Advice for 3 Blades for 3 beers:)

[WheatBeers]

Hello Table Tennis Daily. This is my first post topic-wise and my sincere apologies if I should jumping on the Looking for a custom setup thread or the advice for a blade low budget thread. Both of which I skimmed through but decided that my problems were different enough. About me, I am in my mid 50's and I am semi-athletic and competent when I'm not drunk. I love to hike in California, Nevada, and Mexico, and I do it half naked and without sunscreen! And I have played a ton of hockey in LA over 25 years, mostly for the drinking afterwards. Anyways, long story short, now that I'm middle-aged, I am really getting into table tennis. This site was the top site in my search for a forum btw. Anyways, I play TT at work with all the eggheads at my company. These guys are really smart and really good at this sport. They got me this paddle, the one I'm using now, and it's pretty snazzy. Looks great to me but I don't know much about equipment but I do pay attention to details. My question is: What rubbers should I get to cover up my new racquets or should I say blades? I forgot to mention how I play. I like to attack. I don't like to rally as I always mess up. I can do the spin shots or loops but I am not quick enough as the rally gets longer even though I'm taller than everyone and stronger. I can't judge the spin on the serves either. That's the toughest part of the game. I'm over 6 foot if that matters. So my little buddy says I should be using bumpy rubbers. Anyways, the current blade I'm using now, the chopper, shakes in my hand when they really hit the ball hard and everything goes off the table. So he got me these old blades which are in the pic. Of course I took him out for beers, because he did right by me.

 

[turbozed]

Looks like your coworkers want you to play pips and defense giving you stiff blades with little to no feeling. If you want to develop your offensive game, I wouldn't use any of those (not sure what Palio model that is though). You should instead consider getting a softer and more flexible Off- blade and inverted rubbers. There are many good options in the $20-$45 range for blades. Then you can get some cheap chinese training rubber for $5-$15 each.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Butterfly Falcima with two sheets of Rozena, nuff' said.

Some may dish how expensive Butterfly product is that is until you actually hold one in your hands...

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

Hey there,
If my post helps you, I don't want 3 beers, but if you can help donate to this cause, it will be gladly appreciated.
https://tonystt.co.za/blog/2023/05/06/getting-cassel-to-the-world-championships

It is difficult to suggest with the little information provided.
So I will go the "safe route", which can't really go wrong.
Add Yasaka Mark V on both sides and develop your game with it.

I agree with Turbozed above that these aren't the most suitable blades to start with, as those are mostly blades for pimple out rubbers. Should you use, I would use the Donic with the Mark V rubbers.

Hope that helps

 

[WheatBeers]

Thank you guys for your prompt responses. TTT, Gozo, and turbozed. I will ask the guys at work as well.

 

[mightymouse]

Blades (thinking that you are still developing to be an offensive player):
1. Yasaka Sweden Extra, or
2. Donic Appelgren Allplay

Rubbers:
1. Yasaka Mark V, or
2. Cheaper rubber --> Palio AK-47 yellow sponge

Don't worry about the beers.

 

[JJ Ng]

I am going to suggest an even cheaper option. go to gamblertt.com

Just get Gambler Exotic Hinoki IM8 Carbon With Mech-Tek Oh-Toro for $45.00. If you want to develop your game, you cannot go wrong with the set-up.

I have used Gambler before and I still have some blades and rubbers from Gambler that are not assembled. I know Gambler like talks aobut their Mech-Tek Oh-toro being Tenergy equivalent. Yeah, that is all talk. But is it Mark V or Sriver equivalent? Yeah right about there. So you getting a carbon blade plus two rubbers (each of a rubber being Mark V or Sriver equivalent) for $45, it is a great great deal!

Now, I am going to out the limp. If you are NOT going to get coaching, then have short pips on one side (because you cannot read spin and you don't want to get into a rally), then it is fine idea. Just use that short pips side to return serve. If you want to attack and want to have both side being short pips. I don't see a problem with that. Obviously, don't touch medium pips or long pips because you want to attack.

 

[WheatBeers]

Thank you kindly JJ Ng and mightymouse. Great name MM. I'm old enough to remember that cartoon Your suggestions have been noted, as well as all the other tips that I picked up from this wonderful site. JJ Ng, I can't help but notice your Canadian. Are you watching the Stanly Cup Playoffs? What's your favorite beer? Well to get back on track and right down to business, the easiest thing for someone like myself to do is to take baby steps. Little bitty baby steps as I am getting off the bench and jumping over the boards into this great sport. So that is why I have decided to transfer my current rubbers over to my new (old) Cayman. BTW I read up somewhere that some scientist said that Table Tennis is the best sport for your brain. With balls coming at you at speeds in excess of 100 mph... you got to think and you got move.

I should be moving on now but I have one other technicality that remains unresolved. The edges of my newly acquired Cayman are splintered. Does anyone know how I can best deal with a damaged balsa blade? Drinks are on me fellas.