Recommendation for upgrade Blade vs change the rubbers

[coolchap]

Hello Everyone,

I’ve been using the following setup for quite some time:

Blade: Yasaka Sweden Extra
Backhand: Yasaka Mark V (1.8mm)
Forehand: DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (2.15mm)

Before COVID, I used to play 2-3 hours daily, but I haven't been as consistent since then. Now, as I get back into playing, I’ve noticed my rubbers have deteriorated. Some of my colleagues have suggested upgrading to a new blade, but I’m unsure whether to stick with my current setup and just replace the rubbers or invest in a new blade.

I’ve been considering Innerforce ALC vs. ZLC. Or should I just use the same paddle and change the rubbers?


Additionally, I’d appreciate some rubber recommendations for both FH and BH that pair well with the suggested blade (Thinking between MX-P, Nittaku G1, Nittaku C1 and others recommendation are also welcome). I’d like to avoid the more expensive Tenergy/Dignics series as I’m just restarting my journey.



Looking forward to your advice!

 

[Ultravisitor]

Keep the blade and put Fastarcs on it. Switching rubbers and blade is a huge jump. Id stay away from carbon, if you have limited funds to try stuff. If you want a faster blade consider 7ply allwood blades too. Faster and stiffer, but no carbon kick

 

[coolchap]

I am okay to invest in Carbon blade if required. Just was more curious if just changing rubbers with my blade as many a time I find it too slow may be because of the rubbers being dead after being this old and also my style might not be even good as there have not been much playing in last many years.

 

[Tyce]

Here's a thought, get new rubber. If it's still too slow you can always get a new blade.
It's better to use something familiar when you don't play much.

You could do a small step up like Mark V HPS that still feels familiar. As for H3, a lick of boost can tune it up if you want.

 

[S2000]

Hello,

It depends how satisfied you are with what you had? Do you play offensive game or allround? From your setup I guess more allround?
If you feel you have too little power and spin then I'd go for one of the newer rubbers. They are a little bit easier to play than those from ten years ago. A reasonable rubber would be eg Stiga Mantra Pro M.
If you need to change your blade maybe the step to a carbon blade is pretty big su why not the same blade or a faster wooden blade. Yasaka has a number of very interesting wooden blades eg Falck W7. Otherwise if feeling is more important your current blade is quite good. One question to ask oneself is if the handle is right for you. For me this is a really important part of the racket.

 

[coolchap]

Yes, till now my playing style has been all round and mostly making sure to keep the ball on the table and going for placements rather than power. Surely want to add the aggression in my game but I guess that won't come easily after this long break will still try to get some shots in my arsenal to get better in game.

 

[Tyce]

Yasaka Sweden Extra is a very decent 5ply and should be plenty to develop some offense.

Mark V is old, as in from a completely different age, and even then I encounter decent league players using it.

Hurricane 3 is a matter of taste. It's plenty good for the current meta, but if you don't make use of its unique properties it's basically a slow and deadish rubber.

Do you ever switch sides? And if so, how does Mark V feel on the forehand? If it's easier and better to play, then Hurricane might not be your cup of tea.

 

[coolchap]

I have switched sides and played in past but always preferred to have the H3 on my forehand and Mark V on backhand may be because I was used to that. Never changed it and played for long that much with the opposite setup.

H3 always helped me to generate spin in my serves and in 1000-1200 levels it really helped me to win lot of points using my serves.

 

[S2000]

I have switched sides and played in past but always preferred to have the H3 on my forehand and Mark V on backhand may be because I was used to that. Never changed it and played for long that much with the opposite setup.

H3 always helped me to generate spin in my serves and in 1000-1200 levels it really helped me to win lot of points using my serves.

If you have the possibility test Rakza 7 soft which, take max size, which gives you good control. However, the more modern rubbers are less spin sensitive, so if you can test Stiga mantra Pro M for medium. Both these rubbers are reasonably priced. Mantra Pro M is faster than Rakza 7 Soft. In terms of blocking then the Stiga rubber in my opinion is better. It is better for smashing and flat hits. You can generate good serves with both rubbers but they are not sticky!

 

[You're Tacky & I Hate You]

If you're returning to play after a break where you feel your form has dropped, I would replace the rubbers with the same or very similar. Make it easier to get back on form with familiar equipment.

Then when you're comfortable and confident again with your performance, start changing the setup gradually.

If you want an overall speed/reaction boost, then change blade, but keep the same rubbers.

Or be more selective in what you want to experiment with, maybe just change the BH to something more modern to see how it works for you as an example.

Best of luck.

 

[NetProphet]

Hello Everyone,

I’ve been using the following setup for quite some time:

Blade: Yasaka Sweden Extra
Backhand: Yasaka Mark V (1.8mm)
Forehand: DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (2.15mm)

Before COVID, I used to play 2-3 hours daily, but I haven't been as consistent since then. Now, as I get back into playing, I’ve noticed my rubbers have deteriorated. Some of my colleagues have suggested upgrading to a new blade, but I’m unsure whether to stick with my current setup and just replace the rubbers or invest in a new blade.

I’ve been considering Innerforce ALC vs. ZLC. Or should I just use the same paddle and change the rubbers?


Additionally, I’d appreciate some rubber recommendations for both FH and BH that pair well with the suggested blade (Thinking between MX-P, Nittaku G1, Nittaku C1 and others recommendation are also welcome). I’d like to avoid the more expensive Tenergy/Dignics series as I’m just restarting my journey.



Looking forward to your advice!

If you want a blade with more Pop that you can grow with then I'd recommend the Yasaka Ma Lin EO. I have nothing but good things to say about that blade and it's not expensive either.
I really enjoyed Rakza 7 (BH) and Rakza Z (FH) on it.
People will say don't change rubbers and blade at once but I played YSE for a while and found it too slow too slow for this 40+ plastic ball so I sold it after 2 months.
Same for Mark V. Good to start with but becomes redundant pretty soon.
If you have even half decent technique it won't take you long to make the adjustment.

 

[Tyce]

Changing up the blade and switching to tensor at the same time will make the difference gigantic though.

 

[SFF_lib]

Change the blade. It’s too soft as you advance no matter what rubbers you put on it, it’s just not designed for today’s game.

Go for faster 5-ply such as Yasaka Ma Lin extra, Stiga Celero or Stiga Intensity (quite fast).

 

[coolchap]

Thanks for the input. So should I upgrade to the again above mentioned 5 wood ply blade or 7 wood ply or directly go for Innerforce ALC/ZLC?

 

[NetProphet]

Changing up the blade and switching to tensor at the same time will make the difference gigantic though.

I agree. I've played YSE with Mark av and went to Ma Lin EO with Rakza. The difference is big but it's a good change.
I found the R7 crazy for a week or two but then it all made sense and I made leaps that I know now I wasn't going to make with YSE and Mark V.

But you are right, changing the blade isn't actually necessary now, putting a Rakza 7 (or similar) on the YSE can be enough, for a while anyway.
I just recommend the MLEO because it's such a good blade for the money and is a blade he could grow with for a few yrs at least.

 

[NetProphet]

Thanks for the input. So should I upgrade to the again above mentioned 5 wood ply blade or 7 wood ply or directly go for Innerforce ALC/ZLC?

I would not recommend Innerforce ALC for you now.

What is the above mentioned 5 wood ply blade that you are referring to?

There is nothing wrong with the YSE for beginning, in fact it's a good blade for beginning with so the easiest way forward is to stick two Rakza 7s (or similar ESN rubbers) on it and go. You will notice a big difference over Mark V and H3, immediately.

If you are already playing at a decent level and really think you need a blade with more power/speed to compete with clubmates then Ma Lin EO or similar is a good step imo.

Innerforce ALC is something to move to after that I reckon, unless you are getting consistent coaching in which case the Innerforce is something you could adapt to over time. Without coaching I think it's too much blade and will be a waste of time and money for now.

 

[Brs]

Keep your blade and put faster rubbers on. Any of the three you named will pair well with your YSE, and be faster and more active than what you had.

First thought, best thought.

 

[SFF_lib]

Thanks for the input. So should I upgrade to the again above mentioned 5 wood ply blade or 7 wood ply or directly go for Innerforce ALC/ZLC?

I would go for all wood first. Ma Lin Extra over 6mm thick is linear, controllable but explosive when hit hard. Not to mention it's also quite affordable.

 

[SFF_lib]

You can try a slightly harder H3 and a 2mm R7 on BH on a Ma Lin Extra.

Remember commercial H3 has poor QC, you never know what hardness you get.

 

[Milton Table Tennis Club]

Have a look at Yogibear's review on Falk W7 and this link below to help you choose the next step.

Sweet spot

Sweet spot

www.sdcttblades.com