OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Hello everyone, I created this thread hoping I could get some help in choosing a new racket setup. I've been part of a TT club for almost 4 years but then dropped out and haven't played at all for close to 8 years, until this week. After taking part in some trials of a new TT club I knew I couldn't rely that much on my old racket.
Since I kinda disconnected for the TT world for the past 8 years, can I get some recommendations for a new setup? My old racket has a TIBHAR Samsonov Premium Contact blade with a DONIC Baracuda (red) FH rubber and Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (black) BH rubber. These were bought back in 2011.
For my skills I would say I am a somewhat intermediate player leaning towards advanced and my play style could be categorized as balanced and leaning more towards offense. Regarding the prices, I would like it somewhat in the middle, not the cheapest but not the most expensive either.

I hope these indications can help you get an idea of what I am looking for. I will try to answer questions, if any, as soon as possible.

Hello and welcome,

In my opinion you should stick with the same blade and rubbers that you used and you already know. You can rely on your racket, the 8 years of absent is the one to blame. So glue a fresh pair of the rubbers you already know (if you haven't already done that), Barracuda and Rakza7 Soft and you are ready. Rakza7 & Rakza7 Soft are still very very popular, and I know a lot of people still using Barracuda.

BTW visit viewtopic.php?f=2&t=431&start=2370 and introduce yourself.

You will have plenty of opportunities to try clubmate's equipment and compare.

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current setup: blade: Yinhe 980 | FH: Palio AK47 Blue 2.1mm | BH: TSP Curl P1-R 1mm
looping setup: blade: Yinhe W-6 | FH: Palio AK47Red 2.1mm | BH: Palio AK47Blue 2.1mm
@work setup: blade: Yinhe 980 | FH: Yinhe Mercury2 2.1mm | BH: Yinhe Neptune 0.7mm
to-be-used setup: blade: DONIC DefPlay Senso 3 | FH: YASAKA Rakza 7 soft 1.8mm | BH: TSP SpinPips Chop 2 1.4mm

+1

Yeah, thanks for the advice. After some consideration, I realized keeping the blade would be ok, it was just the rubbers that were barely able to produce any spin anymore. FH was still acceptable since you can put a bit more force into the shots, but BH was barely gripping anything.

Baracuda is an excellent choice! Give us a review or feedback how are you playing now.

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Enjoy the game. It is a never ending learning experience once you play and keep the ball on that 45 sq ft of space or should I say half of that space.

Are these 8-9 years rubbers??

If so then sure they need replacement.

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current setup: blade: Yinhe 980 | FH: Palio AK47 Blue 2.1mm | BH: TSP Curl P1-R 1mm
looping setup: blade: Yinhe W-6 | FH: Palio AK47Red 2.1mm | BH: Palio AK47Blue 2.1mm
@work setup: blade: Yinhe 980 | FH: Yinhe Mercury2 2.1mm | BH: Yinhe Neptune 0.7mm
to-be-used setup: blade: DONIC DefPlay Senso 3 | FH: YASAKA Rakza 7 soft 1.8mm | BH: TSP SpinPips Chop 2 1.4mm

Things haven't changed much in those years despite the best marketing.

I'd say just buy new rubbers of the same type then decide in 12 months if you need to change.

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Donic Waldner Senso V1,FH Baracuda Big Slam 2.0mm ,BH Victas Triple Regular 2.0mm