Looking for a BH rubber that has higher throw then Rakza 7, suggestions?

[Nash77]

unfortunately, my Backhand technique isn't nearly as good as my forehand.

I'm currently playing with Rakza 7 on BH and I find that I hit the net too often, the throw of the rubber feels low (for me with my current technique).

On forehand I play with G-1, which has a higher throw, but It's not an ideal BH for me because it doesn't have that catapult effect, and I think I need that catapult effect ON BH because my BH is not powerful at all (due to technique).

Basically what I'm looking for is a rubber that has strongish catapult effect (like Rakza 7)+ higher throw then Rakza 7 + controllable for BH that allows you to improve the technique with more training.

Can you recommend such a rubber?

 

[StreamOfWater]

unfortunately, my Backhand technique isn't nearly as good as my forehand.

I'm currently playing with Rakza 7 on BH and I find that I hit the net too often, the throw of the rubber feels low (for me with my current technique).

On forehand I play with G-1, which has a higher throw, but It's not an ideal BH for me because it doesn't have that catapult effect, and I think I need that catapult effect ON BH because my BH is not powerful at all (due to technique).

Basically what I'm looking for is a rubber that has strongish catapult effect (like Rakza 7)+ higher throw then Rakza 7 + controllable for BH that allows you to improve the technique with more training.

Can you recommend such a rubber?

Isn't it easier/more beneficial to just focus on improving the technique instead of changing equipment? It's not like it will magically solve your issue... If you are having difficulties, invest that money in a coaching session, or even a few 😅

 

[Zezima]

unfortunately, my Backhand technique isn't nearly as good as my forehand.

I'm currently playing with Rakza 7 on BH and I find that I hit the net too often, the throw of the rubber feels low (for me with my current technique).

On forehand I play with G-1, which has a higher throw, but It's not an ideal BH for me because it doesn't have that catapult effect, and I think I need that catapult effect ON BH because my BH is not powerful at all (due to technique).

Basically what I'm looking for is a rubber that has strongish catapult effect (like Rakza 7)+ higher throw then Rakza 7 + controllable for BH that allows you to improve the technique with more training.

Can you recommend such a rubber?

Work on your technique brother. If you hit the net often, then you don't go down enough with your legs. Or your stroke goes too much forward without safety trajectory. A higher throw will just make your balls fly out more the moment your opponent gives slighthly topspin for example.
Look at which balls you hit in the net and why. Could be against slow balls, no spin balls or backspin balls. Or the fact that you dont accelerate at all with your wrist during contact.
Your backhand just seems crap and you try to solve it by buying a rubber that will do all the job for you but that won't work.

You are asking for a ferrari to make your driving lesson easier - which makes as much sense as your request here

 

[TackyForehand]

Rakza 7 Soft.

 

[Nash77]

thx guys.

When I wrote that I hit the net too often, I meant that it usually happens when I go for very aggressive shots.

With G-1, the ball clears above the net much easier.

But with G-1, I have to bring all the power (Less catapult then Rakza7).

 

[Tyce]

I don't want to pile on the criticism, instead let me try and explain why I think your problem isn't gear related.

First off, Rakza 7 is a good match on Acoustic. It should result in a well usable backhand for all strokes.
It's a rubber that's pretty directionally stable, so if you make a flat punch it will fly flat, but if you make a loop it will arc. So that leads me to believe you are not generating arc for some reason.
(this could be as simple as you expect to receive topspin on a block but there's nothing in it, ball drops before the net)

Second, G-1 not having catapult only really applies to passive shots. Once you start moving your bat it will certainly display a good bit of catapult, and on higher speeds it actually has significantly more of it than Rakza 7.
This leads me to believe your shot might be too passive.

If you want to play a more looping stroke, you can try using your wrist to brush the ball like you're throwing a frisbee. (just don't let go of the bat lol) it's a tip that might get you the right feeling

 

[latej]

thx guys.

When I wrote that I hit the net too often, I meant that it usually happens when I go for very aggressive shots.

With G-1, the ball clears above the net much easier.

But with G-1, I have to bring all the power (Less catapult then Rakza7).

If it is low when you go for power, it would indicate you bottom it out actually, and the rubber is too soft for you. It would mean you have really powerful BH, and you say you don't...

Anyway, Rakza XX is the same top-sheet like Rakza 7 on slightly harder sponge, like 50. It was a bit too hard for my BH, but good rubber.

If you really want to switch the rubber, I recommend Glayzer (pers. pref. though).

 

[Tyce]

If we're talking popular, Vega Europe, Vega Europe DF, Aurus or Aurus Soft... But Rakza 7 is pretty much in the same league so changing to any of these won't fix the issue.
OP is probably hitting too flat (which you can do really well with it), taking the ball too low or hitting a backspin ball is he's hitting the net.

 

[Lazer]

High catapult = high trajectory.
If you have these problems with Rakza 7 there is something wrong with how you are hitting to the ball. Work on this.

Cheers
L-zr

 

[Nash77]

If we're talking popular, Vega Europe, Vega Europe DF, Aurus or Aurus Soft... But Rakza 7 is pretty much in the same league so changing to any of these won't fix the issue.
OP is probably hitting too flat (which you can do really well with it), taking the ball too low or hitting a backspin ball is he's hitting the net.

I'm definitely hitting too flat - which sometimes results in awesome winners but it's not a safe enough shot to hit consistently.

The core issue is 100% my technique - I don't produce enough strong top spin when hitting hard with my BH.

Because Rakza doesn't have a high throw It doesn't help cover for this weakness.

That's why I thought a higher throwing rubber can help me while I keep working on improving my BH technique - it's obviously a hole in my game I need to keep working on.

I do wonder Why G-1 isn't considered a classic BH rubber for most people? They always seem to like it on FH, not so much for BH. Me personally, I just lack power on BH - but maybe I need to work on power with BH and get G-1 on both sides...

 

[StreamOfWater]

I'm definitely hitting too flat - which sometimes results in awesome winners but it's not a safe enough shot to hit consistently.

The core issue is 100% my technique - I don't produce enough strong top spin when hitting hard with my BH.

Because Rakza doesn't have a high throw It doesn't help cover for this weakness.

That's why I thought a higher throwing rubber can help me while I keep working on improving my BH technique - it's obviously a hole in my game I need to keep working on.

I do wonder Why G-1 isn't considered a classic BH rubber for most people? They always seem to like it on FH, not so much for BH. Me personally, I just lack power on BH - but maybe I need to work on power with BH and get G-1 on both sides...

I mean, you just named the issue. It's bit difficult to grasp the logic here. If you want to face the weakness and improve, which feels like it, then there is no way around - equipment change won't fix it and it surely won't fix itself magically overnight. Not sure if that's what you want to hear, but my personal best advice would be to study the stroke mechanics, raise a question of why you can't generate topspin? What creates the topspin? How a motion should look like, and why? How can you improve it/maximise the spin? Key principle always lies in understanding something first because if you don't, then you won't be able to replicate it consistently. Everyone hits plateaus, everyone hits walls, table tennis is incredibly technical, equipment doesn't solve problems, I'd even dare to say it creates them. I know I am also still fairly new to the sport, but I already can say this much.

It's probably an unpopular opinion considering the amount of equipment junkies are on this forum, but it's rarely equipment's fault. It's not like every rubber is a different beast - they all have topsheets (some more grippy, sticky, some not), they all have sponges (some thicker, some thinner... Some are denser and harder, some are softer). The more you overcomplicate this, the bigger hole you dig. Although all these differences, at the core, they all play the same, the adjustments are minor, technique almost always stays generally the same, it's not like you need to relearn how to play from zero every time you try/purchase new rubbers or a blade. Fundamental mechanics always stay fundamental and if you don't have them, then you will struggle. I believe that's a golden fact - if you are good, you can make anything work for you.

 

[Egon]

I'm definitely hitting too flat - which sometimes results in awesome winners but it's not a safe enough shot to hit consistently.

The core issue is 100% my technique - I don't produce enough strong top spin when hitting hard with my BH.

Because Rakza doesn't have a high throw It doesn't help cover for this weakness.

That's why I thought a higher throwing rubber can help me while I keep working on improving my BH technique - it's obviously a hole in my game I need to keep working on.

I do wonder Why G-1 isn't considered a classic BH rubber for most people? They always seem to like it on FH, not so much for BH. Me personally, I just lack power on BH - but maybe I need to work on power with BH and get G-1 on both sides...

I play G1 on the backhand, but only on blades with internal carbon reinforcement and a soft top veneer, such as limba or sipo. On blades with a hard surface, such as koto, it is not so comfortable for me - a feeling of oakiness, rigidity and less spin. With the koto surface, G1 works better on the forehand, but for me it is too soft, since I playing only with hard rubbers on the forehand.
If you need a higher angle, then you can consider the Butterfly rubbers - Rozena, Glayzer, Tenergy 05, Dignics 05, which have a higher angle than Rakza 7. Also, of the rubbers that I tried, Rakza Z and Tibhar K3 have a very high angle, but these are hybrids with a semi-sticky surface, they are quite sensitive to incoming spin.
If you like G1, you can try the softer Fastarc C1. I think this should work for you.

 

[Nash77]

I mean, you just named the issue. It's bit difficult to grasp the logic here. If you want to face the weakness and improve, which feels like it, then there is no way around - equipment change won't fix it and it surely won't fix itself magically overnight. Not sure if that's what you want to hear, but my personal best advice would be to study the stroke mechanics, raise a question of why you can't generate topspin? What creates the topspin? How a motion should look like, and why? How can you improve it/maximise the spin? Key principle always lies in understanding something first because if you don't, then you won't be able to replicate it consistently. Everyone hits plateaus, everyone hits walls, table tennis is incredibly technical, equipment doesn't solve problems, I'd even dare to say it creates them. I know I am also still fairly new to the sport, but I already can say this much.

It's probably an unpopular opinion considering the amount of equipment junkies are on this forum, but it's rarely equipment's fault. It's not like every rubber is a different beast - they all have topsheets (some more grippy, sticky, some not), they all have sponges (some thicker, some thinner... Some are denser and harder, some are softer). The more you overcomplicate this, the bigger hole you dig. Although all these differences, at the core, they all play the same, the adjustments are minor, technique almost always stays generally the same, it's not like you need to relearn how to play from zero every time you try/purchase new rubbers or a blade. Fundamental mechanics always stay fundamental and if you don't have them, then you will struggle. I believe that's a golden fact - if you are good, you can make anything work for you.

I tend to agree with everything you said, fundamentally.

BUT -

I don't think it's a black or white issue. True - the key thing is for me to improve my topspin generating ability on BH. BUT, at the same time - a higher throwing rubber might help at the moment, and might be more suitable for me going forward.

I don't think you have to have perfect technique before you can consider a change in rubber, if a certain rubber feels like a less then ideal fit for you.

When I switched sides for a few minutes and played with G-1 on BH - I didn't have any issues with spin or hitting the net anymore. (I did miss the catapult effect though) So my theory is maybe G-1 is a better fit for my current natural BH technique (un-perfect as it is), and the focus should be to play with G-1 (or any other high throw rubber) on BH - and worry about producing more power even without the catapult effect that Rakza 7 brings.

Does that make sense?

 

[StreamOfWater]

I tend to agree with everything you said, fundamentally.

BUT -

I don't think it's a black or white issue. True - the key thing is for me to improve my topspin generating ability on BH. BUT, at the same time - a higher throwing rubber might help at the moment, and might be more suitable for me going forward.

I don't think you have to have perfect technique before you can consider a change in rubber, if a certain rubber feels like a less then ideal fit for you.

When I switched sides for a few minutes and played with G-1 on BH - I didn't have any issues with spin or hitting the net anymore. (I did miss the catapult effect though) So my theory is maybe G-1 is a better fit for my current natural BH technique (un-perfect as it is), and the focus should be to play with G-1 (or any other high throw rubber) on BH - and worry about producing more power even without the catapult effect that Rakza 7 brings.

Does that make sense?

It does make sense, however it more sounds like you are seeking momentary fix instead of going for a long lasting, perhaps a life long feel for the technique...

 

[Brozi]

When I switched sides for a few minutes and played with G-1 on BH - I didn't have any issues with spin or hitting the net anymore. (I did miss the catapult effect though) So my theory is maybe G-1 is a better fit for my current natural BH technique (un-perfect as it is), and the focus should be to play with G-1 (or any other high throw rubber) on BH - and worry about producing more power even without the catapult effect that Rakza 7 brings.

Does that make sense?

In my opinion if anything you need a softer rubber. Hitting too flat is often caused by having too hard of a rubber, which requires you to open the bat angle to activate the sponge, in turn causing the swing trajectory to be too flat. I've had (and still have to an extent) the same problem, and I wouldnt say that changing the rubber fixed it, rather it made me feel more confident in spinning over the ball, instead of hitting into it.

 

[Sherpa]

Rakza Z or Rakza 7 soft, both very easy to use on the BH

 

[StreamOfWater]

I mean, you just named the issue. It's bit difficult to grasp the logic here. If you want to face the weakness and improve, which feels like it, then there is no way around - equipment change won't fix it and it surely won't fix itself magically overnight. Not sure if that's what you want to hear, but my personal best advice would be to study the stroke mechanics, raise a question of why you can't generate topspin? What creates the topspin? How a motion should look like, and why? How can you improve it/maximise the spin? Key principle always lies in understanding something first because if you don't, then you won't be able to replicate it consistently. Everyone hits plateaus, everyone hits walls, table tennis is incredibly technical, equipment doesn't solve problems, I'd even dare to say it creates them. I know I am also still fairly new to the sport, but I already can say this much.

It's probably an unpopular opinion considering the amount of equipment junkies are on this forum, but it's rarely equipment's fault. It's not like every rubber is a different beast - they all have topsheets (some more grippy, sticky, some not), they all have sponges (some thicker, some thinner... Some are denser and harder, some are softer). The more you overcomplicate this, the bigger hole you dig. Although all these differences, at the core, they all play the same, the adjustments are minor, technique almost always stays generally the same, it's not like you need to relearn how to play from zero every time you try/purchase new rubbers or a blade. Fundamental mechanics always stay fundamental and if you don't have them, then you will struggle. I believe that's a golden fact - if you are good, you can make anything work for you.

Adding onto this, personally, not sure about others, but I do not believe in any of this "high throw", "low throw" stuff. I am not necessarily calling this "bullshit", there are countless different rubbers and firms for a reason, they behave differently, however, it's never a difference between cutting a tree down with an axe and a chainsaw, let's say. If your technique falls apart with different rubbers, then it's either poor or you haven't developed it. I have tried rackets of various players from a club, when I was searching and planning to get my own (first one), and I could execute a stroke after few minor adjustments, with no problems

 

[Nash77]

It does make sense, however it more sounds like you are seeking momentary fix instead of going for a long lasting, perhaps a life long feel for the technique...

I'm totally on board with you're thinking - I agree that technique > everything. I'm not trying to cover or hide my BH topspin weakness - I want to ipmrove it.

The question IMO is only - which rubber will be most helpful for me to work with while I keep training and improving it :

1) A rubber with a catapult like my currt Rakza 7, that doesn't have a high throw.
2) a rubber like G-1, that has a high throw, but not much catapult.

3) A new different rubber, maybe a rubber that has both a high throw and catapult.

I'm really not sure what is the smartest choise at the moment.

But the end goal is not to hit more winners tomorrow, the end goal is to improve the technique and find a BH rubber that I can produce high quality shots with consistently.

 

[Egon]

I'm totally on board with you're thinking - I agree that technique > everything. I'm not trying to cover or hide my BH topspin weakness - I want to ipmrove it.

The question IMO is only - which rubber will be most helpful for me to work with while I keep training and improving it :

1) A rubber with a catapult like my currt Rakza 7, that doesn't have a high throw.
2) a rubber like G-1, that has a high throw, but not much catapult.

3) A new different rubber, maybe a rubber that has both a high throw and catapult.

I'm really not sure what is the smartest choise at the moment.

But the end goal is not to hit more winners tomorrow, the end goal is to improve the technique and find a BH rubber that I can produce high quality shots with consistently.

№2 G1 and a lot of training

 

[latej]

If you like G1, you can try the softer Fastarc C1. I think this should work for you.

+1 for the C1 suggestion...