A couple of questions about my upcoming (potential) equipment

[bbs]

Hi everyone,
My name is Barbara, and I just signed up (I introduced myself in the "Just arrived to the site?" section).

I've been playing table tennis forever, but it's only been a few months since I joined a club where I'm learning the technique and realizing just how complicated this sport is.

I'm starting to master the basic strokes and I feel pretty comfortable with them. I've recently learned the forehand topspin technique, but I still have some coordination issues and don't always hit the table or get the desired spin, but I'm making progress.

What I really want to improve on is placing the ball where I want on the table and learning to receive heavily spinned balls - I can't read the opponent's spin very well yet and as a result, I don't angle my paddle correctly to receive, sending many balls out.

My coach says my backhand is very good, the technique is correct and the shots are pretty powerful. My forehand, on the other hand, still needs a lot of training to be refined.

I started with my old Stiga Allround Classic racket, which is 12 years old, and I put on two new Chinese rubbers (Dawei 2008 XP Super Power 2.2mm). To be honest, I wasn't doing badly, but then I found a deal on Amazon for a Palio Master 2.0 (with two Palio CJ8000 rubbers) and immediately noticed the huge difference between the two rackets. I read a bit about the Palio before buying it and everyone agrees that for a pre-assembled racket, it's not bad at all (and I agree), so I abandoned the Stiga (really too slow for me) and currently play with the Palio, which I really like.

The Palio Master is good but it can never be compared to a custom-assembled racket that can grow with you. And that's why I'm here.

I've read a lot and learned that there are different types of blades and rubbers to choose from, depending on your level and playing style, and I've come up with a potential configuration.

Given that I've realized I'm an attacker and therefore want a racket that will allow me to follow this path in the future, I've opted for a Butterfly racket:
Blade: Petr Korbel MADE IN JAPAN
Rubbers: FH Rozena 2.1 mm and BH Rozena 1.9 mm

I know there are many other cheaper alternatives like the Xiom Offensive S or the Yasaka Sweden Extra or even the Tibhar Stratus Powerwood with Rakza 7 Soft on both sides, but I've ruled them out due to availability issues.
On the other hand, I can easily find the Butterfly and they also assemble it for me (although I've already done it myself, I prefer a professional to glue the rubbers).

Having said all that, I only have a couple of doubts.

I opted for the Korbel blade instead of the Primorac because I think, but I'm asking you for advice, that it can last me longer over time, even when I'm more experienced.

As for the rubbers, I read that the Rozenas are more "modern" than the Sriver that many recommend, so I opted for these even though they might be slightly more difficult to handle. Since I'm looking for a bit more power, I chose the 2.1 mm rubbers on the forehand and 1.9 mm on the backhand.

Do you think this configuration is good or is it too difficult to handle for a beginner like me?
Also, can I expect to improve my technique and generate a good spin with this racket (I read that Chinese rubbers produce a lot of spin because they are sticky, but are slower)?

Thanks everyone and sorry for the long post.
Barbara

 

[Machi]

You should upload a video of doing basic fh and bh drills and a practice match so people can see your actual skill level. Because we might think you are better or worse than you actually are.

 

[bbs]

Thanks for the reply.
I get it, but I don't have any videos of me, sorry.

Anyway, thanks.
I'll try investing and let you know how it goes.

 

[Brs]

Do you think this configuration is good or is it too difficult to handle for a beginner like me?

You made an excellent choice.

Table tennis is a difficult game. It would only retard your development to play with equipment that is easy to handle because it doesn't make or react much to spin. You would learn to play with no spin, which is very bad long-term.

Also, can I expect to improve my technique and generate a good spin with this racket (I read that Chinese rubbers produce a lot of spin because they are sticky, but are slower)?

Rozena is quite spinny. It's a notch safer than tenergy because the ball doesn't fly as far. With coaching and practice you can improve your technique and play at a very high level with this bat.

You will get used to the feeling of spring sponge. So if you reach a level where this bat is too easy for you to control, you have a direct upgrade path to tenergy. And of course you could go to a composite blade in the future, if you want to. But you should be fine for several years and many 100s of rating points improvement with the Korbel/Rozena combination.

 

[bbs]

Thanks!

You really gave me important information that I hadn't thought about. I never considered that a cheap racket could actually hold me back.

I'll upgrade then. Thanks again!

 

[d3nium]

I think you've made an excellent choice.

Your new setup will be faster/bouncier than your old one so will take some getting used to, but put in the work and you'll quickly see the benefit.

I know some good players who use 5-ply blades and Rozena, it's powerful and spinny.

Best of luck in your TT journey! 😎

 

[bbs]

Thanks!!

 

[zhzhzhz]

Hi everyone,
My name is Barbara, and I just signed up (I introduced myself in the "Just arrived to the site?" section).

I've been playing table tennis forever, but it's only been a few months since I joined a club where I'm learning the technique and realizing just how complicated this sport is.

I'm starting to master the basic strokes and I feel pretty comfortable with them. I've recently learned the forehand topspin technique, but I still have some coordination issues and don't always hit the table or get the desired spin, but I'm making progress.

What I really want to improve on is placing the ball where I want on the table and learning to receive heavily spinned balls - I can't read the opponent's spin very well yet and as a result, I don't angle my paddle correctly to receive, sending many balls out.

My coach says my backhand is very good, the technique is correct and the shots are pretty powerful. My forehand, on the other hand, still needs a lot of training to be refined.

I started with my old Stiga Allround Classic racket, which is 12 years old, and I put on two new Chinese rubbers (Dawei 2008 XP Super Power 2.2mm). To be honest, I wasn't doing badly, but then I found a deal on Amazon for a Palio Master 2.0 (with two Palio CJ8000 rubbers) and immediately noticed the huge difference between the two rackets. I read a bit about the Palio before buying it and everyone agrees that for a pre-assembled racket, it's not bad at all (and I agree), so I abandoned the Stiga (really too slow for me) and currently play with the Palio, which I really like.

The Palio Master is good but it can never be compared to a custom-assembled racket that can grow with you. And that's why I'm here.

I've read a lot and learned that there are different types of blades and rubbers to choose from, depending on your level and playing style, and I've come up with a potential configuration.

Given that I've realized I'm an attacker and therefore want a racket that will allow me to follow this path in the future, I've opted for a Butterfly racket:
Blade: Petr Korbel MADE IN JAPAN
Rubbers: FH Rozena 2.1 mm and BH Rozena 1.9 mm

I know there are many other cheaper alternatives like the Xiom Offensive S or the Yasaka Sweden Extra or even the Tibhar Stratus Powerwood with Rakza 7 Soft on both sides, but I've ruled them out due to availability issues.
On the other hand, I can easily find the Butterfly and they also assemble it for me (although I've already done it myself, I prefer a professional to glue the rubbers).

Having said all that, I only have a couple of doubts.

I opted for the Korbel blade instead of the Primorac because I think, but I'm asking you for advice, that it can last me longer over time, even when I'm more experienced.

As for the rubbers, I read that the Rozenas are more "modern" than the Sriver that many recommend, so I opted for these even though they might be slightly more difficult to handle. Since I'm looking for a bit more power, I chose the 2.1 mm rubbers on the forehand and 1.9 mm on the backhand.

Do you think this configuration is good or is it too difficult to handle for a beginner like me?
Also, can I expect to improve my technique and generate a good spin with this racket (I read that Chinese rubbers produce a lot of spin because they are sticky, but are slower)?

Thanks everyone and sorry for the long post.
Barbara

I wish I was like this 1 year ago. Iv been playing for 2-3 years now and I actually started with Tenergy 05 and Dignics 09c with a 7-ply offensive racket for my second-ever setup I am using hard rubbers and a fast blade. I am lucky I have a good coach and this setup is not too fast for me because of that.

I actually don't have any advice on beginner setups because most people I know started with carbon blades for their first setup. You have made a sage decision.

 

[bbs]

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I think it can help many people who are starting to get into this sport.

 

[zhzhzhz]

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I think it can help many people who are starting to get into this sport.

Tbh most new players like myself don't know about these forums or just don't bother making an effort like I did.
I ended up buying a super ZLC blade pretty early on but luckily for me it is working out perfectly. In most cases blades like these will not work out at all. I only got mine because of a recommendation but I was pretty dumb and extremely lucky.

No matter what or who tells you to get a ZLC, sZLC or sALC racket do not listen to them. Also do not use rubbers like hurricane which have hard sponge when you are just 1 or 2 years into the sport. It is a huge mistake iv seen people doing.

 

[bbs]

Tbh most new players like myself don't know about these forums or just don't bother making an effort like I did.
I ended up buying a super ZLC blade pretty early on but luckily for me it is working out perfectly. In most cases blades like these will not work out at all. I only got mine because of a recommendation but I was pretty dumb and extremely lucky.

No matter what or who tells you to get a ZLC, sZLC or sALC racket do not listen to them. Also do not use rubbers like hurricane which have hard sponge when you are just 1 or 2 years into the sport. It is a huge mistake iv seen people doing.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[bbs]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to give you an update after a few months of using the Butterfly Korbel (made in Japan) and Rozena rubbers.

To my great surprise, I had no trouble using the new racket right away (maybe because the Palio was also a 5-ply wood?), in fact, at first I didn't notice any differences at all, so that I almost regretted the investment.

After a few sessions, the feeling with the racket became stronger, I started to get to know it better, and today, after more than 3 months of use (four-hour training sessions per week), I can say that I am very satisfied with it.

It's an easy racket (at least for me) that gives me excellent control and good speed (not crazy, but ok). I'm not very satisfied with the spin, but that's probably due to my still imperfect technique.

My coach told me that I have improved a lot, and I believe this is also thanks to this racket.

I like this Korbel so much that I would like to make a second one just to try different rubbers (more spin, a little more power). I would like to understand how the rubber impacts me and the game. I would be tempted by the Tenergy 05 2.1 on both sides, but the cost is high...

In any case, I highly recommend my setup to anyone who wants to learn and progress quickly without frustration.
I also thank those who advised me, I can't thank them enough!

 

[Brozi]

If you want to try something more dynamic and grippy without braking the bank, I recommend the Nittaku Fastarc G1. Maybe its not as dynamic as the tenergy, and might be a bit less bouncy than the Rozena, but its more grippy, and has a higher topend speed. Although I'd recommend you just focus on practicing and getting better, without going down the EJ route, since its an addiction thats difficult to get rid of 😅

 

[bbs]

Thanks!
I will definitely stay focused on improving, which is why I would like a second racket, but curiosity is hard to ignore!!

 

[NetProphet]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to give you an update after a few months of using the Butterfly Korbel (made in Japan) and Rozena rubbers.

To my great surprise, I had no trouble using the new racket right away (maybe because the Palio was also a 5-ply wood?), in fact, at first I didn't notice any differences at all, so that I almost regretted the investment.

After a few sessions, the feeling with the racket became stronger, I started to get to know it better, and today, after more than 3 months of use (four-hour training sessions per week), I can say that I am very satisfied with it.

It's an easy racket (at least for me) that gives me excellent control and good speed (not crazy, but ok). I'm not very satisfied with the spin, but that's probably due to my still imperfect technique.

My coach told me that I have improved a lot, and I believe this is also thanks to this racket.

I like this Korbel so much that I would like to make a second one just to try different rubbers (more spin, a little more power). I would like to understand how the rubber impacts me and the game. I would be tempted by the Tenergy 05 2.1 on both sides, but the cost is high...

In any case, I highly recommend my setup to anyone who wants to learn and progress quickly without frustration.
I also thank those who advised me, I can't thank them enough!

In an attempt to save you from the path to EJ (Equipment Junkie) I will say to forget about new rubbers for now and commit 100% to your current setup. I'd be very confident that the Rozenas can give you everything you need and you will generate more of the spin you want as your technique gets better and better.

When you had asked in here before buying you could have received 20 different rubber recommendations to try (I'm actually surprised you didn't get them, I guess your post flew under the radar around New Year) with your Korbel and from Rakza 7 through Yinhe Moon 12 to Tibhar Aurus they'd have ALL been good recommendations. If your Korbel had 2 Rakza 7s on it it would be an equally good racket!
But one of the keys to improving over the longer term is to trust your equipment and to stick with it.
That's the advice I'd give anyway! 🙂
Best 👍

 

[Federal_Agent]

Petr Korbel is amazing!
Rozena, Rakza 7, Rakza Z or C1 (nittaku) ... my best option = RAKZA 7 (regular)

 

[bbs]

You're right Sims,
I asked here more for confirmation than an ideal setup, but only because I studied before, reading the various posts and chose to have a completely butterfly bat. You gave me confirmation on the choice, that's why I thank you.

Thank you for your advice, I certainly don't want to change my current setup because I'm comfortable with it and I'm still learning, but, as I said, I'm just curious.

 

[pingpongpaddy]

hi Barbara
difficult to be really helpful without seeing you play, but here are some wrinkles from my 50+ years in the game.
the best way to satisfy curiosity cheaply is to ask to sample club mates racket. After you have tried a few the feeling goes away. Spend the money saved on a good pair of shoes.
One of the most useful things for beginners is access to a full length mirror so you can compare your idea of the various strokes with the technique of experienced players
with the fh there are a lot of moving parts:-
shoulder
arm
wrist
fingers
should be relaxed such that moving your weight backwards/forwards up/down by means of your legs will cause a response in your arms.
holding the racket
as soft as possible
Denis Neale (former England no 1) said:
imagine you are keeping a sparrow in your hand. you want to keep it, but you don't want to hurt it.

Beware the feeling that your fingers need to be in precise positions on the racket all the time. That is the enemy of flexibility and whippiness which is essential for easy power

Ask your coach to introduce you to the Falkenberg drill and try to do at least 10 minutes each time you are at the club
all topspin counter at consistent control speed
the feeder
sends 2 balls to workers bh on same line then 1 ball to centre line.repeat aiming at 20+ shot rally
worker sends all balls to feeder bh

1. plays bh
2. steps around plays fh from bh corner
3. moves to play fh from centre
   repeat

this drill involves bh and fh, and side to side movement along with weight transference.
this is a pro exercise but its also very good for beginners done at a steady pace. Really as long as you are a player you should be doing this. Its like doing scales if you are a musician
good luck!

 

[bbs]

Thank you pingpongpaddy for the valuable advice, your vast experience is evident and I truly appreciate the time you dedicated to this very helpful response.

I will try to "steal" some rackets from my teammates for a few moments and see what happens...

Denis Neale's quote is very nice, my coach instead always tells me: "the racket is not a hammer" meaning therefore not to grip it too tightly and to be relaxed but precise in the grip. Not easy at all, but every day's better.

I know the Falkenberg drill (I didn't know it was called that though), we always do it in training with its variations too, but only in the last few weeks have I been able to be more precise and consistent. It'a hard exercise, but I like it a lot!
Next time I'll post a video of me playing, I just need to get the opportunity to do it.

Thanks again!

 

[pingpongpaddy]

Thank you pingpongpaddy for the valuable advice, your vast experience is evident and I truly appreciate the time you dedicated to this very helpful response.

I will try to "steal" some rackets from my teammates for a few moments and see what happens...

Denis Neale's quote is very nice, my coach instead always tells me: "the racket is not a hammer" meaning therefore not to grip it too tightly and to be relaxed but precise in the grip. Not easy at all, but every day's better.

I know the Falkenberg drill (I didn't know it was called that though), we always do it in training with its variations too, but only in the last few weeks have I been able to be more precise and consistent. It'a hard exercise, but I like it a lot!
Next time I'll post a video of me playing, I just need to get the opportunity to do it.

Thanks again!

You are on the right track.
good TT environment
and I like the sound of your coach



PPP