OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Just found this forum. Hey all
Not sure how active this place really is?

Anyway I have a question.

I am using Viscaria with Fastarc G1 max on both sides. Really happy with it but rubber is finally dying after 8 months of daily hard play.
I ordered the Tibhar Hybrid K3 after recommendations from a friend. Which I now regret as I found out it wont last long. Anyway, it arrives in 1-2 weeks from now.

What am I to expect of the difference between these 2 rubbers?
G1 is very speedy and spinny. Somewhat control but you cant be lazy. And have to attack and engage the sponge all the time to be able to use this rubber. I play all round everything and equally well.
Is K3 faster?
Less control? more?
Spinnier?
Arc?
passive blocks?
I cant seem to find much information around this rubber.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Hi JD, welcome to the forum!

I have used both on my backhand (G1 as a comparison, just for a test for a week or so).

G1 is quite a lot bouncier, I find not as much control, longer arc. Depends what you want - free speed, or control. G1 spin is very good considering it is relatively non-tacky, but unlimitedly not as much as K3. G1 gets more spin from sinking into the sponge, which means also more speed - the K3 enables shorter brush loops.

Answering your questions:
- as above, G1 needs the sponge to engage. While you get more power with less, this is not always a good thing - it doesn't have as much variability as K3
- on flat hits/ 50% loops, G1 is faster. K3 throws the ball shorter, but it is easier to loop very short balls with K3, because of the tackiness. On full loops, probably about the same, K3 maybe sighly slower, but K3 has more dip.
- K3 is definitely spinnier (when new). Performance does fall off a bit when say 3 months old.
- K3 more arc, shorter throw
- K3 is quite easy to block with, as less bouncy, but blocking very slow, spinny loops, the angle must be quite closed, due to the tackiness. G1 is more boucy, but less spin-reactive
- in the short game, and flicking, K3 is much better and more variable.

This is a good review of K3 [youtube_s]https://youtube.com/watch?v=9rRWII8PteU?si=mGE4v7-unclVKlxR [/youtube_s]

When choosing, keep in mind that the G2 is considerably more durable than the K3. The K3 might have higher performance when new, but will lose it in the meantime relatively quickly. The G1 keeps going pretty well for longer, as far as I know.

_________________
"Spin is my only way, haven't got else to say. Have you checked your anti? Let it all for you untie!"

Blade: Dr. Neubauer Matador (flared handle, 7-ply, allwood, OFF-)
Forehand Rubber: Butterfly Dignics09C (2.1 mm, black, hybrid)
Backhand Rubber: Der Materialspezialist Scandal (1.2 mm, red, frictionless)
Playing Style: Modern Defender