2008 Archives
Name: Kenny
Current Blade: Sardius
Current Forehand: Bryce FX
Current Backhand: Sriver FX
Question: ";O.K. so I'm using 2.0 Mark 5 (soft )on backhand,and JUIC elite 999 also 2.0 on the forehand I've gotten better but I would rather have more control any suggestions. Please..."
Answer: Hi Mike, |
Name: Kenny
Current Blade: Sardius
Current Forehand: Bryce FX
Current Backhand: Sriver FX
Question: "I've been playing table tennis for about 2 years now. During that short period, I've changed my style a few times, first I'm a super-chop defensive player, and then I changed to counter-offensive type who really love to block and giving short, fast loops, and now I'm playing offensive, close to-the-table, smashing whoever my opponent is.
I use smashes both with my bh and fh, and sometimes pushes and chops, also with both hands. The funny thing is, I feel my backhand smash is way more effective than my forehand's. It's kinda faster. But I've seen many players are much better at forehand smashes. Does it has something to do with my rubber? Or is it because my bh dwell time is shorter?
One more question, looking at the specs of Bryce and Bryce Speed, is it always better to have Bryce Speed than just Bryce? I'm planning to change my rubber to gain even more speed, but I'm afraid I'll lose control for it.
Thanks."
Answer: Hi Kenny, |
Name: Adam
Current Blade: Xiom Control 3 Aramid Carbon ALL+
Current Forehand: Andro Roxon 450 2.3
Current Backhand: Andro Roxon 450 2.3
Question: "I am wanting to get a Butterfly blade that is similar to the one I have now. I need to get a lot of control, but want reserve power, good blocks, medium feel, and stability. I like the overall thickness of my blade 6.5 and the overall dimensions are great. 159x151 Not sure what is comparable to Aramid Carbon. I have to have a ST handle. I was thinking the Maze, TBS, or Cofferlait as a harder feel option. I like a crisp feel."
Answer: Hello Adam, |
Name: Yuriy
Current Blade: Nittaku Violin
Current Forehand: Bryce
Current Backhand: Bryce
Question: "I found Bryce the best rubber for me, not only in case of speed but of feeling and its friction characteristics. Bryce plays only if reglued, now I have to switch to some very-very similar rubber wich has feeling of reglued Bryce. So which rubber you can propose? Thank you."
Answer: Hello Yurily, |
Name: Chris
Current Blade: Boll TriCarbon
Current Forehand: Bryce
Current Backhand: Flextra
Question: "I am an aggresive forehand dominated style of play, and I use my backhand mainly to block and chop. I am thinking of upgrading my backhand to something with a lot more spin but still lots of control. Speed is not a large factor for me. Also I am looking at getting something even faster on my forehand as I still feel that the Tricarbon has more power than is being handled with Bryce. What rubbers would you recommend?"
Answer: Hi Chris, |
Name: Karl
Question: "What's the best way to learn Coach McAfee's short pips/long pips style?"
Answer: Hello Karl, |
Name: Phil
Current Blade: Def Alpha
Current Forehand: Galaxy Venus
Current Backhand: Tackiness C
Question: "I play modern defence but find that the forehand has too long dwell to make good topspin, I found the same problem with Tackiness D on f/h, please could you give me an alternative?"
Answer: Hello Phil, |
Name: Jordan
Current Blade: Stiga
Current Forehand: 2.1
Current Backhand: 1.9
Question: "I'm a defensive player who likes to put a ton of spin on the ball. What rubber and paddle would you recommend?"
Answer: Hi Jordan, |
Name: Joyce
Current Blade: Nittaku Wonder Blade
Current Forehand: Challenger-Attack
Current Backhand: Feint AG
Question: "I'm 70, rated 1300 and wanting to raise my rating. I started 4 years ago and still improving my game. I am looking for a Butterfly blade to replace my present one. Which one should I buy? Would Kong Linghui Special be a good choice? How about BalsaCarbo X5? Will appreciate recommendations.
Style of play: play at NSGA Senior Games around the country.
Forehand:
- like to push and smash - fairly aggressive play
- normally play close to the table
- like to play from the left half of the table - to be ready to smash -
would like to be more aggressive.
Backhand:
- fairly defensive - blocks and chops
Also, is there a disadvantage to using the Quick Glue Sheet? Should I use a regular glue...which one?
Thanks."
Answer: Hello Joyce: |
Name: Aleksandra
Current Blade: Boll TriCarbon
Current Forehand: Jo Waldner
Current Backhand: Jo Waldner
Question: "Hi. I'm an agressive topspin player. I'm a club player. I have been playing table tennis for 3 years.I've just replace my old rubbers
with Bryce FX. I want to change my blade Primorac classic EL which is too slower as the blade I want to have. I want you to give me advice about the blade which is comfortable for these rubbers...
I want blades which are very fast, besause they are perfect for me. Please tell me your opinion..."
Answer: Hi Aleksandra, I would recommend trying players blades at your club as much as possible also to help guide your decision. I want to add that you should also consider trying the new Tenergy rubber if you really LOVE all out speed. I have played Bryce FX for the last 2 years and it does not compare in speed with the Tenergy. Sincerely, Mark Nordby |
Current Blade: Boll TriCarbon
Current Forehand: Jo Waldner
Current Backhand: Jo Waldner
Question: "Hi, tell me what rubber should I choose for the blade I have so that I won't loose much of the speed the blade has and also have a good control. I am thinking about something 'soft'"
Answer: I notice that you have been using Jo Waldner rubber on your current blade. This is an all-round type of rubber and if you want something similar, I would suggest Sriver EL. If you want an all-round rubber that is both softer and faster, then Sriver G2 FX would be a good choice. The rubber with the softest sponge is the Solcion. Best wishes, |
Name: Edwin
Current Blade: Timo Boll Spirit
Current Forehand: Sriver-G2 FX
Current Backhand: Tibhar Grass 1.1
Question: "I wish to adopt a playing style like Joo Se Hyuk but I wish to know what I need to change, is it my blade or the rubbers or all. Because at times I think the blade is too fast and I wish to chop and attack with the fore hand. So please tell me what would be good for me. Thanks"
Answer: Hello Edwin, I would suggest you try the Joo Se Hyuk Blade. It has more than enough speed for your attack but more control and “dwell” time than your Timo Boll Spirit Blade. The larger head size of the Hyuk blade will also allow you to better control your chops against your opponent’s strong attacks. Most choppers also prefer to use one of our Super Spin Rubbers on their forehands. You might want to try Tackifire. It can produce great spin, good speed, and will be easier to chop with than G2. Best wishes, |
Name: Ajay
Current Blade: Butterfly Jonyer
Current Forehand: GKI offensive xx
Current Backhand: GKI offensive xx
Question: "I was playing with a pre-made racket so far. I have been playing
only for about 8 months. I would like to upgrade to a better racket.
I basically play all shots on my forehand. Topspin smash, chops and
spins.. Unfortunately my backhand is a bit weak and the only shot i can
make with finesse is the topspin smash. I can also play chops on the
backhand..
The store near my house has the Jonyer blade. So please tell me the best rubber and the thickness for both the backhand and forehand...
I would like something that is well controllable and good to block
smashes. I would prefer generating the pace of smash myself so that I feel
it.
So please advise me on the best rubber for the FH and BH...
Thanks..."
Answer: Hi Ajay, You really can't go wrong with trying Flextra or Sriver. I would suggest Flextra 1.7 for your bh and Sriver 2.1 for your fh. The Flextra is slightly slower and less sticky. This means you will be affected by opponents spin a little less with this rubber. After doing this I would HIGHLY suggest a few lessons with a solid coach to make sure your strokes are on the right path for improvement. Any follow-up questions ... let me know. Sincerely, Mark Nordby |
Name: Damanik
Current Blade: Boll TriCarbon
Current Forehand: MarkVAD
Current Backhand: Sriver FX
Question: "I am a beginner in pingpong game. I have been playing pingpong for four months, so I don't know much about pingpong, including what blade and rubber are good for me. I also don't know what type of player I am. Last week I bought Boll Tricarbon blade with MARKVAD as forehand and Sriver FX as backhand rubber. What is your comment on my choice of blade and rubbers?"
Answer: Hello Damanik, |
Name: Shawn
Current Blade: Gergely Carbon
Current Forehand: Sriver FX 1.9
Current Backhand: Sriver FX 1.9
Question: "My current rubbers are due for changing, but I am considering switching to Ekrips Soft, I would like to know if the sponge used in Ekrips Soft is softer than that used in Sriver FX? Thank you."
Answer: Hello Shawn, |
Name: Calvin
Current Blade: Viscaria
Current Forehand: Bryce 2.1mm
Current Backhand: Bryce 2.1mm
Question: "I need to change my blade because it got stolen. I need a paddle with good speed, spin, and control. I'm an aggressive player I like to hit forehand loops. I'm choosing the Oh Sang Eun between the Schlager Carbon both with Bryce 2.1mm. Which one would you prefer?"
Answer: Hello Calvin, |
Name: Roman
Current Blade: Nittaku Wonderblade
Current Forehand: Nittaku Magic Carbon 2.0
Current Backhand: Nittaku Magic Carbon 2.0
Question: "Dear Expert,
I am an advanced player who has played table tennis for about 8 years with interruptions. I try to play an offensive game close to the table. My forehand is much better than my backhand, which is very inconsistent. However, my biggest problem is control, namely serve return and starting a medium-strength attack both with the backhand and the forehand after the serve or a returned slice. I am now thinking of changing my Magic Carbon rubber to Sriver, but I am confused about a number of things: 1) do I choose FX or EL? 2) do I go for 2.1 or max? 3) is it wise to go with EL on the backhand and FX on the forehand? 4) does the Nittaku Wonderblade, which is very light, work well with the Butterfly rubber at all? I know I am asking many questions at once, but I'd really appreciate if you could give me some guidelines."
Answer: Hi Roman, |
Name: John
Current Blade: Primorac Carbon
Current Forehand: Avalox Pronte soft
Current Backhand: Avalox Sterco
Question: "Is the wood blade more stable than the composite blade when execute fast loop? Several of the players at my club told me that when they switch from composite blade (mostly carbon balde) to wood blade, their fast loop is much more stable and accurate. Is it true? Another question is I think of having another blade that fits my style. I'm OK with the current blade but I want something else that might fit my style of play better. I mostly loop with my forehand and learning to adapt backhand block and loop. What is your suggestion? Thanks so much"
Answer: Hi John, |
Name: Joseph
Current Blade: Kim Taek Soo
Current Forehand: Bryce FX
Question: "I am a younger player, thus I am very concerned about new technology in the table tennis field.
I have noticed that high tune was introduced by butterfly quite a while ago, but what gave me the confusion was that wasn't the rubber "catapult" supposed to have built in speed glue capabilities also? So my two questions are 1. Does catapult have built in speed glue technology and 2. If it does, what is the difference between high tune and "catapult?""
Answer: Hello Joseph, |
Name: Bert
Current Blade: n/a
Current Forehand: n/a
Current Backhand: n/a
Question: "Good day I am a club player who is most of the time an all-around player. However I like to use backspins on my backhand and topspins on forehand for my offensive game. I am currently using a pre-assembled paddle and I want to buy a better one. Please give me an advice as to what blade and rubbers to use that will suit my style. Thank you and more power :) "
Answer: Hello Bert, |
Name: Bernardo
Current Blade: Timo Boll Spirit
Current Forehand: Butterfly Cermet
Current Backhand: Butterfly Cermet
Question: "Hi, I was thinking to purchase the new Sriver High Tune, because I don't want to reglue anymore, but what happens if I don't feel the power and spin on the rubber anymore. Can I use the Speed Optimizer One to increase the speed and power of my rubber?, or What do you recomend to not lose the efect of the rubber?. Thank You"
Answer: Hello Bernardo, |
Name: Roberto
Current Blade: Sardius
Current Forehand: Raystorm
Current Backhand: C8 Long
Question: "I am just a 48 year old club player who usually beats younger players due to my close to the table defense & attack style, my question is, what is the best long pimples-out rubber that i can use for my backhand defense & attack and best short pimples-out rubber for my forehand defense & attack? I'm quite contented with my powerful sardius.
I'm hoping to give younger players more trouble by following your suggestions. Thanks & More Power Smashes"
Answer: Hello Roberto, |
Name: May
Current Blade: Keyshot Light
Current Forehand: Sriver FX
Current Backhand: Sriver FX
Question: "Hello,
I had this problem for a few months now. I really want faster rubber on my forehand, but spinnier rubber on my backhand. What should I switch to on my forehand and backhand?
Thanks"
Answer: Hi May, |
Name: Rob
Question: "I am an aggressive topspin slam kinda guy on both forehand and backhand. I want maximum speed with as much spin as possible. I do NOT want to reglue. I have narrowed my rubber choices down to Bryce Speed or Bryce High Tune. High Tune is much more expensive, and yet has lower speed and spin numbers. Why is that? Are the Bryce Speed speed and spin numbers dependent on reglueing? Which rubber would you recommend for me?"
Answer: Hello Rob, |
Name: Erwin
Current Blade: Gergely
Current Forehand: Joola Air Rosnet
Current Backhand: Butterfly Sriver EL
Question: "Once, on my very first international tourney, I've encountered a Chinese with a serve that from his side of the table the ball seemingly going to my backhand but upon bouncing unto my side of the table it suddenly swerve going to my forehand. I am just wondering what serve it is? Is it the cork screw serve? and how it is being executed? Please."
Answer: Erwin, |
Name: Chalermsak
Current Blade: Gergely 21
Current Forehand: Bryce FX
Current Backhand: Bryce
Question: "I'm looking for the faster and softer blade than my current one, Gergely 21. Also, I'm a player who play top-spin close to the table and a little bit back-spin, so any suggestion for the rubber I should use?"
Answer: Yes, Gergely blade is very fast but not very soft. Consider Viscaria or Kumpuru blades; Viscaria is faster than Kumpuru, both are Arylate/Carbon blades with soft feel. |
Name: Mitch
Question: "I am laid back and just want to find a table that me and my friends can play in the living room every day or so. And that I can even play by myself sometimes. What is a good table for me? I was looking at the
Personal Rollaway and that one looked pretty good for me. What do you suggest?"
Answer: Hello Mitch, |
Name: Flint
Current Blade: Grubba Pro
Current Forehand: Tackifire C
Current Backhand: Tackifire C
Question: "I've been playing with this combo for a while now, I am forehand dominant and I was thinking of trying out Super-Anti for the reverse side to change the pace up at random times. My question is about the difference between Super-Anti and the Super-Anti Special. I read the descriptions for both but I have never used one before so I am in still in the dark. Thank you for your time."
Answer: Hello Flint, |
Name: Eugene
Current Blade: Avalox Penhold
Current Forehand: Stiga Mendo
Current Backhand: Friendship
Question: "I'm a quick attacking, short pips competitive player (inter-versity), and I am considering a more powerful penhold blade to get more power behind my smashes. I'm relative good in controlling shots, however, it is difficult for me to get enough power behind those smashes.
I am looking at more powerful penhold blades from Butterfly (many of my friends recommend Butterfly). But may I know, which penhold blades under the Butterfly brand is the most suitable for short-pips close to tabl