Tips for My Second Blade

[andres]

I have been playing table tennis for many years, but I have only recently joined a club. I like to play offensively and would consider my skill level to be beginner-intermediate.

I was thinking of building my new racket with a Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive blade and Gewo Nexxus EL PRO 43 max. rubbers.

Do you think this is a good idea, or will it be too fast? Isn't it better to have a fast paddle, even if it takes some getting used to in the beginning?

Thank you very much!

 

[NetProphet]

Hi
I found the MLEO very fast and lacking in feeling so that I didn't feel I could ever get used to it. That's just me though and many people love that blade so it's a bit of a risk to buy without having tried one first.
I can't comment on the rubbers as I've never tried them.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

YEO (MLEO) is indeed fast for a starter blade

if you want to settle with OFF, then find a OFF- (minus) 5 ply wood blade
possibly ALL+ 5 ply wood blade would be nice too.

rubbers is okay and ALL+ will give you more control (Yasaka Sweden Extra or Gewo Allround classic to based on the 2 brands you named)

 

[andres]

Thank you very much for your advice!

I decided to go with the Yasaka Sweden Extra.

Instead of the Gewo rubbers, I was thinking about Donic Acuda S2, Yasaka Rakza 7, or Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft. Which one do you recommend?

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

Thank you very much for your advice!

I decided to go with the Yasaka Sweden Extra.

Instead of the Gewo rubbers, I was thinking about Donic Acuda S2, Yasaka Rakza 7, or Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft. Which one do you recommend?

why not go with Rakza 7, to keep it Yasaka
I think the 7 Soft could be a bit too soft
Rakza 7 and Sweden Extra is a good pairing for your first "proper racket" and could allow you to develop your strokes properly

 

[andres]

OK, and what thickness of rubber would you suggest? Can I opt for max, or is it not recommended?

 

[NetProphet]

OK, and what thickness of rubber would you suggest? Can I opt for max, or is it not recommended?

I'd throw Rakza X Soft into the mix for rubbers too.
I used this rubber on my backhand and I love it. It is a bit harder than Rakza 7 Soft and not too soft IMO. I had used Rakza X on BH for a yr but I found myself a bit inconsistent. Toning down to X soft has given me added control (dwell time) as I work on these strokes.

Regarding thickness I use Max always. It can take a bit of getting used to if you come from 1.8 or thereabouts but i think its worth it - to master an attacking game I feel mastering Max sponge is necessary. Others have different opinions on that and lots of good players at my club play 2.0mm with no issues.
Personally I feel that to get the maximun out of a rubber (attack wise) that I need to engage as many mm's of sponge as possible, so I prefer MAX.
It gives a challenge in the short game (particularly with soft sponge) and I've always managed to adjust for it but Rakza 7 took me ages to get used to in that regard and is part of why I didnt actually like it very much, quite bouncy

Again, all of this is personal experience and YMMV. Speaking to a coach who knows your game is often the best way to go for recommendations. If you were spending $400 I would absolutely recommend to pay $$ss for a coach first but at the $100 mark I think you are choosing sensible equipment.
Actually it's very similar to my first setup. After playing Mark V for 8 mths I bought a Yasaka Silverline All Wood blade with Rakza X and Rakza Z rubbers.

 

[Lazer]

Thank you very much for your advice!

I decided to go with the Yasaka Sweden Extra.

Instead of the Gewo rubbers, I was thinking about Donic Acuda S2, Yasaka Rakza 7, or Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft. Which one do you recommend?

Acuda S2 and Rakza 7 are very similar. I think Rakza 7 feels a little harder that’s all. It also may yield a little more spin.

Cheers
L-zr

 

[Crillo]

OK, and what thickness of rubber would you suggest? Can I opt for max, or is it not recommended?

Yeah, Rakza 7, 2.0 on both side!s Very good combo.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

2.0mm or Max should be both fine
I will stay away from X or 9 until you develop further