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Hello, I have been trying to theorize the most optimal backhand rubber for my Avalox P500 for the modern style of two wing attacking looper at a developing beginner level.
The blade itself is not optimal for the new plastic ball, but the minimalism in construction and superb touch and softness makes it good for both opening loop, blocks, touches close to the net, all the while being fast enough for playing from mid distance. I try not to rely on long rallies and I dont want to create the bad habit of automatically moving away from the table.
My forehand rubber, Rakza Z, works like a dream on this blade, but I have been struggling to find a fitting backhand rubber. I understand that most rubbers will work on my level, but I want a rubber that I can use for a long time since I have found that switching rubbers is more difficult than switching blades. I decided to start using Yasaka Mark V a year ago to help me develop my backhand. With this rubber I can place almost any ball back onto the table, but its hard to create any real threat from the spin or speed itself. This rubber works, especially since the spin difference between my backhand and forehand rubbers are quite large and can confuse some opponents.
Here are the backhand rubbers I have been considering (ranked in order) which tries to replicate the current metagame, but not necessarily at the speed (hardness) or effect/livelyhood of what the pros use:
1. Nittaku fastarc C-1
Pros:
- Supports the controlling backhand playstyle.
- Similar to Mark V in that there is not a lot of bounce to it, which compliments the bouncyness of the P500 blade itself.
- Durability!
- Not too heavy (medium) which balances out the heavy Rakza Z forehand rubber.
- Throw angle similar to Mark V, only slightly higher.
- Slightly faster than my forehand rubber, which is fitting for backhand rubbers in general.
Cons:
- Not similar to Mark V in that the surface is supposed to be grippy.
- Good in most areas of the game, but not exceptional in any.
- Might be too soft for the P500.
2. Donic Bluefire JP 03
Pros:
- Some players say this rubber fits well with P500
- Throw angle similar to Mark V, only slightly higher.
- Not too fast, fitting my off- blade (same speed as my forehand rubber).
Cons:
- Topsheet is not durable
- Weight is medium +, which is not preferrable with my heavy forehand rubber.
3. Donic Bluefire M3 (M2)
Pros:
- Very versatile and popular rubber.
- Tenergy 05 clone at lower speed and lower price.
- I know players that use it on their backhand to great effect on hard and flexible blade.
- Defensive backhand chopping works well with this rubber, which is a good skill to supplement a forehand dominant player.
Cons:
- Might be too soft for the P500 in terms of complementing the attacking game.
- Might be too bouncy for my preferred playstyle and my serves.
- Hard to control close to the net.
- Weight is medium +, which is not preferrable with my heavy forehand rubber.
- High throw angle and will likely be hard to direct opponents incoming spin.
4. Xiom Vega Pro
Pros:
- A lot of players in my club use this, which makes me familiar with its properties.
- Cheap alternative to Tenergy 05.
- Works well on short strokes (backhand).
Cons:
- Weight is medium+, which is not preferrable with my heavy forehand rubber.
- The hardness and livelyhood of the rubber may be difficult to control on backhand on a flexible blade.
5. Yasaka Rakza X / Yasaka Rakza 9
Pros:
- Natural progression from Mark V in terms of similar properties and throw angle.
- Both rubbers are used to great effect on backhand by other players.
- 9 has good durability and light'ish weight.
Cons:
- X is mostly "meh" in all areas, but this "meh" makes it easy to control as well.
- 9 maybe too fast for my level + expensive.
6. Andro Rasanter R42
Pros:
- Highly praised online.
- Nice clicky sound.
- Enable artistic playstyle with lots of spin variation.
Cons:
- Bouncy rubber which is hard to control in the short game and serve receive for my level.
7. Joola Rhyzm-P
8. Yasaka Mark V HPS
9. Yaska Rakza 7
10. Yasaka Rising Dragon
11. friendship 729 super fx
12. Butterfly Rozena
13. DHS Gold Arc 5
14. Xiom Omega VII Pro
15. Xiom Vega Asia
... and many others, but I am tired of writing. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated.
The blade itself is not optimal for the new plastic ball, but the minimalism in construction and superb touch and softness makes it good for both opening loop, blocks, touches close to the net, all the while being fast enough for playing from mid distance. I try not to rely on long rallies and I dont want to create the bad habit of automatically moving away from the table.
My forehand rubber, Rakza Z, works like a dream on this blade, but I have been struggling to find a fitting backhand rubber. I understand that most rubbers will work on my level, but I want a rubber that I can use for a long time since I have found that switching rubbers is more difficult than switching blades. I decided to start using Yasaka Mark V a year ago to help me develop my backhand. With this rubber I can place almost any ball back onto the table, but its hard to create any real threat from the spin or speed itself. This rubber works, especially since the spin difference between my backhand and forehand rubbers are quite large and can confuse some opponents.
Here are the backhand rubbers I have been considering (ranked in order) which tries to replicate the current metagame, but not necessarily at the speed (hardness) or effect/livelyhood of what the pros use:
1. Nittaku fastarc C-1
Pros:
- Supports the controlling backhand playstyle.
- Similar to Mark V in that there is not a lot of bounce to it, which compliments the bouncyness of the P500 blade itself.
- Durability!
- Not too heavy (medium) which balances out the heavy Rakza Z forehand rubber.
- Throw angle similar to Mark V, only slightly higher.
- Slightly faster than my forehand rubber, which is fitting for backhand rubbers in general.
Cons:
- Not similar to Mark V in that the surface is supposed to be grippy.
- Good in most areas of the game, but not exceptional in any.
- Might be too soft for the P500.
2. Donic Bluefire JP 03
Pros:
- Some players say this rubber fits well with P500
- Throw angle similar to Mark V, only slightly higher.
- Not too fast, fitting my off- blade (same speed as my forehand rubber).
Cons:
- Topsheet is not durable
- Weight is medium +, which is not preferrable with my heavy forehand rubber.
3. Donic Bluefire M3 (M2)
Pros:
- Very versatile and popular rubber.
- Tenergy 05 clone at lower speed and lower price.
- I know players that use it on their backhand to great effect on hard and flexible blade.
- Defensive backhand chopping works well with this rubber, which is a good skill to supplement a forehand dominant player.
Cons:
- Might be too soft for the P500 in terms of complementing the attacking game.
- Might be too bouncy for my preferred playstyle and my serves.
- Hard to control close to the net.
- Weight is medium +, which is not preferrable with my heavy forehand rubber.
- High throw angle and will likely be hard to direct opponents incoming spin.
4. Xiom Vega Pro
Pros:
- A lot of players in my club use this, which makes me familiar with its properties.
- Cheap alternative to Tenergy 05.
- Works well on short strokes (backhand).
Cons:
- Weight is medium+, which is not preferrable with my heavy forehand rubber.
- The hardness and livelyhood of the rubber may be difficult to control on backhand on a flexible blade.
5. Yasaka Rakza X / Yasaka Rakza 9
Pros:
- Natural progression from Mark V in terms of similar properties and throw angle.
- Both rubbers are used to great effect on backhand by other players.
- 9 has good durability and light'ish weight.
Cons:
- X is mostly "meh" in all areas, but this "meh" makes it easy to control as well.
- 9 maybe too fast for my level + expensive.
6. Andro Rasanter R42
Pros:
- Highly praised online.
- Nice clicky sound.
- Enable artistic playstyle with lots of spin variation.
Cons:
- Bouncy rubber which is hard to control in the short game and serve receive for my level.
7. Joola Rhyzm-P
8. Yasaka Mark V HPS
9. Yaska Rakza 7
10. Yasaka Rising Dragon
11. friendship 729 super fx
12. Butterfly Rozena
13. DHS Gold Arc 5
14. Xiom Omega VII Pro
15. Xiom Vega Asia
... and many others, but I am tired of writing. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated.