Migrating from VS401 to something else

[Nakira]

Hi all,

Until a few months ago, my kid wanted to play modern defense, and was using the VS401 (1.5) to chop.

But now that he is able to perform backhand topspin attacks, and is pretty amused by this, he would like to change his backhand rubber to a more offensive one.

He still wants to be a complete player, beeing able to play at the table or at mid distance, old school or new school table tennis.

He uses the fastarc G1 in forehand, 1.8

His trainer recommended the C1 for his backhand, but I'm not sure if he is aware how hard the VS401 is. And I wonder if transitioning from a very hard to a soft rubber would not be a waste. Knowing that the kid is able to attack in top spin with the VS401.

Do you have any advices?

Many thanks

 

[DBsystem78]

what blade he is using ?

 

[haggisv]

I've used the VS 401 in all thicknesses. In 1.8mm or 2,0mm is has plenty of speed for offensive play, so that's not a bad option. Although the rubber has a hard sponge, the topsheet is quite soft, which makes it feel a lot softer.

 

[Nakira]

what blade he is using ?

rapier 42 custom blade (he loves it)

 

[Nakira]

I've used the VS 401 in all thicknesses. In 1.8mm or 2,0mm is has plenty of speed for offensive play, so that's not a bad option. Although the rubber has a hard sponge, the topsheet is quite soft, which makes it feel a lot softer.

The problem is, it's too heavy, he is only 12 and I'm afraid he could hurt himself

Edit: also, he is a spoil brat ( 🤣 ). He wants to change this summer, he will keep his blade and FH rubber

 

[belllfador]

I am switching to VS 401 1.5mm, coming from H3 OS and Donic Slice CS 1.5mm. My recomendation is Donic Slice CS - if I have it when I was 12, I will be over 2000 TTR now😄. Hardness is around 48, between C1 and VS 401. It is very linear and gripy. In 1.5mm can be close to bottoming out, so 1.8mm will be better for offense. The only disadvantage is the fragile sponge.

 

[Nakira]

Donic Slice CS hardness is around 48, between C1 and VS 401. It is very linear and gripy. In 1.5mm can be close to bottoming out, so 1.8mm will be better for offense. The only disadvantage is the fragile sponge.

Thank you!

The kid has a tendency to hit the table with his blade (not on purpose).

Do you think the sponge can survive 6 months? I change the rubbers twice a year

 

[belllfador]

Thank you!

The kid has a tendency to hit the table with his blade (not on purpose).

Do you think the sponge can survive 6 months? I change the rubbers twice a year

Depends on the hits, but is not as durable as VS 401. For me, the issue is changing the glue - craters even with DHS 15 and softening the glue with Revolution No.3 Cleaner.

Did he try G1 on his BH?

 

[Nakira]

Well, I don't remove and re-glue the rubber, so it should be fine.

For the G1, he asked me to use it on BH, but it's good to have some extra advices.

Basically he loves disturbing his opponents' game, but he is afraid of BH topspin during complicated matches, when he knows how to do it at training.

 

[MOJOJOJO-74]

Well, I don't remove and re-glue the rubber, so it should be fine.

For the G1, he asked me to use it on BH, but it's good to have some extra advices.

Basically he loves disturbing his opponents' game, but he is afraid of BH topspin during complicated matches, when he knows how to do it at training.

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 might be a better option to get his full potential for his backhand since VS401 is very hard to engage the rubber. Definitely consider using the G1 on his backhand to see if he likes it better and if he does, you could just buy G1 on both sides. It seem like he just needs to be more confident in himself because he has the technique, but in matches might feel he has a lot of pressure on him and might not want to make a lot of mistakes. From someone who used to use traditional penhold backhand for most of the time with balls coming to my backhand and now uses reverse penhold backhand, he should try forcing himself to use his backhand during matches because right now he needs to break that mental habit of using it to just block or whatever he does during the matches, and making yourself use the technique you used will make you feel comfortable and confident in being able to use it more and more. Yes he might make mistakes, but as he uses the backhand topspin more and more, he'll feel much better knowing that he can use his backup in practice AND matches.