I'm currently using the Nittaku KVL Defensive blade with Nittaku Spiral rubber on both sides. I'm thinking of moving towards a more offensive paddle because my 95% defensive game isn't standing up to the 1700+ competition I've been going against since I returned from my 10+ years away from the game. I've got a couple "general" questions about rubbers and paddles I'm hoping you can help me with - just to try and narrow down my new paddle choice (from the 10000 different combinations that seem to be available). I'd guesstimate I'm an "early intermediate"...pretty good backhand from a defensive posture and improving forehand, but much too inconsistent overall and ineffective when trying to return 1700+ level players multiple spin serves.
When picking a blade and rubbers, do players typically put offensive rubbers on offensive blades (and likewise, defensive rubbers on defensive blades)?
Or do players sometimes use defensive rubbers on offensive blades (to tame the power of the offensive blade)? Or offensive rubbers on defensive blades (to give the defensive blade some more power)?
I ask because I thought maybe sticking with a defensive blade and putting an offensive rubber on it (or maybe going with an offensive blade and defensive rubber) might help me make a smoother transition to a more powerful game.
I've never used pips so is there any reason to change that now at my level?
In your opinion, what would be the best way to narrow down my blade/rubber choices? Pricewise I know I want to stay under $200 for blade and rubbers. Are there three or four companies that just put out stellar products in that price range?
I'm sorry about all the questions, but I'm must completely overwhelmed with all the blade/rubber choices that I just don't have any clue where to begin.
Again, I appreciate all of your patience and help with all of my questions. There is just so much more to this game than I realized when I was growing up. I'm trying to gain knowledge and help anyway I can. Last night one of the 1700+ players was nice enough to give me a free 20 minute lesson on getting my forehand drive to be more consistent and effective. I was soaking in every word he said. I felt like Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid when Mr. Miyagi was teaching him!
added info: I live in the US and will be ordering online from here
Have a fantastic day!
TripleB
When picking a blade and rubbers, do players typically put offensive rubbers on offensive blades (and likewise, defensive rubbers on defensive blades)?
Or do players sometimes use defensive rubbers on offensive blades (to tame the power of the offensive blade)? Or offensive rubbers on defensive blades (to give the defensive blade some more power)?
I ask because I thought maybe sticking with a defensive blade and putting an offensive rubber on it (or maybe going with an offensive blade and defensive rubber) might help me make a smoother transition to a more powerful game.
I've never used pips so is there any reason to change that now at my level?
In your opinion, what would be the best way to narrow down my blade/rubber choices? Pricewise I know I want to stay under $200 for blade and rubbers. Are there three or four companies that just put out stellar products in that price range?
I'm sorry about all the questions, but I'm must completely overwhelmed with all the blade/rubber choices that I just don't have any clue where to begin.
Again, I appreciate all of your patience and help with all of my questions. There is just so much more to this game than I realized when I was growing up. I'm trying to gain knowledge and help anyway I can. Last night one of the 1700+ players was nice enough to give me a free 20 minute lesson on getting my forehand drive to be more consistent and effective. I was soaking in every word he said. I felt like Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid when Mr. Miyagi was teaching him!
added info: I live in the US and will be ordering online from here
Have a fantastic day!
TripleB
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