Buying replacement rubber

Wayne Potter Asked 8 months ago

The number and types of rubber to buy is overwhelming. I would like to change the rubber I have on my bat but don’t know where to start. I usually buy online from paddle palace.com. Do you have any videos or documents that help with selection/decision making?

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 8 months ago

Hi Wayne,

We have a simple video on Choosing a Table Tennis Bat.

When it comes to choosing table tennis rubber, there indeed is a wide variety of options which can be overwhelming. To help guide your decision-making, consider the following factors:

Playing Style: Assess your current playing style. Are you an aggressive attacker, a defensive player, or an all-round player? Different rubbers cater to different styles of play. For example, for an attacking style that favors topspin, you may want a rubber that provides more grip and speed.

Sponge Thickness: Rubbers come with different sponge thicknesses. A thicker sponge (2.0mm-2.5mm) is generally better for offensive play, as it allows for more speed and spin. A thinner sponge (1.3mm-1.7mm) offers more control and is better suited for defensive play.

Rubber Hardness: Softer rubbers tend to give better spin at lower speeds and are easier to control, while harder rubbers generate more speed and are usually favored by players with a strong physical approach.

Brand and Reviews: There are many reputable brands such as Butterfly, Donic, DHS, and Yasaka. Look for reviews of their products and see what matches your desired qualities. Some brands are known for rubbers that specialize in certain aspects of play. It's always useful to see what other players are saying about a rubber you're interested in.

ITTF Approval: If you play in sanctioned events, ensure the rubber you choose is ITTF approved.

Price: The cost can also be a determinant, as prices can range from fairly reasonable to quite expensive. Set a budget for yourself to narrow down the choices.

You can even reach out to Paddle Palace and they will help you with your choice.