surface. Very good spin reversal. Ideal for receiving serves
and close to the table blocking and rolling. Especially good for blocking
short. Excellent against players with a powerful topspin attack. The BH-rubber
(ox. red) of Herbert Neubauer when he became World Champion in Men�s 60 in
Japan in June 2004. The French Cadet champion Marine Zanardi also uses Super
Block. Supplied with glue sheet.
Speed55/Spin5/Control66 |
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Dr. Neubauer The Wall. 0.0 / 1.0 mm.
Almost max length, very broad, densely packed pimples with a smooth and
frictionless surface. Very good control in all defensive strokes and very
good spin reversal against topspin. Supplied with glue sheet. Only in red.
Speed56/Spin10/Control66 |
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Hallmark Super Special. 0.0/1.0mm. new
Long pimpled rubber with absolutely frictionless surface. Very strong spin
reversal when blocking close to the table. Excellent on service receive.
Used in the Swedish National Junior Team. Only in red where the spin
reversal is strongest.
Speed56/Spin10/Control60 |
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Hallmark Super Special Extra. 0.0/1.0mm. new
Long pimpled rubber with frictionless surface. The extra broad pimples make
Super Special Extra very easy to use especially in attacking and blocking.
Good spin reversal. Wobbling balls are produced due to the thin rubber base.
For the long pimple player who also wants to attack with the pimples. Only
in red.
Speed58/Spin5/Control63 |
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Hallmark Super Defence. 0.0/1.0mm. new
Long pimpled rubber with frictionless surface. For players who chop away
from the table. Very good spin reversal when chopping against topspin. A
little bit faster than Super Special.
Speed56/Spin10/Control63 |
Long pimples rubbers with some friction, all round
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Cloud & Fog III. 1.0mm. new
A new long pimpled rubber from DHS. Broad, long, easily bent pimples for an
all round game with a disconcerting effect. Possible to create spin.
Super-soft (about H35) sponge.
Speed56/Spin22/Control53 |
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RITC 837. 0.0/0.6/1.0/1.5mm; extra cost
1.8/2.0mm.
Long pimpled rubber with relatively stiff, hard pimples with ribbed surface.
Easy to use in offensive play and over the table. Victory in European
Championships in singles (offensive) and quarterfinal in the World
Championships in singles (0.6mm BH-defence)
Speed60/Spin28/Control60 |
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DHS C7. 0.0/1.0mm.
Very broad pimples for defensive play with mixed attack. One of the long
pimpled rubbers which is easiest to use for attacking. Excellent on service
receive.
Speed58/Spin20/Control60 |
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Palio CK531A. 0.0/0.5-1.0mm.
Long pimpled rubber with long, thin, soft pimples with a smooth surface.
Pimples are densely packed. Gives strong spin reversal against top spin.
Speed55/Spin25/Control56 |
Long pimpled rubbers with some friction, attack
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RITC 755 Faster. 0.8mm. new
With the experience of the multiple Olympic and World Champion Deng Yaping
Friendship has developed a new 755, which is even better for attacking and
blocking. A new rubber mixture, slightly broader pimples (and in vertical
rows) and the new super-soft ESN-sponge are the most important changes. An
interesting new rubber for the season.
Speed65/Spin20/Control60 |
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DHS Fog. 1.0mm. new
A long pimpled rubber from DHS with thin, widely spaced out pimples which
have a disconcerting effect. Easy to use in attacking. Super-soft (about
H35) white sponge.
Speed56/Spin35/Control53 |
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JUIC Leggy. 1.0/1.5 mm.
Long pimpled rubber suitable for attack. Possible to play the strokes in the
way you would play with a reverse rubber. Soft sponge.
Speed60/Spin38/Control58 |
Long pimpled rubbers with some friction, defence
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DHS C8. 0.0/1.0 mm.
Broad soft, max length pimples with a rather smooth surface. Widely spaced
out pimples. Mainly for defence.
Speed45/Spin30/Control45 |
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RITC 755. 0.0/0.5/1.0mm; extra cost 1.5/1.8 mm.
Long pimpled rubber with 1.5mm long soft pimples with a completely smooth
surface. Superb control. Anti-spin effect. Mostly used for defensive play
but also for attacking play close to the table in order to create openings
for the FH. Easy to hit against backspin. Gold in singles in World
Championships and in the Olympic Games. Gold in singles in the Veteran
European Championships and World Championships.
Speed50/Spin22/Control50 |
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Dawei 388A-4. 2.0/1.8 mm.
White sponge H46-H48. The World Champion�s rubber in Men�s 50 (black 2.2mm
white sponge H46-48). Tacky surface in combination with the rather hard
sponge gives both good speed and good control. Good for short receiving. A
rubber for modern defensive play.
Speed98/Spin98/Control96 |
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Globe 979. 0.0/0.5/1.0 extra cost
1.5/1.8/2.0 mm.
In line with the new ITTF standards the Globe 979 long pimpled rubber has
been developed with advanced technology using high quality polymer
materials. Almost max length, broad, densely packed pimples. Slightly ribbed
pimple surface but very good spin reversal. Mainly for chopping but it�s
also easy to play attacking strokes both against float balls and against
spin. Efficient for stop-blocking.
Speed70/Spin30/Control70 |
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Hallmark Frustration. 0.0/1.0mm. new
Long pimpled rubber with slightly sticky surface. For the defensive player
who wants to be able to create some spin of his own, but still have the
advantages of a long pimpled rubber.
Speed60/Spin40/Control58 |
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Prasidha 1615. 0.0/1.0/1.5 mm extra cost
0.6mm.
Classic long pimple rubber with max length, broad pimples for defensive
play, chopping away from the table and stop-blocking close to the table. The
No 1 in Hongkong, Lo Chuen Tsung uses 1615 0.0mm on BH.
Speed50/Spin25/Control50 |
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Meteor L 8512. 0.0mm.
Long pimpled rubber. Broad, max length pimples which are widely spaced out.
Smooth surface on the pimples for max anti-spin effect. Only in red.
Speed50/Spin22/Control53 |
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