What Are Hybrid Table Tennis Rubbers and Why Are They So Popular Nowadays?

[victormanriquey]

I think playing level matters a lot. I'm a lower level player and I prefer inner carbon because I can play wide angles and drop the ball short easier. I also swing with a lot of power and don't find it too hard to "activate". I can make dangerous winning shots from 5m+ away.

Outer is easier to make sufficient rallying shots with and to counterloop close to table, but those aren't super relevant for me because my power is sufficient for a bit above my level and counterlooping close to table just isn't a thing that's so common and players my level tend to block or drive them.

The only true advantage from something like Viscaria vs something like B2 for me is that the backhand punch and loop close to table is just more powerful, even when I use it. However it's easier to go long with it, so it's not a free lunch. To counteract it, I use quite fast rubbers on backhand.

At a bit higher level speed becomes a premium so I think you'd be willing to give up some of the advantages of inner for the advantages of outer, depending on your strategy.

Yep very much agree with with comment, it's basically always a tradeoff as we always say in this forum, no gear is perfect, it's just a choice, but I like your choice @Archosaurus

 

[victormanriquey]

In fact, thanks to long-term anaerobic training, my strength is also above that of table tennis players at the same level. However, as I face tougher opponents, I find it doesn’t help me much—raw power alone isn’t hard for them to deal with. Instead, they use my power to cleverly control the rally, and I end up running back and forth and side to side from away the table, which drains more of my energy. I’m gradually realizing that what I need is speed, time, and less energy expenditure. This is also one of the reasons I switched away from an all-wood blade.

It’s not that one type of equipment is bad; they each have their pros and cons. You’re right—it depends on our strategy.

Yep, very much agree with this @ZSQ , it's also happening to me lately, I play a guy from china, very high rating in NL and he blocks everything with his penhold, so I run left and right like an idiot and get tired. Against this kind of player placement matters much more than just raw speed, so control is better. Against other players it may be different of course

 

[Tyce]

@Tyce you mean helix hybrid or DNA hybrid? For me the one who has what you describe is helix hybrid

Definitely DNA hybrid, it's almost like the rubber is behaving like an inner carbon blade slow, controlled touch and then bam!

 

[victormanriquey]

Definitely DNA hybrid, it's almost like the rubber is behaving like an inner carbon blade slow, controlled touch and then bam!

Ah yeah agreed, dna hybrid is like a 2/3 gear car, also happens on the DNA Hybrid H im testing now, slow, slowish, rocket haha with the XH is even more pronounced, not my kind of taste, i prefer a bit smoother transitions haha

 

[ZSQ]

Nice to be in the same sector, China AI is exploding so I'm sure is also crazy there. And I'm sure you play good, but always good to be humble, we're all just amateurs

Interesting what you mention about inner and outer blades in China, I did not know about that, every day we all learn something new! Thanks for the insight. And about what I think about it, I'm a bit in the middle because what you say has pros and cons, and funny enough, I use an inner blade but with outer traits, the B2X often behaves like an outer, same like the SYS blade that i liked, so I see the point, and I also see what it can cause (a lot of speed fast) so you know, I guess both philosophies have something for it, probably a lot of people in China stay with all wood for a longer time, then all good! And Viscaria is a fantastic blade, I have it on my shelf, still a beast! I attach you a photo of mine, I like the pattern somehow View attachment 43362

hahaha good philosophy on rubbers @ZSQ xD at least you cannot blade the rubbers!!!! Great. T19 is not bad at all, but on Viscaria a lot of power, if you can handle it, all good, great combi

Yes all good, happy to help, let me know how your equipment search goes in the future, keep me updated!!

Best of lucks and talk soon

Between inner and outer carbon blades, there really is a quiet shift happening. We’ve also noticed that more and more inner carbon blades are becoming increasingly similar to outer blades in terms of feel and speed. Some outer blades are doing the same—getting softer and feeling more and more like inner ones. I don’t know whether this is manufacturers trying to cater to the market and improve the versatility of their equipment to become more competitive, or whether there’s some other reason. But it definitely gives us more fresh experiences.

You’re right—a lot of people in China stay with all-wood for a longer time to lay a solid foundation. Many veteran players also just love the feel of all-wood. So all good!

A very cool Viscaria! Judging from the edges and the handle, you don’t just collect it—it must have been through a lot of tough battles with you. I think that’s great for a blade.

As for my rubbers, I’ll probably replace my forehand as soon as possible—it really doesn’t suit me. As for the Mantra Pro on my backhand, I’ve recently gained some new insights into how to use it better, so I’ll probably keep using it until it truly wears out.

I’ll update you as soon as I’ve changed equipment and played with it for a while. Let’s keep in touch.

Best regards 😁