Nittaku G-1

This is, for me, the most controversial rubber I have played with. It is great in so many aspects, but at the same time completely destroys its usability with a problem that I just don't seem to get around.

Let's start with the good stuff. Wide, stable pip geometry makes this rubber relatively insensitive to incoming spin. Pushes from a bad position are just safe, somehow, and in a way this makes it feel kind of similar to a Hurricane 3 Neo.
The grip on the topsheet is amazing, and it lasts, too. The orange, large-pore sponge adds a lot of dynamic to this rubber. Honestly, this is what a good medium sponge should be.
Serving is a dream, receives are very tolerant, placing pushes and harder loops is well manageable.

But here's where it falls apart (for me):
The point where a rally goes from short pushing at the table, to opening up, or putting away a cheeky drive into the corner. Those balls either don't get enough bite into the rubber and hit the net, or they do and subsequently pop out over the end of the table. I can't for the life of me get a predictable low-medium power response out of this rubber and it completely destroys the usability for me. This happens on 5ply (Korbel), 7ply (Fextra) but also on Innerforce ALC and Ma Lin Carbon.

I have stopped using G-1 competitively, and found Glayzer to be an alternative that seems to fit me a little better. But if I do ever get to the bottom of this, I certainly would reconsider using this otherwise great rubber.

Get this rubber for the forehand if you're on a budget and is looking to improve your forehand skills. This rubber feels similar to dignics 05 but with less speed, spin and control. You can buy it without thinking because of its low price. However, serve receiving is not so good on this rubber, playing short is quite hard. You can pair this with FZD ALC and have good days. Upgrade to dignics 05 or 09c on the forehand if you are looking for a higher performance rubber.