OOAK Table Tennis Forum

That is absolutely correct too. The more rubber mass on the blade the more the balance of the blade shifts above the handle making it far head heavier. Also it is correct that this is much less of a problem with the OX or thin sponged Pips rubbers.

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Photino
My rubbers are 9 years old. They won’t be there long.

Maybe we should distinguish between different aspects.

First of all, a larger blade means a more flexible blade than a smaller one made of the same wood etc. This is always the case. Since the blade is larger, there is more wood that isn't directly "attached" to the firmest spot of the blade (sweet spot). More flexibility means more dwelling time.
A more flexible blade is an advantage to a chopper who defends close to the table, because it kills more of the incoming speed of the ball.
To one who defends far from the table and likes to bring the ball back slowly with lots of chop, more dwelling time and more flexibility are an advantage.
But flexibility and more dwelling time diminish spin-reversal; so if you defend using blocks mostly, it is a disadvantage.

Secondly, a larger blade also means more weight. Some oversized blades are made from especially light wood to compensate. But some choppers like the extra weight because it helps to maintain the speed of the downward motion of the hand; you cannot actually chop harder or heavier with a large blade, but it is easier to keep the blade going fast even if you have to take the ball real low. So defense oriented choppers away from the table might favor an oversized head for that reason.

Thirdly, it seems plausible that a large blade makes it easier to avoid hitting with the edges. I doubt it, though. A large blade, if it isn't especially light-weight, is more sluggish, it kind of objects to being brought into motion, and because of that, your reaction time diminishes. Actually, you may hit more balls with the edges because of this, if you are in a hurry. So a heavier, large blade would be more suitable for those who play far from he table. A light large blade might be best for those who play close to the table.

So I think it depends on your style of play whether an oversized blade. light or heavy, is an advantage or not.

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Without opponent, no match.

Thanks for the reply Kees! Those are some good points.

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