Your go-to 42.5° rubber (Fastarc C1 Alternative)

[kolyasya]

Hey guys,

I’ve been playing with a 6-month-old Nittaku Fastarc C1 on my backhand, and I like it quite a lot. But, thanks to the EJ virus, I’m eager to test something new. I’ve already ordered Xiom Korea (which is 45°), but I’d still love to discuss other good soft rubbers worth trying.

On the same blade model, I’ve also tried Yasaka Rakza 7 on my backhand, but it’s a bit too much for me. I can definitely play with it, but I feel less control, and it’s harder to open up. Fastarc C1 is soft and grippy, which makes flicking serves and opening against pushes much easier. I don't know if 2.0 thickness of C1 affects control too much, but this is something to consider as well.

Here are some interesting rubbers I found based on reviews:
Tibhar FX-P
Joola Tronix CMD
Stiga Platinum DNA S

Have you had a chance to play with any of these rubbers? How do they compare to the Fastarc C1? Are there any other soft and grippy rubbers you’d recommend trying?

 

[Tyce]

Vega Europe instantly springs to mind, slower but also easy on the wallet

 

[kolyasya]

Vega Europe instantly springs to mind, slower but also easy on the wallet

I recall Europe being less grippy than Fastarc C1. But I played with it a couple of years ago

 

[d3nium]

Vega Europe is a step down from C1 imo

 

[piligrim]

Powergrip SFX

 

[tzifos]

Powergrip SFX

This is a good alternative, to C1, just a bit slower but very nice rubber. A big plus is the weight, it is lighter than C1. The only bad thing with this is that it isn't as sturdy as C1 is. Also I find it a bit more expensive than C1, but this depends on the stores I use.

 

[Milton Table Tennis Club]

Rasanter R42
I like it
Read the Racket Insight site review.
I'm curious about tenergy 05 but not paying that much.

 

[Fragaal]

Joola Dynaryz CMD - is the modern version of the Vega Europe.

It has the control of the Vega Europe, spin of the C1, is easier to activate than the other two and has a great sound.

 

[kolyasya]

Joola Dynaryz CMD - is the modern version of the Vega Europe.

It has the control of the Vega Europe, spin of the C1, is easier to activate than the other two and has a great sound.

Did you compare it with the Tronix CMD? Tronix seems to be more budget-friendly

 

[Fragaal]

Nah sorry - never tried Tronix.
but Tronix CMD are 42.5° and Dynaryz 45° - so i think Tronix is even more controllable as Dynaryz.

 

[kolyasya]

Nah sorry - never tried Tronix.
but Tronix CMD are 42.5° and Dynaryz 45° - so i think Tronix is even more controllable as Dynaryz.

Hm, interesting. I was under impression that CMD is kinda 42.5 meaning in Joola's terms.

 

[BlopChock]

Joola Dynaryz CMD - is the modern version of the Vega Europe.

It has the control of the Vega Europe, spin of the C1, is easier to activate than the other two and has a great sound.

How does it's durability compare to C-1?

 

[Fragaal]

Unfortunately I don't know, I've only been playing the rubber for a month and it's hardly wearing out.
I train 2-3 times a week for 2-3 hours.
But I believe that the Fastarc series has an unbeatable durability.

 

[Fragaal]

Hm, interesting. I was under impression that CMD is kinda 42.5 meaning in Joola's terms.

absolutly right, my mistake. it has also a 42.5° hardness.

I honestly don't know how I came up with that now. I must have mixed it up with another rubber. I've been reading too much about rubbers lately.

 

[Julzig]

Dynaryz CMD is plenty capable, soft and not too hard to play.
I did not like its durability and performance in comparison to its price, especially after raising it above 60.
After 2 months the topsheet looked horrible. I did play alright still but gave me (a maybe false) feeling of not having the grip and quality as I should.
If you change it frequently, lets say every 4-6 months and get it for a decent price. It might be the best you can get at this hardness

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Donic Acuda S2
Tibhar Aurus Soft
Reason: Cheapest ESN tensor in the market. Good value for money especially for OB ( Hobby Player ).

It is like why spend all those money to buy an Iphone 16 Pro Max when as a casual user you will not use 50% of the feature contain therein, better save some cash and get an Iphone SE or Iphone 13 instead. As a casual user, you will not miss any of those bells & whistles anyway.

 

[Olio]

Omega 7 Euro.

 

[kolyasya]

Donic Acuda S2
Tibhar Aurus Soft
Reason: Cheapest ESN tensor in the market. Good value for money especially for OB ( Hobby Player ).

It is like why spend all those money to buy an Iphone 16 Pro Max when as a casual user you will not use 50% of the feature contain therein, better save some cash and get an Iphone SE or Iphone 13 instead. As a casual user, you will not miss any of those bells & whistles anyway.

On Taobao Aurus Soft costs almost as Joola Tronix or Xiom Korea btw.

 

[Topspinslinger]

Aurus on aliexpress is €26 on sale, good rubber