Recent content by Souther

I use a similar wood combination, although 7 ply, and Zyre 03 works very well for the things you said you wanted. I got mine second hand after 6 months and I added another 4 months of use and still going. It's very long lasting. It is not a rubber for defense.

What coaches have said: Keep an arms length away from the table. You go in for short shots and put aways, but don't linger or risk getting jammed. Work on your foot work so that you can position yourself for shots, and learn to anticipate where the ball will be from where your shot goes...

For sure H3 has much better control. I still have it on backhand because it's good for offense and defense. But Zyre always surprises me with shots that would have been average with H3 and becoming point-winning. I've learned that where with H3 I might play a shot safely to keep it on the...

I felt the extra dwell time when I first used it comparing to H3N. But then I was overshooting. To compensate, I shortened my swing like you, which is a natural reaction, but not the correct way to use it. After a few months of use, I learned that the difference is the mechanical grip...

I always thought thicker sponge = more dwell time and softer sponge = more dwell time. (hard bat = least dwell time) And wouldn't you say its short game is actually pretty good because it has some dwell time? The inner/outer carbon 2.5/2.7 matchup really depends on user preference.

Perhaps there are other uses for the 2.5 version for those who have a different need and still want to utilize the thin top sheet. AI also gave a similar response including additional reasoning: While the core innovation of the Butterfly Zyre 03 revolves around its ultra-thin "Ricosheet"...

The whole point of the Zyre rubber design was to max out sponge thickness by trading in top sheet thickness. 2.5 defeats the purpose. Pros go out of the way to boost to the point of getting caught with a violation in thickness. There is no reason for 2.5. You take the whole deal, which is...

I love H3N 37 on backhand too. I don't boost and have no idea why people claim it feels dead. It's sticky and fast! I did switch to a faster blade mainly because I got used to the fast feeling of zyre 03 on forehand, but I still like my H3N so the faster blade kind of makes H3N faster and...

I agree that an "upgrade" path is just a path. But among your points, I think I agree more with spending time with the rubber you choose. Then when you know it thoroughly, you can fully enjoy all of it's aspects. For me, there is no too hard or two soft, maybe because I didn't really have...

I got to spend much more time with this since my initial tries last December when I was gifted a 6 month old sheet from my club buddy a few weeks ago. He plays around 10-14 hours a week. I think I originally said I'd take a blue sponge H3 over this back then, but now I'm not so sure. It...

You want equipment to be consistent and predictable when you are learning, so you're correct with the logic to get provincial. H3 lasts forever anyway, so it's not that big a deal to go for provincial and eat one less burger in a year. Petr Korbel is excellent. I also agree with not...

Lazer is correct. A ball will generally bounce higher off solid wood than plywood. Solid wood provides a harder, more rigid surface that absorbs less of the ball’s energy compared to the slightly less dense nature of plywood, leading to a more efficient energy transfer and higher rebound. This...

It's true that there is something good with every tool and you just need to be able to recognize it and exploit it. At a local health club, there are tables with cheap plastic outdoor paddles supplied for long lasting casual play. There is a guy who uses it better than several that bring their...

Skill is always the priority above equipment, and your example is spot on that the better skilled player will be able to make the most of the equipment at hand. As for the importance of equipment, table tennis is probably the most equipment sensitive of any sport due to the speed, spin, and...

I play unboosted and it's plenty fast. It's like someone choosing zyre 2.5 vs 2.7 sponge. If you want the full zyre effect you'd get 2.7, but that is not necessary. If you play unboosted, pick the blue sponge. This is staight from DHS: Blue Sponge The blue sponge offers enhanced...