Choosing Blades and Rubbers for a Beginner Table Tennis Player

[Sherzy]

I am a beginner currently using a premade racket, the Stiga Royal 3 Star, which I find does not generate much spin. I am considering upgrading to either the Donic Appelgren Allplay or the Yasaka Sweden Extra for the blade.


For rubbers, I am looking at either the Mark V on both sides or Rakza 7 on both sides. I am not sure if these are the best options for my current level and for improving my skills. If not, I would appreciate any recommendations for blades and rubbers that would be suitable for learning and developing my game.

 

[PenHoldSandro]

I am a beginner currently using a premade racket, the Stiga Royal 3 Star, which I find does not generate much spin. I am considering upgrading to either the Donic Appelgren Allplay or the Yasaka Sweden Extra for the blade.

I'm not sure about the DAA but the Sweeden is a very good choice! You can definitely get that one! The control, speed, are very nice.

For rubbers, I am looking at either the Mark V on both sides or Rakza 7 on both sides. I am not sure if these are the best options for my current level and for improving my skills. If not, I would appreciate any recommendations for blades and rubbers that would be suitable for learning and developing my game.

Mark V on both sides. Even for more advanced players Mark gives the power, spin, and control needed to play very well. Rakza 7 is a more advanced Mark V, so upgrade to it once you get a few levels better!

 

[StreamOfWater]

I am a beginner currently using a premade racket, the Stiga Royal 3 Star, which I find does not generate much spin. I am considering upgrading to either the Donic Appelgren Allplay or the Yasaka Sweden Extra for the blade.


For rubbers, I am looking at either the Mark V on both sides or Rakza 7 on both sides. I am not sure if these are the best options for my current level and for improving my skills. If not, I would appreciate any recommendations for blades and rubbers that would be suitable for learning and developing my game.

Nice choices. Although I'd suggest skipping Mark V and going for something more modern—outdated equipment afterall. You'd also save some money this way by investing in a pair of better quality rubbers that are relevant today which will also serve you longer as well as more efficiently. Less switches = faster improvement👍

 

[Sherzy]

I'm not sure about the DAA but the Sweeden is a very good choice! You can definitely get that one! The control, speed, are very nice.

Mark V on both sides. Even for more advanced players Mark gives the power, spin, and control needed to play very well. Rakza 7 is a more advanced Mark V, so upgrade to it once you get a few levels better!

Thank you! Should I use Mark V 2.0 on both sides with the Sweden blade, then? Also, what rubber thickness would you recommend for the forehand and backhand? I’ve heard that using the same thickness on both sides is better for beginners.”

 

[Sherzy]

Nice choices. Although I'd suggest skipping Mark V and going for something more modern—outdated equipment afterall. You'd also save some money this way by investing in a pair of better quality rubbers that are relevant today which will also serve you longer as well as more efficiently 👍

Like which ones? I’m pretty uneducated so just list it for me please.

 

[StreamOfWater]

Like which ones? I’m pretty uneducated so just list it for me please.

It's okay, no need to overcomplicate it. Just look up today's mainstream rubbers and pick whatever sounds nice to you (Tibhar Evolution MX series, DHS Hurricane, Butterfly rubbers, Donic Bluegrip series, Xiom Vega series, Nittaku Fastarc etc.). It's the blade that is the soul of your racket anyways. And you, of course, that makes the difference

 

[Sherzy]

It's okay, no need to overcomplicate it. Just look up today's mainstream rubbers and pick whatever sounds nice to you (Tibhar Evolution MX series, DHS Hurricane, Butterfly rubbers, Donic Bluegrip series, Xiom Vega series, Nittaku Fastarc etc.). It's the blade that is the soul of your racket anyways. And you, of course, that makes the difference

Okey, and which of this would fit a beginner? Don’t wanna fall down the wrong path and pick something that’s way above my skill, I’m not very good.

 

[StreamOfWater]

Okey, and which of this would fit a beginner? Don’t wanna fall down the wrong path and pick something that’s way above my skill, I’m not very good.

Here’s my (slightly controversial) take:

When your technique becomes consistent and your style starts to take shape, you’ll naturally notice what’s missing—either by yourself or with a coach pointing it out. At that stage, you’ll know exactly what equipment you need. For now though, almost anything works as long as you don’t overspend (no need to go above ~140€ for a full setup)

A safe route is a 5-ply all-wood blade paired with a modern rubber. You really can’t go wrong there. Some reliable names are Yasaka Rakza 7, Xiom Vega Europe, or Xiom Vega Intro.

Now, the controversial part:

If you’re willing to be patient and put in the work, Chinese rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3 Neo can speed up your development. They’re harder and tackier, with less built-in catapult, so the rubber only gives you back what you put in. That forces you to learn proper technique. The downside is they’re much less forgiving—so it’s demanding, but rewarding long-term. Forces you to actively study your stroke mechanics. And one more thing: once you really get used to Chinese rubbers, there’s often no going back. It’s like an acquired taste—the feeling and spin control are unique, and tensors can feel strange afterwards

If you’d rather focus on enjoying the game and building confidence right away, stick with the European options above. They’re easier to use and still give you plenty of room to grow 👍

 

[sebi]

Okey, and which of this would fit a beginner? Don’t wanna fall down the wrong path and pick something that’s way above my skill, I’m not very good.

Go with Mark V. 1.8mm is a good beginners choice. Don't overthink it.

You can generate more then enough spin with it, if you have the correct technique.
After your Mark V is worn and done. I would recommend to go for a more modern rubber.
Mark V is a little bit like Hurricane and has no catapult.

 

[Sherzy]

Go with Mark V. 1.8mm is a good beginners choice. Don't overthink it.

You can generate more then enough spin with it, if you have the correct technique.
After your Mark V is worn and done. I would recommend to go for a more modern rubber.
Mark V is a little bit like Hurricane and has no catapult.

Hmm, should I get 2.0 on both sides or 1.8, everyone is saying kind of different things just trying to figure out, since it’s a lot of money for me rn.

 

[sebi]

Hmm, should I get 2.0 on both sides or 1.8, everyone is saying kind of different things just trying to figure out, since it’s a lot of money for me rn.

1.8 should be enough but it depends how good you are.

Its always hard to recommend stuff without seeing what your technique looks like.

Best way to know is to ask your coach or more experienced players at your club.

 

[Sherzy]

1.8 should be enough but it depends how good you are.

Its always hard to recommend stuff without seeing what your technique looks like.

Best way to know is to ask your coach or more experienced players at your club.

Ye im not Even in a club 🤣 nor I have a coach. So I think I’ll stick to 1.8 on fh and bh.

 

[Sherzy]

Here’s my (slightly controversial) take:

When your technique becomes consistent and your style starts to take shape, you’ll naturally notice what’s missing—either by yourself or with a coach pointing it out. At that stage, you’ll know exactly what equipment you need. For now though, almost anything works as long as you don’t overspend (no need to go above ~140€ for a full setup)

A safe route is a 5-ply all-wood blade paired with a modern rubber. You really can’t go wrong there. Some reliable names are Yasaka Rakza 7, Xiom Vega Europe, or Xiom Vega Intro.

Now, the controversial part:

If you’re willing to be patient and put in the work, Chinese rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3 Neo can speed up your development. They’re harder and tackier, with less built-in catapult, so the rubber only gives you back what you put in. That forces you to learn proper technique. The downside is they’re much less forgiving—so it’s demanding, but rewarding long-term. Forces you to actively study your stroke mechanics. And one more thing: once you really get used to Chinese rubbers, there’s often no going back. It’s like an acquired taste—the feeling and spin control are unique, and tensors can feel strange afterwards

If you’d rather focus on enjoying the game and building confidence right away, stick with the European options above. They’re easier to use and still give you plenty of room to grow 👍

I personally like the last option better, So the European style, I think I will go for the Sweden Extra Blade and the rakza 7 2.0 for forehand and backhand. Sounds good?

 

[StreamOfWater]

I personally like the last option better, So the European style, I think I will go for the Sweden Extra Blade and the rakza 7 2.0 for forehand and backhand. Sounds good?

In my humble opinion, it will serve you well for a quite long time

 

[golden_son]

I started with the Yasaka Sweden Extra with Mark V 1.8 on both sides. It's great for pure beginners but those rubbers do put a ceiling on you pretty quickly. As soon as I got a coach he told me to keep the blade and switch to Rakza 7. If you don’t have a coach and you want to play as safe as possible then Mark V will be better than a pre-made but only so much. If you have a coach--even just once a week--you'll be much happier starting with Xiom Vega Intro or Rakza 7. They'll carry you further, R7 the furthest.

Now I personally recommend starting with something softer (e.g. Rakza 7 Soft or Rasanter R42) on the backhand. It's harder to engage the sponge on BH so softer is better until you get more comfortable and confident in your BH strokes. (Disregard this if you go with Mark V - it's already soft enough.)

As for thickness, I'm of the mindset to always go max and learn to control it. You gotta be willing to make a lot of mistakes until you do, though.

 

[Sherzy]

I started with the Yasaka Sweden Extra with Mark V 1.8 on both sides. It's great for pure beginners but those rubbers do put a ceiling on you pretty quickly. As soon as I got a coach he told me to keep the blade and switch to Rakza 7. If you don’t have a coach and you want to play as safe as possible then Mark V will be better than a pre-made but only so much. If you have a coach--even just once a week--you'll be much happier starting with Xiom Vega Intro or Rakza 7. They'll carry you further, R7 the furthest.

Now I personally recommend starting with something softer (e.g. Rakza 7 Soft or Rasanter R42) on the backhand. It's harder to engage the sponge on BH so softer is better until you get more comfortable and confident in your BH strokes. (Disregard this if you go with Mark V - it's already soft enough.)

As for thickness, I'm of the mindset to always go max and learn to control it. You gotta be willing to make a lot of mistakes until you do, though.

Thank you for your response. I will go with the same blade and rakza 7 2.0 on each side👍

 

[PenHoldSandro]

Thank you! Should I use Mark V 2.0 on both sides with the Sweden blade, then? Also, what rubber thickness would you recommend for the forehand and backhand? I’ve heard that using the same thickness on both sides is better for beginners.”

I'd personally go for Max thickness for Mark V, based off the other responses who like Rakza 7 more.

I started with the Yasaka Sweden Extra with Mark V 1.8 on both sides. It's great for pure beginners but those rubbers do put a ceiling on you pretty quickly. As soon as I got a coach he told me to keep the blade and switch to Rakza 7. If you don’t have a coach and you want to play as safe as possible then Mark V will be better than a pre-made but only so much. If you have a coach--even just once a week--you'll be much happier starting with Xiom Vega Intro or Rakza 7. They'll carry you further, R7 the furthest.

Now I personally recommend starting with something softer (e.g. Rakza 7 Soft or Rasanter R42) on the backhand. It's harder to engage the sponge on BH so softer is better until you get more comfortable and confident in your BH strokes. (Disregard this if you go with Mark V - it's already soft enough.)

As for thickness, I'm of the mindset to always go max and learn to control it. You gotta be willing to make a lot of mistakes until you do, though.

This is true, tho Mark V helps me out quite a bit more! Mark V with MX thickness is a bliss to play with. @greenbeanmachine can explain it better.

Thank you for your response. I will go with the same blade and rakza 7 2.0 on each side👍

That works, but I do have a question: why not a Chinese forehand like Hurricane?

 

[Sherzy]

That works, but I do have a question: why not a Chinese forehand like Hurricane?

I thought hurricane was extremely hard to control for a beginner so didn’t think about it

 

[Lazer]

Rakza 7 is much more reactive than Mark V. It may be too much. Mark V is probably the longest lasting rubber on the the market. It has first class top sheet with plenty of spin capability. But the key point being that the sponge is not reactive which makes it excellent for beginners.

I would choose Mark V 2.0 on both sides. Then next time around You will have more experience to make a more educated choice…

Cheers
L-zr

 

[Sherzy]

Rakza 7 is much more reactive than Mark V. It may be too much. Mark V is probably the longest lasting rubber on the the market. It has first class top sheet with plenty of spin capability. But the key point being that the sponge is not reactive which makes it excellent for beginners.

I would choose Mark V 2.0 on both sides. Then next time around You will have more experience to make a more educated choice…

Cheers
L-zr

Thank you for your response. What rubber thickness would u recommend on both sides?