OOAK Table Tennis Forum

I've always played with the cheap $5 Stiga hardbats that you'll find anywhere. I've beaten everyone I've played with these whether they play with the same hardbat or with a custom sponge. Granted they've just been co-workers and friends so I'm sure I would struggle against competition-level players. Sometimes I have difficulty controlling heavy spin from good sponge players. I'm a pretty defensive player relying mainly on BH chops and FH topspin/chops and attacking when there's a decent opportunity. I'm sure I can improve my skills more, but one thing I'm wondering is whether a better paddle would help (if so, which one?) or if it doesn't matter as much with hardbat? Also, any advice on how to improve my game against sponge players?

There are better paddles, e.g. see https://www.valortabletennis.com/ (not surprisingly they cost more than 5$), but do not overestimate how much it matters.

You'll improve your chances of beating good club/competition players by playing them more often, since you need to get exposure against their shots and play styles. So, find a club nearby and go there.

We have a 2000+ USATT player in our club who plays exclusively with hardbat setup. One of the things that gives him advantage is that most folks are not used to the spin (or relative lack of) that comes from hardbat. So, yes, it is viable.

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USATT: 1807 | League: 1887

maybe a very slow blade help or a KTL Instinct blade + Dr Evil rubbers

Or if you can find a Toxic 5 or Toxic 3 blade... hard to find any more, however.

Gambler's also got some oversized blades.

https://www.gamblertt.com/wood-blades-sh-def-c-45_93/

https://www.gamblertt.com/composite-bla ... p-169.html

Valor is the hardbat specialist, though.

Iskandar

I find the Toxic 5 with Dr Evil rubber on the fast side.

If I were to return to hardbat I would choose the Toxic 3 blade over the Toxic 5.

I can't really comment either way.. except perhaps to point out that it might depend on how one plays. A defensive/allround player would probably choose the Toxic 3, but from what I've seen on YouTube even hardbat has devolved into a counterlooping game and the Toxic 5 might appeal to the modern hardbat player..

Four years ago these were readily available from Eacheng on AliExpress.. then for a while they disappeared. The Toxic 3 is now available again:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32924138200.html

but no Toxic 5.

What the heck is THIS, though?????

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33038787359.html





It's got the shape of an oversized chopping blade, but... 14mm thick????? Must be balsa, since it's so light. And look at that price... WAY over my price range.

Iskandar

Sadly I agree.

Recent hardbat YouTube videos did not have a lot of chopping or defending.

I can highly recommend the Toxic 3 with Dr. Evil. For the past 10 years I have played exclusively hardbat with that setup. For me at least, the blade matters much more than the rubber as long as you stick to the list of hardbat rubbers approved in the U.S.

The last bit (about the US Approved List) would apply if you plan to play in American hardbat tournaments or hardbat classes in American tournaments. If you live in Europe there is a different list. If you only plan to play in "open" events (i.e. not restricted to hardbat, and will be playing against sponge) then the list won't apply (and instead, the rubbers will have to be ITTF approved).

Iskandar

Interesting. Found a source of 729 802-40 topsheets. Local, too...

https://www.tenryu.com.my/store/729Frie ... =1815&in=5

Wonder if it's on either approved list...

Iskandar

And apparently Zeropong still stocks the Toxic 5. Only $22. Get three - you want a matched pair and a spare, just in case...

https://www.zeropong.com/wood-blades-sh ... ocgoa44ie6



Iskandar

I like LKT instinct but there is no straight handle which cause my hand hurt after using a while
Anybody knows straight handle blade which has same characteristics like LKT instinct?

I tested the Gambler Zen straight handle blade with inverted rubber.
In the Zeropong catalog the Zen was closest to the old LKT Instinct in speed.
This was a few years ago. Things may have changed.


https://www.zeropong.com/gambler-shakeh ... -zen-p-336