Planning ahead.... (future setups)

[RokosBasilisk]

So about 8 months ago I made a post asking for advice on my first custom. I play RPB style, in the end I ended up buying the ma lin extra offensive, with a skyline 2 neo black fh, and a mantra pro xh. I didn't boost at the time, because I didn't understand much about it (referring to the skyline). After 8 months, my rubbers are still in pretty decent shape (i clean them after every use), but I know that looking forward, I'll need to replace them. I've been told by some of the other players my FH (in drills) is pretty solid, but in games I tend to rely more on BH returns, in this area, I'm not sure the mantra pro really suits my needs as I don't have a very STRONG BH (or maybe Im not using it right). So I thought I should start looking into future rubbers to replace (that I can occasionally check for sales on) over the next few months. I'm hoping to either find 'similar alternatives' or 'next step up' alternatives.
I'm still probably just a hobby level player, there's only 4-5 people at my community center I can beat (of about 15-20 total people), so I don't necessarily need anything 'more advanced', just since this is my very first setup, I'm curious about other setups that might be good for me.

 

[Silver Server]

Im not 100% sure how RPB differs from shakehand, but a general rule (esp for us hobbyists) is to use a softer rubber on bh, because of the shorter stroke. Idk if there’s any specific reason you chose the XH for bh, but I would probably look a Pro M.

I haven’t played with those line of rubbers, but from everything I read they seem to be pretty fast/advanced. So you could even step down to something more controllable like DNA Sound or an older Mantra rubber (non-pro).

 

[davidsyd828]

I play RPB. I use FH H3 blue sponge and friendship AK47 yellow sponge. The AK47 is light and yet euro style rubber. So suit me just fine. Suggest read the AK47 reviews.

I used YEO blade now moved into fextra 7 and DHS hao 3

 

[RokosBasilisk]

the choices I made originally, were based on advice in a thread here, but they were selected because they were on sale I don't really know much about the differences in rubbers, I do like the h3 neo, but im open to similar alternatives, the mantra i didn't feel like I got much benefit from and am VERY open to alternatives

 

[RokosBasilisk]

I play RPB. I use FH H3 blue sponge and friendship AK47 yellow sponge. The AK47 is light and yet euro style rubber. So suit me just fine. Suggest read the AK47 reviews.

I used YEO blade now moved into fextra 7 and DHS hao 3

the ak47 is for backhand? how does the blue sponge compare to black? the skyline 2 neo has served me well, but i've read you shouldn't really use chinese rubbers without boosting

 

[WingTT]

You can try boosting your Skyline and/or switch the Mantra Pro to your FH side and see how that goes for you.

 

[Gozo Aruna]

So about 8 months ago I made a post asking for advice on my first custom. I play RPB style, in the end I ended up buying the ma lin extra offensive, with a skyline 2 neo black fh, and a mantra pro xh. I didn't boost at the time, because I didn't understand much about it (referring to the skyline). After 8 months, my rubbers are still in pretty decent shape (i clean them after every use), but I know that looking forward, I'll need to replace them. I've been told by some of the other players my FH (in drills) is pretty solid, but in games I tend to rely more on BH returns, in this area, I'm not sure the mantra pro really suits my needs as I don't have a very STRONG BH (or maybe Im not using it right). So I thought I should start looking into future rubbers to replace (that I can occasionally check for sales on) over the next few months. I'm hoping to either find 'similar alternatives' or 'next step up' alternatives.
I'm still probably just a hobby level player, there's only 4-5 people at my community center I can beat (of about 15-20 total people), so I don't necessarily need anything 'more advanced', just since this is my very first setup, I'm curious about other setups that might be good for me.

Hobby player friendly BH rubber are:
1. Xiom Vega Europe
2. Donic Bluefire M2 / M3
3. Rakza 7 or the soft version
4. Rozena
5. Tenergy fx version - if you are a Butterfly fanboy.

 

[SFF_lib]

Used to play penhold for 5 years. What's your bh style?
Close to table punchy style? Or more brush and loop? If you're not sure then go for a safe allround rubber.

High budget: T64 (can do anything with great touch)
Medium: R7 soft or Vega Eurepe
Low: 729 Aurora

 

[RokosBasilisk]

Used to play penhold for 5 years. What's your bh style?
Close to table punchy style? Or more brush and loop? If you're not sure then go for a safe allround rubber.

High budget: T64 (can do anything with great touch)
Medium: R7 soft or Vega Eurepe
Low: 729 Aurora

close to table for sure, but maybe an all rounder would be better for growth.

 

[davidsyd828]

the ak47 is for backhand? how does the blue sponge compare to black? the skyline 2 neo has served me well, but i've read you shouldn't really use chinese rubbers without boosting

The H3 blue sponge is very good. It is slightly higher throw then skyline. So it's easier to lift back spin balls on serve receive. U can use falcon long booster.

You can also use Friendship battle II pro. Blue sponge. Gis is similar to H3 . At half the price.

the ak47 is for backhand? how does the blue sponge compare to black? the skyline 2 neo has served me well, but i've read you shouldn't really use chinese rubbers without boosting