Hybrid suggestions for someone coming from H3

[ck1407]

Hi guys!

So I currently use a Long 5 with unboosted hurricanes on both sides but am looking to change equipment entirely. I've been using this setup for about 2+ years now and it has suited me quite well but I feel it's time to change to something a bit faster, especially since I don't want to boost my rubbers. I am thinking about switching to FZD ALC blade (not 100% about this yet) but don't know what rubbers to use. I definitely want to use hybrid ones but I just can't make my mind up. Some of them also seem to have a few disadvantages that make me not want to use them at all - for example Dignics 09C is too expensive for me, K3 doesn't last long enough etc.

The ones I have been considering are:
Victas>15 sticky (although I have read people talk about the speed not being quite there)
Rakza Z (but the throw is quite high)
Glayzer 09C
Helix hybrid XH
It's worth noting that since I currently use Hurricanes I really value tackiness and spin on the ball which is why I am wanting to use hybrids and not go straight to European rubbers like tenergy.

My playstyle is a very aggressive fast game with plenty BH-BH exchanges and FH counters. I loop first against most long balls and enjoy playing positive shots at mid table distance.


If anyone can suggest any other rubbers/provide some insight that would be greatly appreciated

Base on the description of your playstyle, you might want to consider Tibhar K3 on both sides. K3 definitely require less effort to use compared to unboosted hurricane. Only downside is you probably need to change rubber at the 6months mark. This goes the same as donic blue grip J1 which is my fh rubber, just bought a new sheet after 8months (only dragged the purchase as I wanted my rubber to be as new as possible for upcoming tournament, will definitely change at the 6months mark)

 

[Coolsta Connor]

Ik you said you can't afford D09c, but if you can fork out some cash its:
1. the closest alternative with extra speed
2. has superior durability to all the others so the extra money is worth it
3. just cant be beat

 

[kamsky49]

Base on the description of your playstyle, you might want to consider Tibhar K3 on both sides. K3 definitely require less effort to use compared to unboosted hurricane. Only downside is you probably need to change rubber at the 6months mark. This goes the same as donic blue grip J1 which is my fh rubber, just bought a new sheet after 8months (only dragged the purchase as I wanted my rubber to be as new as possible for upcoming tournament, will definitely change at the 6months mark)

I want to use K3 but from what I have read online the lifespan is really short, I haven't seen it last 6 months for many people - it seems to have a significant dip in performance after a month/month and a half and then dies after about 3. What has your experience been like with the bluegrip? How do you find it performs?

 

[kamsky49]

The problem you might have changing blade. Is that it will be stiffer/less flexible. The feel will change a lot. But first, if you stop using H3, for an Hybrid, it will be faster more dynamic. So, I wouldn't go for a faster blade. But, if you want a faster HL5 like, you have the w968 which is the "pro" version of it, so a bit faster. You can find some for 350€.
Or go for the HL5x. But like I said, it will be less flexible.

The Xiom Vega China, is very different from other Xiom, as it is closer to a Chinese rubber than ESN.

I have been looking at the long 5 Gold version which is about 245 Euros. I can't find the W968 anywhere cheaper than 600-700 Euros so I might upgrade to the gold version because its much more affordable and looks well rated.

 

[ck1407]

I want to use K3 but from what I have read online the lifespan is really short, I haven't seen it last 6 months for many people - it seems to have a significant dip in performance after a month/month and a half and then dies after about 3. What has your experience been like with the bluegrip? How do you find it performs?

First of all, I boost my J1 with 2 thin layer of booster.

Rubber feels amazing the first 2 weeks then drops in explosiveness slightly and maintains for the next 5+months.

The durability issue with J1 is not with the sponge as sponge still pack a good punch. The issue is with the top sheet as the grip drops as I have smooth spots on my rubber after all the looping I do. This means that if you don't engage the sponge in your loops and use more thin brushing loops, the ball might slip.

 

[kamsky49]

First of all, I boost my J1 with 2 thin layer of booster.

Rubber feels amazing the first 2 weeks then drops in explosiveness slightly and maintains for the next 5+months.

The durability issue with J1 is not with the sponge as sponge still pack a good punch. The issue is with the top sheet as the grip drops as I have smooth spots on my rubber after all the looping I do. This means that if you don't engage the sponge in your loops and use more thin brushing loops, the ball might slip.

So do you boost only initially when using the rubber for the first time? Or is it every 2/3 months?

 

[ck1407]

So do you boost only initially when using the rubber for the first time? Or is it every 2/3 months?

One initial boost and leave it on till I change the rubber