Query about Hurricane 8, Glazer and 09c Table Tennis rubbers

CARLOS A Asked 2 weeks ago

Good evening, coach. I'm 47 years old and I've been playing for 30 years. I currently use a Yinhe T7S blade + Gambler GXS on the backhand + Yinhe Big Dipper on the forehand
I use serves with a lot of spin and topspin close to the table, my style has always been that way and what I do in the game is influenced by the type of racket I'm using, currently I'm closer to an offensive style
I was looking at rubbers to strengthen my forehand and I'm interested in the Hurricaine 8 because of the price and because I can think it's not that different from the Big Dipper I currently use. At the same time I found the Glayzer and Glayzer 09c rubbers that promise to be at a high level although they are much more expensive.

I have always felt comfortable with Chinese rubbers and my club mates tell me that reconsidering European rubbers like the Glayzer could reduce the physical effort and my wear and tear during matches (which is increasing) although the truth is I don't find a significant difference between the overall effort using Chinese or European rubbers... it seems subjective but I don't want to lower my level of play and I don't have anyone with those rubbers that would allow me to compare.

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for the great background, 30 years of experience shows in how clearly you describe your game and equipment preferences.

Given that you’re already comfortable with Chinese style rubbers like Big Dipper, the transition to Hurricane 8 should feel quite natural. It’s slightly more controlled than something like Hurricane 3 but still has that same tacky topsheet and solid arc that suits a close to the table topspin game. So from that point of view, it won’t take much adjustment, and the price makes it a very reasonable upgrade if you’re looking for a bit more quality or consistency.

Now, regarding the Glayzer and Glayzer 09c: you’re right that they’re well made, modern rubbers, and 09c in particular is designed to be a bridge between Chinese and European/Japanese rubbers. It’s still tacky, but with a more elastic sponge underneath so you get a bit more “pop” and potentially easier power generation without always needing a full stroke. That’s likely what your club mates are referring to when they mention reduced physical effort: European rubbers can help generate speed with shorter movements.

That said, the difference in physical effort isn’t always night and day it’s more about how you engage with the rubber. If you’re already used to brushing the ball with a fuller stroke, then the effort difference won’t feel dramatic. But if you’re starting to feel fatigue or a slight dip in explosiveness, the Glayzer 09c could make it easier to keep your attacking game sharp deeper into matches.

If you’re not looking to change your feeling or stroke mechanics too much, Hurricane 8 is a very solid and safe option. But if you’re open to a slightly different feel that still preserves a controlled, spin heavy style, Glayzer 09c could be worth the test maybe even on one side of your setup to compare before fully committing.