
2007 Archives
Name: Devin
Current Blade: Nittaku Sharaiden
Current Forehand: Sriver FX 2.1
Current Backhand: Sriver FX 1.9
Question: "I am the type of player that mostly loops with the forehand and
mostly chops with the backhand while away from the table. I will occasionally loop with my backhand and chop with my forehand in order to have variety in my play. While close to the table, I like to play slow spinny loops deep into my opponents side of the table. My forehand plays the same style whether close to the table or away from the table. I prefer to use soft sponges rather than hard sponges so I am thinking about changing my backhand rubber to "Tackiness Chop 1.5" and my forehand rubber to "Tackfire C Soft 2.1." Would this be a good combination for my style of play or are there any suggestions on which
combination of rubbers i should choose from? Thanks."
Answer: Hello Devin,
|
Name: Jack
Current Blade: Taksim
Current Forehand: Speedy P.O. 1.9mm
Current Backhand: Magna 2.0mm
Question: "I am obvious a close table offensive penhold Pips out player; have used the Taksim blade for almost 3 months. I feel it is too soft and does not give me the proper power to smash hard and block quickly. Do you have any suggestion on another blade either penhold or handshake that would have more power for hitters while maintaining good control? Thanks."
Answer: Hello Jack, |
Name: Erwin
Current Blade: Gergely / Kong Linghui
Current Forehand: Vario Cooper ST / Yasaka Vstage Soft
Current Backhand: Bryce FX / Bryce FX
Question: "If I play on the table, how should I hit the ball, on the rise or on top of the rise? If on the rise, is it right to hit the ball at 3 o'clock? If on top of the rise, at 2 o'clock? Or, does it depend on the height of the bounce?"
Answer: Hi Erwin, |
Name: Chris
Current Blade: Primorac Off-
Current Forehand: Cermet
Current Backhand: Sriver -EL
Question: "I’m 19, been playing for 7 years, and since I’m expecting to upgrade my game, I was thinking to go for a slightly faster blade that wouldn’t lose the control since I’m an all-around player with tendencies to choose a wide variety of attacks, I was thinking about choosing one of the VSG models as a first choice, and also I’m interested to know the pros and cons of a flared or straight blade’s grip...What’s your opinion?"
Answer: I would suggest that you look at both the VSG 3000 and 4000 models. Both are a little faster than your Primorac but with their unique vibration shut-out handles they have excellent control. The 4000 model also features 2 carbon layers which will give you a larger sweet-spot. As far as choosing a handle shape this is really a very personal choice. While the flared handle is the most popular, players who tend to have more of a grip change between backhand and forehand strokes often like a straight handle. You really need to buy what is the most comfortable feeling handle in your hand. |
Name: Erwin
Current Blade: Gergely classic
Current Forehand: Donic Vario Cooper ST red
Current Backhand: Butterfly Bryce FX black
Question: "This is my style of play. Basically I love to attack and play by the table, looping with either forehand or backhand and finish the play with either a smash or spinny drive depending on the coming ball. When I
am pushed 5 - 10 ft. away from the table, I love to counter spin drive be on the forehand or backhand. I also have varieties of excellent serves both on my backhand and forehand - on the net serves and the double bounce serves. However, I just can't get enough spin with my serves, particularly on the net serves. Now, my questions is do my blade and rubber compliments my style of play and the kind of serves I have? Or, any further recommendation to improve my game? As I learn more about the game, I believe that I have the inclination to use a more spinny yet speedy rubber but I am a lost as to what blade is more suited for me. I love my Gergely but I'd like to try another, Please, I need your expert recommendation. Thank you."
Answer: Hello Erwin, |
Name: Ying
Current Blade: Andro SC Kinetic Explorer
Current Forehand: Tibhar Nimbus Max
Current Backhand: Tibhar Nimbus 2.0
Question: "I have had my blade for quite a while now and I was thinking about updating it. I don't really have a budget and am wondering what blades like Ishlion and Kreanga Carbon have that makes them so special and expensive. I am a topspin attack player and like to do short spinny, deceptive serves."
Answer: Hi Ying, |
Name: Kuba
Current Blade: Primorac OFF-
Current Forehand: Sriver G2
Current Backhand: Tibhar Rapid Soft
Question: "Hello!
I'm 30 and have returned to playing after few-year break. I was playing
Primorac with Srivers L 2.1 for many years but now I want to improve my
game because I feel I can do it. I'm an all-round player using a lot of spin;
rather prefer mid-range attacking from both forehand and backhand. First
I tried to speed my forehand play, because I think it was to much spin too
little speed - so I changed to G2. But now I feel I need to change the
blade to. I need good control - no less than my old Primorac OFF- but
higher speed. I'm thinking of Korbel Magichand, Balsa Carbo X5 or
Schlager. What do you think?"
Answer: Hello Kuba, |
Name: Kaushik
Current Blade: Butterfly VSG-2000
Current Forehand: Yasaka Mark V
Current Backhand: Friendship 729 Cross
Question: "I need to change my forehand rubber. Mark V on the VSG-2000 does not allow me to have variation on my forehand game. Smashes and spinny loops are not easy to hit. I feel I need a rubber which would give me more spin and good off-the-table looping power. Somebody suggested Sriver, but I don' t know which variant would be best for me. Please suggest."
Answer: Hello Kaushik, |
Name: Chris
Current Blade:Petr Korbel
Current Forehand:Sriver 2.1
Current Backhand: Catapult 2.1
Question: "I like the Korbel blade but would like something a bit faster. I play an all around game with a controlled forehand loop and could use a little more power. Any suggestions on which blade I should go with?"
Answer: Hi Chris, |
Name: Peter
Current Blade: Generic Store-brought Blade
Current Forehand: n/a
Current Backhand: n/a
Question: "Hello, I was looking around for a blade and rubber(s) to
purchase, when I noticed something called "blade sealing". What is it, and
is it a good idea or not?"
Answer: Hi Peter, |
Name: Richard
Current Blade: Gergely 21-FL
Current Forehand: Catapult
Current Backhand: Yasaka Mark V
Question: "I have been using the high tension series Catapult for few years. However, I find that my control over the ball is inconsistent. My friends advised me to change to a non-high tension series as it will allow me better control as the ball contact will be longer (is it true?). He also mentioned that I should try softer rubbers as I do not use much power strokes. I am thinking of getting Sriver FX of the power sponge series but I came across Solcion (a high tension series rubber) which has an even softer rubber than Sriver FX? I'm thinking of using Solcion instead, so which one should I get? Should I avoid high tension rubber altogether due to my softer strokes or is Solcion suitable for my game play?"
Answer: Hello Richard, |
Name: Raju
Current Blade: Primorac 2000
Current Forehand: Tackfire D, 2.1
Current Backhand: Tackfire D, 2.1
Question: "Hi:
I borrowed this racket to help me choose one for purchase. I liked the feel but felt rubber was too tacky. my style is top spin/smashes mostly, sometimes I chop during return. I have narrowed down my choice to a Primorac 2000 + 2.1 sponge + Sriver. Please let me know if this is ok or should I choose a different rubber (any other of the Srivers, blades, thickness??). Thanking you, Raju."
Answer: Hi Raju, |
Name: Helvecio
Current Blade: Scorna
Current Forehand: Tackiness Drive 1.1
Current Backhand: Challenger Shop 1.3
Question: "I have been out of game for almost 10 years. As I could see all the material (blade and rubbers) I used are now obsolete. Please, let me know the best options to replace my old material. I was used to play defensive game at long distance from table. I have played with Challenger Shop for short period. Before that I had used Feint Long for more than 10 years."
Answer: Hello Helvecio, |
Name: Javier
Current Blade: Yasaka Gatien Extra
Current Forehand: Sriver L
Current Backhand: Sriver L
Question: "I am re-starting to play after playing for brief period of 1 year, TEN years ago, and 26 years after I retired myself with a Kennystyle*Sriver S+sriver L. The definition of my game is "power looper". I would like to update my racquet and my idea is VSG 3000 + Sriver-G2 FX on both sides, as I never used different rubbers in backhand-forehand. One of the criteria was the anatomic handle, and gaining speed and spin in my forehand topspin. I do not know if it is worthy to select a different rubber for backhand, as I am not so good with it. What is your suggestion?
Thank you"
Answer: Hello Javier, |
Name: Tan
Current Blade: Butterfly
Current Forehand: Sriver
Current Backhand: Tackifire
Question: "I am playing table tennis for 15 years. I am looking to upgrade my rubbers and my racket as a whole but like to have professional advice on what to get. A friend advised me to get Bryce for the forehand rubber. I am a shakehand, all-round attacker player, prefer to play spin/bat attack and counterattack at the opportunity, my position is middle from the table. I prefer to use spin from mid position. I also like to use spin on backhand. And I like to have a powerful and fast spin for attack from mid position. I like to have powerful spin serves. I don't like to use speed glue. I found the Tamca blade is too light for me. My current blade is heavier. Please advise for my upgrade blade: something a bit heavier than Tamca to have more control. Forehand rubber: to provide good spin. Backhand rubber: to provide good spin.
Thank for your advice.
Tan"
Answer: Dear Tan, |
Name: Bill
Current Blade: 'Smash' from Killerspin
Current Forehand: not specified
Current Backhand: not specified
Question: "The racket I currently have is a little too fast for my liking, I need more spin. I like to mid-range topspin and I also like to chop long distance on the backhand even though I can top spin with the backhand. I was thinking of using the Cutlass blade with Sriver EL on the forhand and Feint Long II on the backhand. what do you think of this combination?"
Answer: Hello Bill, |
Name: Ed
Current Blade: Gergely (non-carbon) and Carbon Hunter
Current Forehand: Super Shriver & TSP 730
Current Backhand: Super Shriver & TSP 730
Question: "I quit playing about 12 years ago (650 player) going to racquetball for a lack of TT players in my area. I am now in Texas for a few months and want to get back into the game.
I tend to be a close to the table player, slightly aggressive, trying to set up for a quick backhand smash first or a good right hand smash.
What with my age now of 64; the new rubbers; power paddles and a larger ball, should I stay with the same set up listed above? Or, should I go to a slower more controlled type of rubber and paddle?"
Answer: Hi Ed, |
Name: Sam
Current Blade: Senkoh - 01
Current Forehand: Tackfire Special
Current Backhand: None
Question: "I am interested in putting Sriver 1.9 on the back of my penhold paddle, but there is cork on the back. Should I remove the cork, or just glue the rubber on top of the cork? Thanks for your answer. - Sam"
Answer: Hi Sam, |
Name: Chris
Current Blade: Oh Sang Eun
Current Forehand: Bryce
Current Backhand: Sriver G2
Question: "My rubbers are currently attached using basic glue and although there is no "smell form my racket" the glue in the can does. Will basic/normal glues be legal after the 2008 ban or is everyone going to have to take apart there bats on Sept. 2008?"
Answer: Hello Chris, |
Name: Dan
Current Blade: Shido
Question: "I am a beginner and currently have a preassembled butterfly Shido Japanese penhold racket, with only one side rubber and the backside is painted black.
Thinking about adding a layer of rubber on the back where it is currently just wood painted black after learning the backhand loop.
Is it possible for me to glue a layer of rubber on it? If so, what kind of rubber is ideal for my racket for generating more top spin from middle of the table (on my side)? Thanks for your help."
Answer: Hi Dan, |
Name: Jesse
Current Blade: Store-bought generic paddle
Current Forehand: Inverted rubber no sponge
Current Backhand: Inverted rubber no sponge
Question: "Hello, I'd like to upgrade to a nice blade and rubber. I mainly am an all around attacker but I don’t use spin that much so I’m looking for the best combination of speed and control possible. I think that a long pips rubber for spin reversal with sponge would work or a short pips with sponge because I want spin reversal or major slowing of spin and speed so I think a Feint Long II with max sponge would be best or the speedy P.O.
The blade I plan to get is the Kong Linghui Special for speed, control and the soft feel. I have no idea really what to put on the other side of my blade though.
Do you think my choices are wise if not, what would you suggest? I also wanted to ask if thick sponge on one side and no sponge on the other would throw my Paddle off balance?"
Answer: Hi Jesse, Don’t worry about the racket being unbalanced with no sponge on one side. Main concern is choosing sponge or no sponge; no sponge is much slower and requires more follow-throughs or snapping of the stroke. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Indri
Current Blade: Butterfly VSG 1000
Current Forehand: Bryce
Current Backhand: Yasaka Mark V
Question: "I am a player that likes to attack with looping. Currently I have problem with the handle of my racket. My middle finger and my ring finger developed quite a big callus. I believe this is due to the size of the
handle. I have tried different paddles from different brand with different handles (AN, FL or ST). And I felt most comfortable with a thin but wide ST handle for the handle but as for the wood, I'd like Butterfly the best. Can you give any suggestion which butterfly blade is good for looping but with the handle that suits my need? I prefer all wood paddles than hybrid.
Thank you,
Indri"
Answer: Hello Indri, |
Name: Azmi
Current Blade: Gergely 21
Current Forehand: Sriver Max
Current Backhand: Sriver Max
Question: "I am a professional club level player, every time I block a
Topspin or Smash the ball always go out, I checked my blocking technique with many professional coaches and they told me there is no big issue on my blocking. Is there something to do with my gear? Please advise me.
Thank you very much."
Answer: Hi Azmi Try changing just the rubber first to Sriver 2.1. If this doesn’t give you enough control, then get off- blade. It may slow your game down a bit but you will be more consistent. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Nenad
Current Blade: Stiga Narova
Current Forehand: Taiphoon 2.0
Current Backhand: Taiphoon 2.0
Question: "25 years ago I was young promising junior in my country. I used to play with Klampar blade and Sriver L 2.1 on forehand and Sriver S 2.1 on backhand (no speed glue). Now I want to play competition table tennis again (as veteran) and I choose Balsa Carbo x5 with Sriver L 2.1 on a both sides. Did I select good combination for 40mm ball game? I used to have good serves, moderate forehand spin and backhand chop and loop, but that was with a smaller ball.
Thanks"
Answer: Hello Nenad, The Balsa Carbo x5 Blade will play a little faster than the old Klampar blade and should provide you more than enough power for the 40mm ball. Best wishes, |
Name: Paul
Current Blade: Kenny Pro
Current Forehand: Bryce FX PowerSponge
Current Backhand: Bryce FX PowerSponge
Question: "I used to use a Tibhar Carbon blade, with Sriver on both sides. Then, I changed to Tibhar Carbon with Bryce PowerSponge and found it to be too fast, and unpredictable.
I tend to be too defensive, and many people say I should use my forehand much more than I do, because it is powerful. I am 6 foot 3 inches tall, but tend to hit too many balls, without a strategy. I will hit short and long balls, but with my current racket, would you recommend any placement, attack strategies to maximize my paddle usage and ultimately my game, using the Kenny Pro blade, and the Bryce PowerSponge?
Thank you -"
Answer: Hi Paul, Here is a simple way to think about basic tactics. There are four ways to win a point. Try to start each point focusing on one of these four. If your plan is not working, try another.
Best of luck, |
Name: Austin
Current Blade: Senshu
Current Forehand: Flextra
Current Backhand: Flextra
Question: "Hello, I’m wondering what rubber to buy. I'd like a forehand rubber that can produce a lot of speed and chop, and what is the difference of a 1.7 1.9 2.1 sponge and which one should I get.
Thanks"
Answer: Hi Austin, The sponge thickness is based also on style of play; thinner for players who tend to hit more and thicker for power looping. But regardless of which you chose, you should get professional coaching because these equipment require good movement, stroke and touch and feel to maximize their potential. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Richard
Current Blade: Juic titaniumII ALL+
Current Forehand: Tackiness-Drive
Current Backhand: Sriver
Question: "I’m looking to upgrade my rubber or my racket as a whole but am unsure on what to get. I don’t feel that I have a real play style cause it varies. I like to use an underspin/side spin server that will jump to my opponents left, hopefully setting up my forehand smash but after that I like to play more conservatively with a good mix of forehand/backhand using placement and spin in my favor. Depending on who I’m playing, I really like to play defense off the table and wait for a bad shot on their part for a nice smash or I will just attack the ball and put them on defense, so I’m lost on how I play cause I tend to do everything, and therefore have a hard time picking what I want to get."
Answer: Hello Richard, Best wishes, |
Name: Paolo
Current Blade: Primorac Carbon FL
Current Forehand: none yet
Current Backhand: none yet
Question: "Hi. I am a player coming back to the sport. 15 years ago I played with a (no longer with me) butterfly carbon racket, super sriver 2.0 forehand, Tackiness Drive 1.9 backhand. Today, I am planning to assemble the same combination with a variation on the rubber, Sriver-FX forehand 2.0 or max, Tackiness Chop or Drive 1.9 or 2.1 backhand. My research tells me my choices are no longer technologically up to date, but since I am only playing as a hobbyist now, I do not want to use speed glue/speed glue rubber etc.or other expensive, high maintenance equipment. I want to play without worrying about cost or maintenance the way it used to be during my time. I would like your advice for reasonably priced equivalent rubbers to my current first choices. I am a shakehand, typical all around player, comfortable in the defensive or offensive, close/mid/far position. I am also aggressive and counterattack almost every opportunity if the gameplay is serious.
Also, I am interested in your opinion of my current yet unpurchased choices (Sriver-FX, Tackiness Drive or Chop), the sponge thickness choice, and the unusual quality of the Sriver-FX of having speed glue as an option not a requirement. Please pardon the long message, I am very excited at the prospect of receiving advice from experts such as yourselves. Thank you for reading my message."
Answer: Hi Paolo, For a very long time, I used Sriver FX with speed glue because it was originally designed for speed gluing and I still recommend it to all of my students, intermediate or at higher levels. The “unusual” quality and option it gives as you noted, is without speed gluing, it is very good all around control rubber and if used in combination with a fast racket, it gives you enough speed plus the control and the price is much lower than the newer High Tension rubbers. As you accurately noted, Sriver FX also can be a power rubber with completely different characteristics if speed glued. The draw back is not only the high maintenance and cost, but also once you get used to playing with speed glue effect, it is hard to go back. All of my beginners start with slow to intermediate speed rackets with Sriver FX, Sriver or G2FX without speed glue and higher level students use Sriver FX, Sriver G2-FX, Bryce FX, Bryce and Cermet, all speed glued. Tackiness-Chop obviously was designed for defensive players. I used it before since I also play all around defensive style as a coaching tool (I play three styles; all around offense, defensive and penhold). Tackiness-Chop has a sticky top sheet and slow sponge. Tackiness-Drive sponge is faster. So it comes down to the finer details on your style of play. Today, all defensive players are capable of strong attacking play. For your age and style, I suggest selecting Cermet or one of the FX series because it has a better feel to it due to the softer sponge. An added note; FX series are very popular because when speed glued, it gives extra “grip” and feel but, players over 2400 to world-class, tend to use non FX because they prefer power and speed vs. the extra feel. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Mace
Current Blade: Brian Pace
Current Forehand: Stayer-D13
Current Backhand: Stayer-D13
Question: "I've played table tennis for about five years, got away from it for five and have gotten back into it now for about one year. I recently purchased a Butterfly-Brian Pace. It matches my Power Loop style as far as generic paddles go and is a nice paddle with good speed but I'd really like to create a custom one especially designed for me. My style is predominantly fast forehand smashes with some backhand cuts and ocasional backhand smashes as well. I like a good amount of control particularly for serves. What blade and rubber would you suggest for forehand and backhand? And what's he difference between 1.9 and 2.1 rubber? Thanks."
Answer: The racket you have, Brian Pace with D-13 is primarily for beginners and recreational play, not suitable for competitive levels although players with talent can achieve intermediate levels with these types of rackets, but this is rare. If you played for five years, you must have developed some “touch and feel” for the game and should be ready for more advanced play. Although you can create some speed and spin with D-13, there is many options, rubber-racket combinations, for you to create real “power loops” and still have service controls. I suggest moving up to Sriver FX, Tackiness-Drive or Cermet and rackets like Primorac, Korbel, Steger or other offensive- type blades. The rubber thickness should be 2.1 unless your style is primarily hitting. After you chose your racket, I strongly suggest you get professional coaching to fully utilize the capability of your racket. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Jesse
Current Blade: Blade: Store-bought generic paddle
Current Forehand: Inverted rubber no sponge
Current Backhand: Inverted rubber no sponge
Question: "Hello, I'd like to upgrade to a nice blade and rubber. I mainly am an all around attacker but I dont use spin that much so I'm looking for the best combination of speed and control possible. I think that a long
pips rubber for spin reversal with sponge would work or a short pips with sponge because I want spin reversal or major slowing of spin and speed so I think a Feint Long II with max sponge would be best or the Speedy P.O. The blade I plan to get is the Kong Linghui Special for speed, control and the soft feel. I have no idea really what to put on the otherside of my blade though. do you think my choices are wise if not, what would you suggest? I also wanted to ask if thick sponge on one side and no sponge on
the other would throw my paddle off balance?"
Answer: Hi Jesse, The Kong Linghui Special is an excellent blade but you may want to consider something a little slower with more control for your first professional blade. Even the slowest professional blades are much faster than those sold in stores. Using rubbers of different thickness on the two sides of your blade is very common and does not cause a balance problem with the racket. My last suggestion is that you may want to seek out a USATT Certified Coach and take a couple of lessons. Good luck with your game, |
Name: Taylor
Current Blade: Stiga
Current Forehand: Hurricane 2
Current Backhand: Sriver EL
Question: "I am considering buying a custom-made racket from your selections of blades and rubbers. I was wondering what the ball trajectory of the Bryce rubber is and what rubber you would recommend for fast play, such as High Tension, with a medium trajectory."
Answer: Hello Taylor, Best wishes, |
Name: Ben
Current Blade: VSG-Twist IV
Current Forehand: Sriver
Current Backhand: Sriver
Question: "Hi, I just ordered this blade because I think this VSG blade has awesome speed with excellent control, but if this blade is so good, and much better than the Primorac Carbon and so many others; why don’t any professional players uses it?"
Answer: VSG is not so much better than Primorac Carbon or other popular rackets used by top players; it’s a matter of choice and circumstance. Nearly all top players sponsored are able to choose any racket and many of them, design their own or have them made specifically for them and market them. I personally played with both of them (and dozens of others) and I like them but my personal preference is Viscaria but not too many top players (World-class) use Viscaria. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Nathan
Question: "Hi, me and my friend have been playing table tennis for the pass year and we've both adapted to our own playing styles. But the problem is that now we think we have grown out of our current paddles and rubbers. We both decided that we needed new blades and rubbers but we are still pretty new to this. I feel that my style of play consists of offensive all around play but my friend says that I’m more of a defensive all around player. So my question is how should I decide what blades and rubbers suit me best and how can I, more accurately, determine my style of play?"
Answer: Hi Nathan, As you and your friend have only been playing about a year, you should really focus on the control aspect of your next racket. Also, keep in mind that even the slower rated professional rackets are generally much faster than any store line product. You describe yourself as an all-round attacker so I would recommend you try one of the following blades: Primorac, Andrzej Grubba, or Timo Boll. These blades are perfect for your style and offer good control as well. As for rubber, I would recommend Butterfly’s classic all-round rubber, Sriver in 1.9 mm thickness. As for your friend, who plays a more all-round defensive style, I would suggest the Grubba Pro Blade. It is a little slower blade with a slightly larger head, making it excellent for a controlled defensive style. As for rubber, I would suggest Butterfly, Tackiness Drive in 1.9. This combination will allow for an easy mix of offensive and defensive play. Best of luck, |
Name: Sam
Current Forehand: Sriver 2.1
Current Backhand: Sriver 2.1
Question: "How do you play against Dr. Neubauer rubber?"
Answer: To Sam, Mark Nordby, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Andrew
Current Blade: Stiga
Current Forehand: stock
Current Backhand: stock
Question: "I was reading the specs on my racket and it has a 2.2 sponge on it, which isn’t even offered in high class rubbers such as the Bryce and the Sriver rubbers. If 2.2 is sold on your high class rackets do you think it is limiting my table tennis skills."
Answer: I am assuming the “stock” Stiga racket you have came pre-assembled when you purchased it. These pre-assembled rackets are made and sold (about $35-$55)for primarily beginners and recreational players, unless, you requested specific high performance racket and rubbers. Typically, these pre-assembled rackets comes in 1.9 to 2.2mm thickness and the thickness have nothing to do with whether it is high performance or not; it have to do with style of play. These stock rackets are typically slower and do not create variety of spin and speed offered by higher quality performance rubbers. So yes, as a beginner, it is ok to start with stock rackets but it is limiting what you can do in the end. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: Tiar
Current Blade: Sardius
Current Forehand: Yasaka Mark V-AD
Current Backhand: Yasaka Extend
Question: I plan to change my rubber sheet with Butterfly ones. My styles
are spin/drive, some time quick spin with my backhand, block near the table & some time balloon defense with my backhand.
Is Sriver EL & Bryce OK for my styles? Please advise for rubber's thickness also."
Answer: Hello Tiar, Best of luck, |
Name: Tim
Current Blade: Korbel MagicHand ST
Current Forehand: Tackifire Special 1.9mm
Current Backhand: Feint Long III 1.1mm
Question: "Hi,
Recently, I ordered a Joo Se Hyuk blade to replace my Korbel blade and increase control on my backhand long pimple chops. Without speed glue, I think the Tackifire Special might be too slow on this new blade. While the professional players (e.g., Joo Se Hyuk) use a speed glued Tackifire Drive or similar to increase speed and spin, I do not like speed glueing all
that much because of the possible ban and the hassle. Can you recommend a rubber that offers the same qualities as a speed glued Tackifire Drive, using regular glue? I would like some level of control for an occasional mid-distance forehand chop too.
Thank you in advance for your advice!"
Answer: This is a tough one to answer because you’re going to have to try variety of rubbers to find one that will fit your “touch and feel” and style of play. The primary reason choppers speed glue on their forehand is because they mostly counter attack when opponents attack their forehand. I know some players use regular un-speed glued Sriver instead of different variety of Tackifires. I also play a chopping game although this is not my primary style. I use medium pips on my backhand and un-speed glued Cermet on my forehand for chopping and countering. I tried Cataput but it has too much rebound for chopping. I liked the control of Sriver FX but I am playing with Cermet because it has more spin and more “bounce” than Tackifire for looping. Give it a try and let me know. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
Name: James
Current Blade: $10 Sportcraft paddle, "Equalizer TT Paddle"
Current Forehand: Short pip-out, no sponge
Current Backhand: Short pip-out no sponge
Question: "According to your "Selecting A Custom Made Racket" page, my style
would be a mixture of "Counter Driver," "Attacking Chopper," and "Close-To-The-Table-Defender." I use my backhand about 90% of the time with lots of chops and I only use my forehand for smashing and top spin. I only played with friends at my small University College.
I have really gotten used to my Sportcraft paddle, but I do realize that it is complete garbage. It has a sweet spot about the size of a quarter and offers me no variation in my game play. One thing I really like about my cheap paddle is that it is very light and easy to manipulate in a pinch. I have played with more expensive paddles and have found them to be too heavy for my taste.
I would really like to retain my defensive skills but also develop an ability to play as a "Mid-Distance Aggressive Looper."
By examining the Butterflyonline catalog I think I have the right paddle figured out, but I would like your professional feedback.
I think I will go with the Primorac 2000 because it is the lightest paddle you offer at 76 grams and I liked some of its other features for my style. For the rubbers I have chosen Relop Attack-OX for my backhand and Flarestorm for my forehand.
What do you think?"
Answer: Hi James, Please be aware that even the slowest professional equipment is going to be much faster than what you are playing with currently. However, with some practice you will find that you can do so much more with good equipment. Also, be aware that while pips-out rubber with sponge will produce much more spin than hard rubber, it does not produce enough topspin to play a Mid-distance Looper Style of Play. This style is based on extreme topspin that can only be produced with Inverted Rubber (smooth). Good Luck, |
Name: Fabio
Current Blade: Tibhar Samsonov Premium Contact
Current Forehand: Stiga Neos Sound 2.0 mm
Current Backhand: Stiga Chop & Drive 1.8 mm
Question: "Dear Sir,
I am a developing player and I am trying to find the right rubbers for my bat. I have a sense that my Forehand rubber, though fine when I attack, is a bit too fast because blocks and pushes often go off the table. Also, my Backhand rubber has good control but it is a bit too slow when trying aggressive drives. I am thinking of buying Butterfly Sriver EL 2.1 mm for my Forehand and Butterfly Tackiness Drive 1.9 mm for my Backhand. Do you think this would be a wise choice?"
Answer: I think this is a good choice. My question for you is, you been using thinner sponge on your backhand. Have you considered this may also be the reason your backhand shots are going short? Thinner sponge has less rebound effect. The other factor is style of play regarding your backhand; thinner sponge is usually better suited for hitting rather than spinning. Do you tend to hit or spin more? Butterfly Tackiness Drive has good top sheet for spinning and the sponge is a little harder for hitting so it is a good choice, but I would consider 2.1 based on your style of play. Masaaki Tajima, U.S. Certified National Coach |
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