Joola, Stiga, Yasaka combo - advice appreciated!

[TripleB]

I'm getting back into table tennis after a 10+ year absence and would like to get an all around paddle combo just to see where my game's at and what I might like/dislike in a 'better' paddle moving forward.

Random info about me: prefer shakehand blade/flare handle; smooth rubber; tried to play close to table using opponents spin/speed against them; although at times I stepped back and used big swings to play offensively; liked "grippy" high spin rubber (play all racquet/paddle sports with a lot of spin); backhand better than forehand; best paddle I've used in past was Nittaku KVL Defensive blade w/Nitttaku Spiral rubber.

Two combos that were recommended and a third I'm looking at are:
Joola Rosskopf Allround Tournament combo with Rhyzen CMD rubber
Stiga Allround Classic combo with Mantra Control rubber
Yasaka Sweden Extra with Mark V rubber

Can anyone offer some thoughts, advice, recommendations, etc. on the three above combos?

Thank you very much for any help you can provide!

TripleB

 

[Haraold]

well if you liked Nittaku in the past you should give the Factive a look at.
Joola and Stiga are all modern day versions of beginner to intermediate Setup,i would start with one of them,or maybe get the STiga Blade and the 2 Rhyzen cmd rubbers,that is what i would do.
The YSE with Mark V is a bit outdated,you still can play them no quetion but i would give the never versions a start from the "beginning".
There is a reason the Tensors from ESn are played after speed glue ban.

 

[tzifos]

For the rubbers I would choose Stiga Mantra PRO M or Mantra PRO M & H combination (forehand/backhand) which are in between the "modern" tensors and the rubbers you used to play with long time ago.
Yasaka Sweden Extra and Stiga Allround are solid choices but you may also look at Stiga Offensive Clasic

 

[FrenchFrog33]

I tried both Stiga Mantra Pro M and Stiga DNA Hybrid M and found DNA Hybrid M to be lighter and more controllable. Pair that with Stiga Cybershape Allround and you have a controllable, offensive set up.

 

[TripleB]

I appreciate everyone's response and you offering options that I didn't list in my initial post. I listed those three options because those were around $100 and they already had a blade paired up with the rubber.

There are so many blade and rubber options that I was overwhelmed in trying to find a blade and then finding rubber to go with it. The price was right and those three popped up (or were recommended).

What are some of the better blade/rubber combinations available for around $125 or less that would fit my game (mentioned in the initial post), which seems to be a combination of defense and offense?

Again, I appreciate everyone's help!

TripleB

 

[mightymouse]

Out of your 3 choices, my suggestion will be Yasaka Sweden Extra with 2 Mark V. For cheaper price, you can change those Mark V to Palio AK47, with red version on FH (medium hard sponge) and yellow version on BH (medium soft sponge). Mark V will fall into yellow version range in term of hardness (if I remember correctly, as it's been very long since I used Mark V).

Why not the other 2?

Joola Rosskopf Allround --> I have no experience with this, so I can't say nor recommend this (not saying it's bad).

Stiga Allround Classic --> For 40+ mm plastic ball, this is too thin, too soft, too flexible and vibrate too much. I would choose Stiga Allround Evolution, instead of this. Similar price, but performance wise it is better for the 40+ mm plastic ball.

If I remember correctly, Stiga AC is around 5.6 mm in thickness, while Stiga Allround Evolution is about 5.9 - 6.0 mm so it is more suitable for 40+ mm plastic ball.

That is why I choose Yasaka Sweden Extra in the first place, because it is also around 5.9 - 6.0 mm in thickness, and even this blade is considered soft and rather flexy for 40+ mm plastic ball.

But you can't be wrong choosing Yasaka Sweden Extra. It is a proven blade. During the 38 mm celluloid ball, even Ma Lin and Wang Hao used the blade. Of course with tons of speed glue.

 

[Haraold]

well it would help if you list your online shop so we can see what is avalable to you.

 

[tzifos]

Stiga Allround Classic --> For 40+ mm plastic ball, this is too thin, too soft, too flexible and vibrate too much. I would choose Stiga Allround Evolution, instead of this. Similar price, but performance wise it is better for the 40+ mm plastic ball.

+1 For the Allround Evolution

 

[TripleB]

well it would help if you list your online shop so we can see what is avalable to you.

My apologies...I wasn't sure if this forum (like some others) didn't like when specific stores were mentioned. I like both Paddle Palace and MegaSpin.

Thank you!

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

UPDATE!!!

I finally had a chance to play last night for the first time in at least 10 years and here is what I learned/know:

- I used a paddle I purchased some time in the past (have no clue how long ago): blade is the Nittaku KVL Defensive, rubber is the Nittaku Spiral

- When I first started hitting, it was UGLY...the bounce of the ball was much higher and faster than what I remember (or at least compared to that of a pickleball ball - which I've been playing for about 4 years) so balls were flying over the top of my paddle

- Luckily as I continued playing, my play improved and some of those shots I used to hit started coming back to me

- I'm most comfortable when I: play close to the table, using my backhand to hit balls right after they bounce, using my backhand (80% of the time) to redirect my opponents shots, typically with topspin, using a quick upward motion with what I feel is an extremely short backswing; I use larger swings on slower balls that bounce higher or when I'm pulled out of position and I am hitting a forehand; I do hit slice off the backhand and forehand on balls when it's advantageous to do so; I feel best when I'm playing a more defensive game (as mentioned above), and then looking for the opportunity to find an opening after getting my opponent out of position, or going for a sharp angle - may apologies if none of this makes sense, but it's the way I feel like I was playing

- I really like the weight and feel of the paddle I'm using...where I seemed to struggle with it (and it may just be a matter of playing more) was that I had balls that seemed to sail on me (2 to 5 inches off the table) - I'm not sure if that could be 'fixed' by going to a slightly less powerful paddle (yes I know, it's already a defensive paddle) or maybe a rubber that offers slightly more spin (or less power). I'm having problems finding a lot of info on the KVL Defensive paddle and the Spiral rubber to see where they fall on the power/control/spin scales.

Can anyone tell me anything about the paddle I'm using? Or if there is a paddle that might give me that extra spin/less power?

I can't thank you all enough for your patience with all of my questions. You all have been fantastic!!!

TripleB

 

[Haraold]

it sounds like you play a Defensive/chopper Setup as an offensive player or at least allround player.
Paddle Palace Nittaku Setup
That would be my choice if you go pre assembled.
Your Spiral Rubber but be aware those are subjective !
Considering your problems it is hard to say ,cause you already playing an old setup which by now maybe worn out.
No Friction on surface anymore,etc...or if it is speed elated,i doubt that cause you already play a very slow setup.But it takes training training training tbh no matter what.

 

[KonstantinX.]

Just stay away from JOOLA. Just got their new TEZZO WARRIOR blade from Czech shop and it was a complete disaster. REVIEW It was my first Joola blade I am really shocked how low their quality is.

 

[TripleB]

it sounds like you play a Defensive/chopper Setup as an offensive player or at least allround player.

I believe that describes my game perfectly! I feel like I take a defensive position at the table, even though most of my shots use topspin I still play a defensive game with my backhand (in the fact that I seem to seldom create my own power with large swings), until I see an opportunity to redirect their power and then go offensive minded.

I appreciate the link to your suggested set up - I'll definitely take a look into that set up.

I also appreciate the link to the info about the rubber I'm currently using. I knew the blade was a defensive blade (because it said so on the handle) but really wasn't sure about the characteristics of the rubber.

Are there three or four brands that you usually can't go wrong with when buying a blade/rubber from the same company. I haven't kept up with companies in the table tennis industry during my 10+ years away from the game, but it seems like the following companies offer high quality offerings from what I've heard: Nittaku, Tibhar, Stiga, and Butterfly. What are others that offer quality throughout their line? And companies to avoid?

Again, thank you for the help and advice.

TripleB