Custom Setup Recommendations

[bryan123]

Hi!

My friends and I play recreationally around an hour a day and have never taken lessons. I'd say we're in between beginner and intermediate. We're looking to improve our game and move away from premade bats.

One of my friends is a defensive player and has great reaction speed. From what I read online, it seems like he would be classified as a classical defender. He rarely goes on the offensive and frankly is not good at it, but he can almost always return relatively powerful top spin shots, even when they're placed around the table. His returns float back with low to medium backspin. He just plays like this until the opponent makes a mistake.

He actually refuses to use the more expensive premade bats (killerspin) and prefers the cheapest bat because he feels like he gets more control. He's a bit hesitant to get any new paddle since so far he's always preferred the cheap ones. Does anyone have any recommendations for him? It seems like a defensive paddle with long pips might work? It seems like people usually do inverted rubbers on one side and long pips on the other side, but he hits defensively regardless of the side.

Secondly, I'm an offensive player and currently have a Killerspin Jet 400 Smash N1 and from reading through some posts, I was thinking of switching to a Yasaka Sweden Extra and Rakza 7 Max (FH), Rakza 7 2.0 (BH). I know I should be wary of moving to a faster, less controllable set up too quickly after moving off of the premade bat, just wondering if there's any other set up people would recommend. Especially for the paddle, I'm okay with spending a bit of extra money if I could use it for a long time.

Thanks!

 

[pong99]

colestt.com for US customers - premade buster combo will be fine

email Cole if you want his recommendations for different offensive and defensive setups

 

[JJ Ng]

Hi!

My friends and I play recreationally around an hour a day and have never taken lessons. I'd say we're in between beginner and intermediate. We're looking to improve our game and move away from premade bats.

One of my friends is a defensive player and has great reaction speed. From what I read online, it seems like he would be classified as a classical defender. He rarely goes on the offensive and frankly is not good at it, but he can almost always return relatively powerful top spin shots, even when they're placed around the table. His returns float back with low to medium backspin. He just plays like this until the opponent makes a mistake.

He actually refuses to use the more expensive premade bats (killerspin) and prefers the cheapest bat because he feels like he gets more control. He's a bit hesitant to get any new paddle since so far he's always preferred the cheap ones. Does anyone have any recommendations for him? It seems like a defensive paddle with long pips might work? It seems like people usually do inverted rubbers on one side and long pips on the other side, but he hits defensively regardless of the side.

Secondly, I'm an offensive player and currently have a Killerspin Jet 400 Smash N1 and from reading through some posts, I was thinking of switching to a Yasaka Sweden Extra and Rakza 7 Max (FH), Rakza 7 2.0 (BH). I know I should be wary of moving to a faster, less controllable set up too quickly after moving off of the premade bat, just wondering if there's any other set up people would recommend. Especially for the paddle, I'm okay with spending a bit of extra money if I could use it for a long time.

Thanks!

There is nothing wrong with your friend's set-up. His premade paddle is meant to be slow so he can block the balls back consistently. If your friend is serious about upgrading, I would recommend Tibhar Stratus Power Wood. Why? It actually has a bigger face (playing area) than other blades so it is great for him. If he really wants to have a slower blade, then Tibhar Stratus Power Defense. I have like 5 copies of Tibhar Stratus Power Wood but I have not played with Tibhar Stratus Power Defense so a little bit of a disclaimer here.

For his forehand rubber, if he likes it slow and controllable but still wants to spin the ball (and cheap), then I would recommend Friendship 729 Bluesponge 1.5mm or 1.8mm. There is nothing wrong with cheap Chinese rubber in his case.

For his backhand rubber, if he naturally blocks it with a bit of under spin and he wants to block people's top spin and let them attack first, then I would recommend anti (not long pips, not medium pips and not short pips; but anti). Anti's dampening sponge should allow him to block with ease and frustrate the opponents. Nittaku Best Anti is priced competitively. Maybe 1.8mm sponge?

For you, I have never used Yasaka Sweden Extra so no comment. My recommendation would be Tibhar Stratus Power Wood. You can grow and improve your skill by keeping Tibhar Status Power Wood and upgrade the rubbers along the way. If you have never taken lessons, I would stay away from the tensor rubbers for the most part.

Victas Ventus Regular α is what I would recommend for both forehand and backhand. I have a sheet. It is very linear. Almost like traditional rubbers such as Mark V and Sriver. 2.0mm on both sides.

If you and your friend together buy from tabletennis11, you might get some discount and free shipping. Also Victas Ventus Regular α is on their weekly sales item list for $19.86 a piece.

You and your friend can also ask the staff at tabletennis11 to assemble the rackets for you.

 

[bryan123]

Thanks for the responses! I went with Tibhar Stratus Power Wood and Rakza 7 2.0mm, though I’ll keep the Victas Ventus in mind for the future. For my friend I went with the Donic Defplay Classic V3, the Friendship 729 Bluesponge 1.5mm and Nittaku Best Anti 1.8mm. I bought them all on tabletennis11 and has a surprise volume discount which was nice.

Thanks again!