New blade and rubber

[bokorzslt]

Hello,

I started to play table tennis again, 2 years ago and 1 year ago I bought a Butterfly Viscaria blade with Tenergy 05 rubbers (2.1mm) on both side. I thought this blade is good for me, but yesterday I tried my friend's blade and I felt that I can play better with that. I had more control and I felt the ball better. My skill level is somewhere between beginner and intermediate. What is your opinion, should I buy a new blade and rubber, or just rubber?

I read articles on this forum and a lot of people suggest the Butterfly Primorac or Petr Korbel blades. Are these blades are good for me? if yes, please suggest rubbers, if no, please suggest other blades.

Thank you for your help.

 

[NDH]

Hey, welcome to the forum 😃

Do you have any video of you playing? Even 10 seconds of forehands/backhands is usually a good enough picture!

It sounds like the Viscaria/Tenergy combo is too fast, and this isn’t surprising as it was the main set up of many professional players!

My recommendation comes down to how much money you have!

if you can afford it, I’d suggest you try new rubbers first (much slower and less bouncy than Tenergy).

It’s VERY likely that the blade will still be too quick, so you might still need to buy a new blade anyway.

If you wanted to do it all in one go, I’d say the Korbel is a good option, with Sriver (tried and tested!)

 

[Deep74]

Hello,

I started to play table tennis again, 2 years ago and 1 year ago I bought a Butterfly Viscaria blade with Tenergy 05 rubbers (2.1mm) on both side. I thought this blade is good for me, but yesterday I tried my friend's blade and I felt that I can play better with that. I had more control and I felt the ball better. My skill level is somewhere between beginner and intermediate. What is your opinion, should I buy a new blade and rubber, or just rubber?

I read articles on this forum and a lot of people suggest the Butterfly Primorac or Petr Korbel blades. Are these blades are good for me? if yes, please suggest rubbers, if no, please suggest other blades.

Thank you for your help.

What is the blade and rubbers you tried from your friend then people may be able to suggest accordingly as we are still in the dark about the set up you liked.

Viscaria is a fast blade and so is Tenergy so you could start with either changing blade only or the rubbers only first.

 

[bokorzslt]

Hello,

I created this video 4 months ago, but I think this is enough for you to check my level.

youtu.be/fwB7_Li9nZs

I'm the guy with the white t-shirt.

Thank you for your help.

 

[bokorzslt]

In the video, I'm using the Viscaria + T05 (2.1mm) on both sides.

 

[NDH]

In the video, I'm using the Viscaria + T05 (2.1mm) on both sides.

Firstly - THANK YOU, for posting a video.

I will continue to say this until I'm dead, but it makes such a big difference being able to see the person you are supposed to be giving advice too!

OK, some thoughts from me.....

You are better than I thought you'd be (based on your own description), which is good! You seem to be comfortable on forehand and backhand in those rallies, which is a solid starting point.

My general rule of thumb is that if someone is asking whether a blade isn't right for them, it usually isn't (experienced players know when it's right).

But it now comes down to the following:

• How much do you want to spend?
• How much do you want to improve?
• How much will you play?
• Will you get coaching?

How much do you want to spend?

I say this, because you are right - You could replace both rubbers and the blade, to get a set up that will be more beneficial for you.

An all wood blade like the Korbel with rubbers a bit slower like Rozena will be better - Alternatively, if you know you like your friends set up, buy that!

How much do you want to improve?

If you aren't too bothered about improving a lot - I wouldn't change a thing (but the fact you asked the question, would make me think you do care about improving).

You can clearly play with your set up, and whilst it's not the best for you right now (it's too quick), why spend money if you aren't too fussed about improving?

You'll improve as you play more anyway, but the progress will be slower if the blade/rubbers are too quick.

How much will you play?

This ties in with my comment above. If you changed nothing, you'll improve by simply playing more.

But if you change the set up, and play more.... You'll probably find that you'll be back with the Viscaria + T05 in a few years anyway!

Will you get coaching?

This is the big one.

If you get coaching, the coach might advise one way or the other. They might be able to help you hone your skills with the Viscaria + T05 straight away, or they may advise that you get something slower.

Hopefully that has helped, but feel free to ask any other questions!

 

[bokorzslt]

Hello,

Thank you for your answer, it is really helpful.

How much do you want to spend? - I would spend max 200$ to buy a new blade + rubber.
How much do you want to improve? - I want to improve my skills and my ranking. In this year I started playing in an amateur championship.
How much will you play? - I usually play 2 times a week, 2 - 2.5 hours.
Will you get coaching? - No. There is no professional coach in my city, so this is not an option for me.

I prefer the Butterfly products, because where I live it is easier to buy them.
I won't sell the viscaria, as you said, later I can start playing with that again.

What would be better for me? Butterfly Primorac or Petr Korbel, or other all wood butterfly blade? Is there a big difference between the european and japan version?

Rubber: Sriver or Rozena, or other? in wich thickness? (1.9 or 2.1)

If I play 5 hours a week, when should I change the rubbers?

 

[Lazer]

Try Rakza 7, much cheaper, You must be able to find Yasaka. try tabletennis11 (in Estonia) on the web.
You will know when to change rubber, If not it doesn't matter anyway...

Cheers
L-zr

 

[NDH]

Hello,

Thank you for your answer, it is really helpful.

How much do you want to spend? - I would spend max 200$ to buy a new blade + rubber.
How much do you want to improve? - I want to improve my skills and my ranking. In this year I started playing in an amateur championship.
How much will you play? - I usually play 2 times a week, 2 - 2.5 hours.
Will you get coaching? - No. There is no professional coach in my city, so this is not an option for me.

I prefer the Butterfly products, because where I live it is easier to buy them.
I won't sell the viscaria, as you said, later I can start playing with that again.

What would be better for me? Butterfly Primorac or Petr Korbel, or other all wood butterfly blade? Is there a big difference between the european and japan version?

Rubber: Sriver or Rozena, or other? in wich thickness? (1.9 or 2.1)

If I play 5 hours a week, when should I change the rubbers?

As Lazer said, there are plenty of cheaper options that are easily accessible to you.

But..... I'm a Butterfly man. I use the brand, just because I like it, and always have done!

I would use the Korbel rather than the Primorac - Your strokes look good enough that you'll be happier with the very slight bump in speed (bearing in mind, it's already quite a bit slower than the Viscaria).

Ignore the whole Made in Japan thing. Aside from the fact you won't notice the difference, get whichever one you can.

Made in Europe or Made in Japan - Go with the cheapest.

I would use Sriver or Rozena in 2.1mm.

If you are playing 5 hours a week, you can probably go 6 months before changing - But you'll start to physically see the rubber get a little duller, and your shots won't have as much spin on them (they'll also feel smoother to the touch).

The best thing you can do is to video yourself, analyse your play and then watch as many YouTube tutorials as you can!

 

[Lazer]

As Lazer said, there are plenty of cheaper options that are easily accessible to you.

But..... I'm a Butterfly man. I use the brand, just because I like it, and always have done!

I would use the Korbel rather than the Primorac - Your strokes look good enough that you'll be happier with the very slight bump in speed (bearing in mind, it's already quite a bit slower than the Viscaria).

Ignore the whole Made in Japan thing. Aside from the fact you won't notice the difference, get whichever one you can.

Made in Europe or Made in Japan - Go with the cheapest.

I would use Sriver or Rozena in 2.1mm.

If you are playing 5 hours a week, you can probably go 6 months before changing - But you'll start to physically see the rubber get a little duller, and your shots won't have as much spin on them (they'll also feel smoother to the touch).

The best thing you can do is to video yourself, analyse your play and then watch as many YouTube tutorials as you can!

I am actually a BTY man myself, and I would really really like to get my hands on a set of Tenergies, I can afford it but the price makes my stomach turn. Blades a different story since they last a loooong time.

Cheers
L-zr

 

[Deep74]

As Lazer said, there are plenty of cheaper options that are easily accessible to you.

But..... I'm a Butterfly man. I use the brand, just because I like it, and always have done!

I would use the Korbel rather than the Primorac - Your strokes look good enough that you'll be happier with the very slight bump in speed (bearing in mind, it's already quite a bit slower than the Viscaria).

Ignore the whole Made in Japan thing. Aside from the fact you won't notice the difference, get whichever one you can.

Made in Europe or Made in Japan - Go with the cheapest.

I would use Sriver or Rozena in 2.1mm.

If you are playing 5 hours a week, you can probably go 6 months before changing - But you'll start to physically see the rubber get a little duller, and your shots won't have as much spin on them (they'll also feel smoother to the touch).

The best thing you can do is to video yourself, analyse your play and then watch as many YouTube tutorials as you can!

The other option with blade could be IFLALC. That’s in between korbel and Viscaria and great control. My 15 yr old son is using it with H3N prov on fh and T19 on bh. I have tried the IFLALC as I passed it onto him and it has great control. So if issue as identified is Viscaria is too quick then IFLALC as a jump down would work and then jump back to Viscaria when ready again for the extra speed.

 

[NDH]

The other option with blade could be IFLALC. That’s in between korbel and Viscaria and great control. My 15 yr old son is using it with H3N prov on fh and T19 on bh. I have tried the IFLALC as I passed it onto him and it has great control. So if issue as identified is Viscaria is too quick then IFLALC as a jump down would work and then jump back to Viscaria when ready again for the extra speed.

I think there will be lots of options, and all of them are not too far away from each other.

My personal feeling is this.....

If a Viscaria is too quick, the small drop down in pace to IFALC, or another inner carbon blade, is barely worth it.

We are talking a small decrease here, and I think it would still be too quick - Especially for someone learning the game.

I see the "inner carbon" blades hitting 2 sweet spots.....

1. Players playing with an all wood blade that want a bit more speed, without sacrificing too much control (usually players who are getting better, like juniors for example).

2. Experienced players who know what they want, who are used to playing with an outer carbon blade, and want more control.

I know it's a big generalisation, but there we go!

For people who use something like a Viscaria, because it seemed like a good blade (like the OP), but perhaps don't have the skill or experience to utilise it to the best of it's ability, I just don't think an inner carbon blade drops down *enough* to warrant the change.

Just my opinion of course!

 

[Deep74]

I think there will be lots of options, and all of them are not too far away from each other.

My personal feeling is this.....

If a Viscaria is too quick, the small drop down in pace to IFALC, or another inner carbon blade, is barely worth it.

We are talking a small decrease here, and I think it would still be too quick - Especially for someone learning the game.

I see the "inner carbon" blades hitting 2 sweet spots.....

1. Players playing with an all wood blade that want a bit more speed, without sacrificing too much control (usually players who are getting better, like juniors for example).

2. Experienced players who know what they want, who are used to playing with an outer carbon blade, and want more control.

I know it's a big generalisation, but there we go!

For people who use something like a Viscaria, because it seemed like a good blade (like the OP), but perhaps don't have the skill or experience to utilise it to the best of it's ability, I just don't think an inner carbon blade drops down *enough* to warrant the change.

Just my opinion of course!

I couldn’t open his video link to comment or see his playing level. Obviously your right his playing level would dictate how much of a drop in blade speed would benefit him, but yes if IFLALC would still be too quick by your advice then that leaves korbel being more suitable. It all depends if he’s willing to drop from carbon to all wood.

of course depending on the weight of his Viscaria and weight of his next blade would also need to be considered. Ie if his Viscaria is 90g and he goes for korbel at say 84g it will make a difference.

 

[bokorzslt]

Hello,

I have one more question, I read somewhere that the Petr Korbel blade tend to be head heavy with thick rubbers.
What does this mean? This problem will appear in my case? (with Rozena 2.1mm on both sides)

Thank you.

 

[bokorzslt]

I couldn’t open his video link to comment or see his playing level. Obviously your right his playing level would dictate how much of a drop in blade speed would benefit him, but yes if IFLALC would still be too quick by your advice then that leaves korbel being more suitable. It all depends if he’s willing to drop from carbon to all wood.

of course depending on the weight of his Viscaria and weight of his next blade would also need to be considered. Ie if his Viscaria is 90g and he goes for korbel at say 84g it will make a difference.

Here is the video:
(white t-shirt)

 

[NDH]

Hello,

I have one more question, I read somewhere that the Petr Korbel blade tend to be head heavy with thick rubbers.
What does this mean? This problem will appear in my case? (with Rozena 2.1mm on both sides)

Thank you.

The “standard” size of a table tennis blade is 157 X 150, but the Korbel is 158 X 152.

If you are using very heavy rubbers, that extra size will just add to the “head heaviness” of the blade.

Personally, I don’t think it’s a major issue. You’ll find just as many pros to the cons, and it’s one of those things you’ll just have to try before you know for sure.

I can change between 157 X 150 blades and 158 X 152 very easily - Don’t overthink that part 😃

 

[Deep74]

Hello,

I have one more question, I read somewhere that the Petr Korbel blade tend to be head heavy with thick rubbers.
What does this mean? This problem will appear in my case? (with Rozena 2.1mm on both sides)

Thank you.

Rozena are not heavy rubbers so u should be fine, and trying korbel won’t hurt and won’t break the bank as it’s 1/3 price of Viscaria/IFLALC. So I would say try korbel to develop strokes with control.

you video was short so I don’t know how you structure practice but to develop strokes one of you needs to block to a spot so the other can develop consistency.

drills such as:-

fh to fh block
bh to bh block
1 fh 1 bh to bh control then 2:2

there are absolute tons of drills out there and obviously in between having some fun also.