OOAK Table Tennis Forum


A truly International Table Tennis Community for both Defensive and Offensive styles!
OOAK Forum Links About OOAK Table Tennis Forum OOAK Forum Memory
It is currently 29 Mar 2024, 16:44


Don't want to see any advertising? Become a member and login, and you'll never see an ad again!



All times are UTC + 9:30 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: 15 Jun 2018, 06:48 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 15 Jun 2018, 06:10
Posts: 54
Location: Connecticut, USA
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Blade: Sanwei Fextra
FH: Sanwei Target National
BH: Palio AK47 Red
Greetings TT gurus,
Let me introduce myself. I took up playing TT seriously a few months back after a long hiatus (15+ years). I purchased my first paddle at the time and have played with that since.

When I last played TT, I may have been considered a beginner and played only with the dead bats that are commonly found cheap. I'm use the shakehand grip and now, after about 2 months playing, I'm a fairly decent player able to chop and loop with some consistency as well as having a decent backhand.

I'm now at the stage where I'm considering upgrading my rubbers from the Gambler Sevens that came with my pre-assembled paddle (Gambler Silver Dragon). I was thinking of using either Gambler Big Gun, Burst w/ Thor's hammer or Zero with Blue diamond sponge for the forehand. On the backhand, I was looking at the Mek-Tek 2.1mm or X3 Diamond with GearZ sponge 2.1mm. I'm also considering changing my paddle to LKT Ayous Hinoki 5-ply. All of these were choices based on information I could find online as well as budget considerations. I try to loop using the Chinese method (using the whole body and not forearm only) and have read that using harder sponge forces you to do this. That is part of the reason for my forehand choices.

I would appreciate any suggestions you may be able to provide regarding my choices as well as your experiences with these rubbers. I have been unable to find any reviews on the X3 Diamond (too new) and the Zero Blue Diamond (surprising since it's been out a while now). I'm open to all suggestions including whether I should change my paddle/rubbers at this time.

Thanks in advance.

_________________
Thanks!
LTT

Paddles
---------
Primary: Sanwei Fextra, Sanwei Target National on FH, Palio AK47 red on BH
Backup: Sanwei Fextra, Palio HK1997 Gold on FH, Sanwei T88-Taiji on BH
Motto: Always Learnin'


Top
 Profile  
 

PostPosted: 16 Jun 2018, 04:26 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 23 Sep 2011, 23:23
Posts: 84
Has thanked: 2 times
Been thanked: 13 times
Without seeing you in action, it's difficult to answer correctly. However, based on the info you have given us, the ayous/hinoki blade should be perfect. On the rubber side there may be a conflict between what you want to do, eg fh, chinese style and who you are, eg novice-intermediate and learning. If comfortable with the first, the Burst would be the indicated choice and believe Tom at Zeropong would confirm this. If you're still gearing in the strokes, still learning, then Zero would be a safe selection. Have compared the two and, frankly, they show their family connection with middle-speed, good control, etc. Think Hurricane 3 and Sriver but similar to each other.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 16 Jun 2018, 06:29 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 15 Jun 2018, 06:10
Posts: 54
Location: Connecticut, USA
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Blade: Sanwei Fextra
FH: Sanwei Target National
BH: Palio AK47 Red
Epictetus,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. While I've been playing only 2 months now, I'm pretty good at looping (so I've been told by other players who are better than me :)) and try to use the Chinese style. I feel like the blade/sponge may be leading to bad habits due to the soft sponge and the carbon blade (even though it is rated as ALL).

I agree with your assessment that since I'm a novice-intermediate player I may not be able to handle the hard sponge; that is the very concern I have. The only issues that I have with the Zero are that the Zero is not tacky and there are no reviews of the Zero with Blue Diamond sponge. The Burst (w/o Thor's hammer) sponge is, unfortunately, not described on the Zeropong site so I don't know if it is mid hard or soft. My preference would be a mid-hard rubber so I'll have to ask for that information by calling up Zeropong customer service.

Regarding the BH, do you think the Mech-Tek 2.1 mm would be a good choice? I have a better backhand than forehand but still trying to become more consistent at looping. My loops, when they cross the net, are pretty good. I don't know if my lack of consistency in looping is due to my technique or a limitation of the Sevens rubber. I also have a good flick that, more often than not, lands on the table and is hard to return. Looking at the description of the Mech-Tek, it states that it is like Tenergy and my concern is that it may be detrimental rather than helpful at this stage. That is why i was looking at the Zero Blue Diamond as a possible replacement BH rubber.

I will try to capture video of my play but don't have a tripod for my cell phone so it may not be possible at this time.

Any suggestions you can provide will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

_________________
Thanks!
LTT

Paddles
---------
Primary: Sanwei Fextra, Sanwei Target National on FH, Palio AK47 red on BH
Backup: Sanwei Fextra, Palio HK1997 Gold on FH, Sanwei T88-Taiji on BH
Motto: Always Learnin'


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 20 Jun 2018, 07:39 
Offline
New Member

Joined: 14 Jul 2010, 01:49
Posts: 27
Location: Bay Area California
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 13 times
Blade: BBC All Around
FH: Gambler Volt-T
BH: Gambler Volt-M
I tried Sevens, Zero, and Mech-Tek on my backhand

Sponge hardness

Sevens < Zero Blue sponge < Thor's Hammer

Speed ( given my level)

Sevens < Zero < Mech-Tek


Blue sponge softer than Thor''s Hammer sponge.

Burst with Thor's Hammer sponge medium hard to hard. Really depends on your swing speed. For me Burst/Thor's Hammer was unforgiving for my slow swing speed. A more advanced player thought Burst/Thor''s Hammer fine.

Mech-Tech is bouncier and spinner than either Zero or Sevens. More challenging to control if your technique unstable.

I use a BBC All+ 5 ply blade.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 20 Jun 2018, 23:32 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 15 Jun 2018, 06:10
Posts: 54
Location: Connecticut, USA
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Blade: Sanwei Fextra
FH: Sanwei Target National
BH: Palio AK47 Red
ckwsp101,
Thank you for sharing your experience with these rubbers. I was worried that Mech-Tek would be too much for me to handle at this stage of my TT journey and you seem to be confirming that. Although I have a decent BH, I would by no means say it's extremely good and my fear is that using a very bouncy/spinny rubber would lead to a regression. Could you let me know if you used the 2.1mm or 1.7 mm sponge and if that would make a difference?

Also, I have been looking for reviews of the Zero with Blue Diamond sponge but have been unable to find them. Could you share your opinions about this?

Many thanks!

_________________
Thanks!
LTT

Paddles
---------
Primary: Sanwei Fextra, Sanwei Target National on FH, Palio AK47 red on BH
Backup: Sanwei Fextra, Palio HK1997 Gold on FH, Sanwei T88-Taiji on BH
Motto: Always Learnin'


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 05:33 
Offline
Super User
User avatar

Joined: 15 Aug 2012, 22:24
Posts: 395
Location: Lincoln, NE (USA)
Has thanked: 15 times
Been thanked: 39 times
I'm familiar with these rubbers.

I've been playing with Burst thors hammer on my penhold forehand since January. I like the sponge for the price point. It's not as tacky as you might imagine. Good grip. Just don't expect H3 or anything like that. Sponge is solid. I think after about 6 months or so on it, it's softening up and I prefer the pop it had when firm. Recommend boosting it.

My buddy tried the Mech-Tek predator. Spiny & softer. Just not a lot of pop. That's a backhand rubber if I've ever seen one.

_________________
Stiga Clipper Classic
FH - TSP Spectol Red 2.0
BH - Dawei 388D-a 1.5


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 07:56 
Offline
New Member

Joined: 14 Jul 2010, 01:49
Posts: 27
Location: Bay Area California
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 13 times
Blade: BBC All Around
FH: Gambler Volt-T
BH: Gambler Volt-M
learninTT,

I tried Zero blue sponge in 2.1mm.
I had no issues.
The topsheet had less tack compared to Sevens.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 09:38 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 15 Jun 2018, 06:10
Posts: 54
Location: Connecticut, USA
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Blade: Sanwei Fextra
FH: Sanwei Target National
BH: Palio AK47 Red
ckwsp101,
Apologies for not being clear with my question; I was asking if you used Mech-Tek in 1.7 or 2.1 mm when you said it was too bouncy and hard to control.

Regarding Zero with Blue Diamond sponge, how did you find the overall experience as compared to the Sevens? I've read that the Sevens sponge is too soft and feels dead. I've also read that the Sevens has a lower throw causing a loop against backspin to go into the net. This is the only rubber that I've played with so I don't have a point of reference but I do find that if I don't whip my BH/FH, it goes into the net. I've always attributed it to errors in my technique but now think that the rubber may have a part to play in it. Could you provide your opinion on this?

Thanks!

_________________
Thanks!
LTT

Paddles
---------
Primary: Sanwei Fextra, Sanwei Target National on FH, Palio AK47 red on BH
Backup: Sanwei Fextra, Palio HK1997 Gold on FH, Sanwei T88-Taiji on BH
Motto: Always Learnin'


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 12:34 
Online
Dark Knight
Dark Knight
User avatar

Joined: 13 Dec 2006, 12:34
Posts: 33337
Location: Adelaide, AU
Has thanked: 2741 times
Been thanked: 1548 times
Blade: Trinity Carbon
FH: Victas VS > 401
BH: Dr N Troublemaker OX
learninTT wrote:
I do find that if I don't whip my BH/FH, it goes into the net. I've always attributed it to errors in my technique but now think that the rubber may have a part to play in it. Could you provide your opinion on this?

Unfortunately it is due to technique... it does not matter what the throw of the rubber is, you just need to adjust for it, and the ball will go over the net. High throw rubbers can make it easier to get the ball over the net, but there's nothing you can't do with a lower throw rubber, it just requires some adjustment.

_________________
OOAK Table Tennis Shop | Re-Impact Blades | Butterfly Table Tennis bats
Setup1: Re-Impact Smart, Viper OX, Victas VS 401 Setup2: Re-Impact Barath, Dtecs OX, TSP Triple Spin Chop 1.0mm Setup3: Re-Impact Dark Knight, Hellfire OX, 999 Turbo
Recent Articles: Butterfly Tenergy Alternatives | Tenergy Rubbers Compared | Re-Impact User Guide


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 14:08 
Offline
New Member

Joined: 14 Jul 2010, 01:49
Posts: 27
Location: Bay Area California
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 13 times
Blade: BBC All Around
FH: Gambler Volt-T
BH: Gambler Volt-M
learninTT wrote:
ckwsp101,
Apologies for not being clear with my question; I was asking if you used Mech-Tek in 1.7 or 2.1 mm when you said it was too bouncy and hard to control.

Regarding Zero with Blue Diamond sponge, how did you find the overall experience as compared to the Sevens? I've read that the Sevens sponge is too soft and feels dead. I've also read that the Sevens has a lower throw causing a loop against backspin to go into the net. This is the only rubber that I've played with so I don't have a point of reference but I do find that if I don't whip my BH/FH, it goes into the net. I've always attributed it to errors in my technique but now think that the rubber may have a part to play in it. Could you provide your opinion on this?

Thanks!


I tried Mech-Tek in 1.7mm

It was fine for me at my playing level.

With sound technique I can produce a strong opening loop against backspin ball with any of the mentioned Gambler products.
Yes you need to make a "minor" adjustment for higher or lower throw rubber.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 20:27 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 15 Jun 2018, 06:10
Posts: 54
Location: Connecticut, USA
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Blade: Sanwei Fextra
FH: Sanwei Target National
BH: Palio AK47 Red
haggisv wrote:
Unfortunately it is due to technique... it does not matter what the throw of the rubber is, you just need to adjust for it, and the ball will go over the net. High throw rubbers can make it easier to get the ball over the net, but there's nothing you can't do with a lower throw rubber, it just requires some adjustment.


That is not what I wanted to hear :P. But seriously, thank you for letting me know that it is due to technique. My primary problem was on the BH and I thought this may be due to the lack of power on the BH vs FH and getting a rubber with higher throw would help. I guess I'll have to work on improving my technique..

ckwsp101 wrote:
I tried Mech-Tek in 1.7mm

It was fine for me at my playing level.

With sound technique I can produce a strong opening loop against backspin ball with any of the mentioned Gambler products.
Yes you need to make a "minor" adjustment for higher or lower throw rubber.



The Mech-Tek in 1.7mm seems to be out of stock currently and the 2.1mm may be more difficult to control on my backhand so I guess I'll have to wait. I'm still waiting for my Sanwei M8 blade to be delivered from aliexpress and I'm hoping that the 1.7mm would be back in stock by then. I guess I'll have to play with it to find out how much of an adjustment is required.

_________________
Thanks!
LTT

Paddles
---------
Primary: Sanwei Fextra, Sanwei Target National on FH, Palio AK47 red on BH
Backup: Sanwei Fextra, Palio HK1997 Gold on FH, Sanwei T88-Taiji on BH
Motto: Always Learnin'


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 21 Jun 2018, 20:47 
Offline
Goes to 11
Goes to 11
User avatar

Joined: 13 Jan 2014, 20:27
Posts: 10671
Has thanked: 3 times
Been thanked: 1384 times
I definitely agree with Haggis. Getting a dialed-in backhand topspin drive can be a problem, I definitely had it a couple years ago. Watching some videos (mainly Brett's) helped, but what REALLY helped was some coaching and time with a robot. It was a matter of racket angle and use of wrist that was the problem. The problem is definitely NOT the rubber (unless you're playing with long pips and trying to loop, or something like that.. :lol: ).

Iskandar


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 30 Aug 2018, 05:31 
Offline
New Member

Joined: 30 Aug 2018, 04:43
Posts: 5
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time
Blade: Xiom Ice Cream AZXi
FH: Butterfly Tenergy 19
BH: Butterfly Teanergy 19
Just giving in my input if you haven't made a choice yet. Just FYI this is my personal experience. I've played with Sevens and Mech-Tek 2.1mm. I actually bought the Silver Dragon Double Carbon with Sevens rubber for my girlfriend as her first paddle. I played with it for a couple months and it's actually a pretty good setup for beginners and even for intermediate. As it was mentioned, I did find the Sevens rubber to have a low throw angle. Agreeing with others you have to make an adjustment when switching between rubbers/blades. I have 4 setups that I can play with and I'm very comfortable switching among them. The Sevens rubber had a good tackiness to it from new (6.5/10 I was able to hold the ball for about 2 seconds). After a couple months of playing the tackiness is still good (6/10).
My current setup is a Xiom Hayabusa ZXi with Super 999T on FH and Mech-Tek Predator on BH. I've tested my friend's Tenergy 80FX so in comparison with Mech-Tek it's similar but Tenergy is much more bouncy and faster. I tried playing the Tenergy on my FH but I didn't like it at all. However, I wouldn't hesitate to play Mech-Tek on my FH, which to me felt a lot better. As for spin I can't comment on Tenergy but Mech-Tek gives plenty. The throw angle on Mech-Tek doesn't seem to be high or low. Just yesterday during a rally I was able to perform a fast backhand loop from under the table and go over the net with about 2-2.5 inches of clearance. Really surprised me as I've never done that. There's much more to the rubber that I haven't seen. In addition, I was very surprised about the tackiness of Mech-Tek when I first got it (5/10). Although now after a couple of months it's lost it. And as it states they sure are grippy.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 11 Sep 2018, 23:39 
Offline
Full member

Joined: 15 Jun 2018, 06:10
Posts: 54
Location: Connecticut, USA
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Blade: Sanwei Fextra
FH: Sanwei Target National
BH: Palio AK47 Red
Staticshock10 - thank you for your input. I called up and spoke to Tom from Zeropong and went with his recommendations (shown in my signature). I bought both of them with the GearZ sponge which is extremely good. I do think I should have gone for the Mech-Tek for my BH instead of the X3 Diamond; I would have been able to handle it. It is not that the X3 Diamond is bad - far from it. But I feel that the Mech-Tek would have been better for me from a mid-court perspective.

I'm still developing a more consistent BH but do not want to EJ since I feel that will impact my learning curve. It took me a while to get used to this new setup and would like to focus on refining my technique. I will buy the Mech-Tek when it is time to change the current rubbers since my game should have progressed quite a bit by then. The Burst is surprisingly good on the FH and I like it a lot.

Thanks again to all for your advice and feedback. It will help me a lot in my TT journey.

_________________
Thanks!
LTT

Paddles
---------
Primary: Sanwei Fextra, Sanwei Target National on FH, Palio AK47 red on BH
Backup: Sanwei Fextra, Palio HK1997 Gold on FH, Sanwei T88-Taiji on BH
Motto: Always Learnin'


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: 30 Oct 2018, 12:52 
Offline
New Member

Joined: 30 Aug 2018, 04:43
Posts: 5
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time
Blade: Xiom Ice Cream AZXi
FH: Butterfly Tenergy 19
BH: Butterfly Teanergy 19
Interesting finding:
I recently tested out Mech-Tek on FH and Super 999T on BH. Surprisingly, I like it a lot. I personally think that Mech-Tek is better on the FH than on BH. Loops were very crisp and beautiful. Smashes and "plays away from the table" are amazing. Really gives you the confidence! Short game is very much acceptable. I didn't find a problem with pushes. Flicks are almost effortless. Only downside is that I wish it retained it's tackiness better because serves aren't as spiny when new. And with this setup, I find my BH to have more control with a tackier rubber. Chiquita flicks (banana) feel a lot better than the Mech-Tek as well.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next



All times are UTC + 9:30 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 51 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Copyright 2018 OOAK Table Tennis Forum. The information on this site cannot be reused without written permission.

Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group