Site Products
Shahin Akhlaghpasand

Ask The Experts: Shahin Akhlaghpasand, No. 324

Ask The Experts: Shahin Akhlaghpasand, No. 324

Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question:

I play close to the table with a very offensive style of play with a good forehand. When I get the chance to attack topspin, I do. I play the short and medium topsin shots very aggressively and look to end the points quickly. I’ve played with an Innerforce ALC (with Tenergy 80 & Tenergy 05) and for the last two years with a Mizutani Super ZLC (with Dignics 80 and Dignics 05).

I’ve noticed that with the SZLC (I play with AN handle) the grain is very fine and I lose my grip and my hand slips and I end up hitting the ball with my finger. Even so, I’m working on correcting my grip.

I’ve seen the new Harimoto SZLC, I liked the feel of my Innerforce ALC and of my SZLC. My question is the following.

Which wood would better my overall game, based on my offensive playing style? MJSZLC or HSZLC.

I thought about using the following set up

FH: Change my DIG80 to DIG09C
BH: Keep my DIG05 instead of switching to DIG09C

Which wood and rubber setup do you suggest?

Answer:

image005

Your Ask the Experts question was answered by Shahin Akhlaghpasand. Coach Akhlaghpasand is an ITTF Level 1 Coach and a Coach at the Austin Table Tennis Club and his response is as follows:

Hi Miguel,

 It’s a very good question and in my opinion, the answer is obvious.

 Like you described, your style of play is very close to Chinese style.

 The Mizutani Jun Super ZLC blade is designed for players who play far away from table and thus cannot be a good choice for you.

 The combination of Harimoto Super ZLC with Dignics 09C or Dignics 05 can be a good choice for you. The Dignics 09C rubber is tacky and is exactly designed for the type of forehand you described. Dignics 05 however can be a very suitable choice for your backhand.

 Good luck!

 Coach Shahin

Latest News

Playing Kids

July 8, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Let’s face it; they’re probably faster than you. They might have a coach working with… Read More

#2 A Skill That Is Likely To Score – Backhand Down The Line

July 7, 2025
[[Feature] [Special Feature] American Stars! Jha’s Strengths #2 A Skill That Is Likely To Score – Backhand Down… Read More

United States Smash: Tight Scores and a Big Upset in Early Action

July 7, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Action is underway in the main round of the United States Smash, the… Read More

MLTT Featured Team: Bay Area Blasters

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Bay Area Blasters plan to blast through the upcoming Major League Table… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Calgary United Sports Table Tennis Association

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Established in 2002, Calgary United Sports Table Tennis Association (CUSTTA) is Alberta’s largest Table Tennis… Read More

Butterfly Players Shine at the 2025 US National Table Tennis Championships

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) The 2025 U.S. National Table Tennis Championships is one of the premiere annual… Read More

US Nationals Recap

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The US National Table Tennis Championships is in the books.  One of America’s premiere events… Read More

United States Smash: Qualifiers are Finished and the Main Draw Begins Today

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) Americans made waves in the qualifying rounds of the United States Smash, the… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.