Table tennis is one of the world’s most popular indoor sports. Right now, its competitive scene is booming with enthusiasts and professionals. It takes an immense amount of speed, agility, concentration, and presence of mind to play the game. For newcomers, a minimum amount of practice is required to polish fast reaction times and powerful shots.
Besides all the physical capabilities, your performance in table tennis also depends upon the equipment you use. The single most valuable asset of yours in case of table tennis is your bat. To be precise, the rubber present on your bat is the most critical differentiator.
There are different forms of rubber present which provides different characteristics to your shots. Some rubbers are suitable for aggressive gameplay, and some are best for defensive plays. Furthermore, the amount of spin on your ball also depends upon the type of rubber you use.
In this article, we will be reviewing some of the best table tennis rubbers available on amazon and segregating them according to different categories to help you choose what you need. Make sure that you go through the entire article to find the ideal rubber, which will elevate your gameplay to the highest possible standard.
No matter which one you select from this list, there are high chances you won’t go wrong. Just make sure that you choose the category that best suits you.
| No. | Categories | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ANDRO Rasanter R48 Table Tennis Rubber | Spin |  | |
| 2 | Butterfly Tenergy05 Table Tennis Rubber | Looping | | |
| 3 | Butterfly Tenergy 64 Table Tennis Rubber | Chopping | | |
| 4 | DHS NEO Hurricane 3 Table Tennis Rubber | Forehand | | |
| 5 | TIBHAR Evolution MX-P Table Tennis Rubber | Backhand | | |
| 6 | Butterfly Rozena Table Tennis Rubber | Control | | |
| 7 | Butterfly Sriver Table Tennis Rubber | Beginner | | |
| 8 | Butterfly Tenergy 80 FX Table Tennis Rubber | Professional | |
- 8 Of The Best Table Tennis Rubbers
- 1. ANDRO Rasanter R48 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Spin
- 2. Butterfly Tenergy05 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Looping
- 3. Butterfly Tenergy 64 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Chopping
- 4. DHS NEO Hurricane 3 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Forehand
- 5. TIBHAR Evolution MX-P Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Backhand
- 6. Butterfly Rozena Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Control
- 7. Butterfly Sriver Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Beginners
- 8. Butterfly Tenergy 80 FX Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Professionals
- Things to Consider When Buying a Table Tennis Rubber
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
8 Of The Best Table Tennis Rubbers
1. ANDRO Rasanter R48 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Spin
- Speed Rate: 9.0
- Spin Rate: 9.5
- Control Rate: 9.0
- Weight: Low
- Durability: High
Andro is a 25-year-old company that was started by table tennis professionals. It has grown to become one of the biggest and most popular table tennis equipment brands. Their Rasanter family of rubbers is one of the most sought after rubbers.
The R48 is known for its fantastic spin because of the Energy Cell sponge and the unique R rubber on top. The rubber provides a tremendous grip helping the ball to spin effortlessly. Besides, the Sponge also offers a big sweet spot.
These three aspects paired together to make this a perfect racket for many different topspin play styles.
The rubber itself is not too light or too heavy. It’s at a perfect weight to let you swing it fast, with accuracy and less fatigue. The R rubber is pre-tensioned, and the Sponge is not too soft. This combination makes way for faster ball deliveries and aggressive gameplay.
PROS
- Big Sweet Spot, Due to a 48° Sponge
- Unique R rubber for a Superior Grip on the Ball
- High Spins because of R Rubber and Energy Sponge
- Not Too Heavy
CONS
- Not Suitable for Defensive Style Plays
Bottom Line
The Rasanter R48 gives both fantastic speed and durability. Coming from Andro, you have nothing to worry about regarding the quality of the rubber. On the other hand, the medium weight paired with the R rubber and Energy Sponge makes way for a fantastic swing and spin. This bat will let you take your aggressive gameplay to a whole new level.
2. Butterfly Tenergy05 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Looping
- Speed Rate: 9.0
- Spin Rate: 9.5
- Control Rate: 8.5
- Weight: Medium
- Durability: Low
Butterfly is one of the oldest and most active table tennis brands in the world. It was established in Japan in 1950 and has now grown to become one of the best. The Tenergy range of rubbers is one of the highest-rated rubbers in the professional table tennis community.
Tenergy 05 is made to keep looping as it’s the sole purpose. It combines two of the company’s most renowned technologies; the spring sponge and high tension rubber. Together these provide the racket with incredible looping capabilities.
The High tension rubber on the outer layer results in high catapult capabilities. Moreover, the spring sponge gives the racket amazing explosive drives. It also enables you to block your opponent’s shots as well, effortlessly.
The hardness and weight of the rubber are at a medium level and, therefore, won’t make a significant impact on the racket’s weight. The excellent grip makes the rubber amazing in looping and offers an incredible spin on delivery.
PROS
- High Catapult Effect because of High Tension Rubber
- High Spin due to Spring Sponge Technology
- Explosive Launch Speeds make way for Aggressive Gameplay
- Have Varied Thickness Options
CONS
- Slightly Less Durable
Bottom Line
The Tenergy 05 is hands down the best rubber for looping. In the case of looping and spins, it has no flaws or setbacks. The only presumable downside might be that the explosiveness is hard to master and control. On the other side, the rubber is not that proficient in chopping and flat hitting because of its springiness.
3. Butterfly Tenergy 64 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Chopping
- Speed Rate: 9.5
- Spin Rate: 9.0
- Control Rate: 8.5
- Weight: Medium
- Durability: Medium
The Butterfly Tenergy 64 is the second product from Butterfly that we have on our list. It is one of the oldest table tennis equipment brands has some of the best products in almost all the categories. Furthermore, Tenergy is used by some of the best players within the competitive scene. Therefore you don’t need to bother about the quality of their products.
The Tenergy 64 is one of the most well-known rubber from the Tenergy Family of rubbers. The company’s most prominent technology – Spring Sponge – is incorporated within it. The spring sponge enables the ball to dig into the rubber and gain a high spin.
Moreover, Tenergy 64 is equipped with the company’s High Tension Rubber. This pre – tensed rubber provides the ball extra bounce and velocity. This extra bounce helps you to achieve highly consistent and powerful chops.
The rubber comes in three different thicknesses and two different colors. These choices provide you with the option to choose the amount of bounce or hardness of your racket. You will be able to fine-tune the performance and thereby make your cops perfect.
PROS
- High Catapult Effect due to Pre-Tensed Rubber
- Spring Sponge Technology offering High Spin
- Variable Thickness Options
- High Launch Speed
CONS
- Best Suited for an Attacking Play Style
Bottom Line
This rubber will significantly improve your gameplay if you are a table tennis player who has an attacking play style. It can make your chops better and support your play style with ease due to its tensed rubber layer and soft sponge for high ball spins.
4. DHS NEO Hurricane 3 Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Forehand
- Speed Rate: 8.5
- Spin Rate: 9.5
- Control Rate: 8.5
- Weight: Medium
- Durability: High
DHS is one of the most trusted table tennis equipment brands in the world. Its products are so precisely made that it was used in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Coming to the Neo Hurricane 3, it is deemed one of the best rubbers for forehand by professionals.
The rubber has the incorporated Neo sponge technology proprietary to the company. The Sponge is not too soft; therefore, the bar sits in the category of 8.0 hardness. This makes the rubber super tacky, enabling for high speeds while attacking.
The second killer feature is the outer rubber layer. The hurricane 3 is a perfect blend of tension and stretching capabilities. It produces a moderate catapult effect, and when it is combined with the characteristics of the Neo Sponge, it makes way for outstanding control.
One of the best characteristics of this rubber is that while focusing on power, it doesn’t let you down with its spin. The rubber has an adequate grip to give the ball high spinning rates and speeds. Therefore you can both play aggressively and have excellent serves with the same bat.
PROS
- The Neo Sponge with 8.0 Hardness helps Give Powerful Attacks
- Great Ball Spin
- Excellent Ball Control due to Hurricane 3 Rubber
- High Durability
CONS
- Not Suitable for Defensive Plays
Bottom Line
If you have an attacking playstyle, stay close to the table and use a lot of forehand shots, this is the best product for you to choose. It provides incredible control and high power. Furthermore, it’s highly versatile because of the topspin rates and excellent performance.
5. TIBHAR Evolution MX-P Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Backhand
- Speed Rate: 9.0
- Spin Rate: 9.5
- Control Rate: 8.5
- Weight: Heavy
- Durability: High
Tibhar is an innovative table tennis equipment company that operates throughout the world. It has made many groundbreaking inventions in table tennis rubbers and collaborated with the World Table Tennis Championships more than once.
The Evolution MX-P is one of the most excellent table tennis rubbers for players who use a lot of backhand shots. The reason for this is the medium-hard Sponge, which is paired with the pre tensed rubber. The hard Sponge makes way for less energy absorption and more powerful strokes.
On the other hand, the pre-tensed rubber increases the bat’s catapult effect, providing additional speed and power for your strokes. If you’re a backhand player, you’ll be surprised by the rubber’s power and spin capabilities.
The other best part about this rubber is that it can easily last longer than any other rubbers on this list. This is possible due to the high-quality top rubber layer and the dense sponge layer underneath. You can quickly train with this rubber and not worry about replacing any time soon.
PROS
- Pre-Tensed Rubber Provides High Catapult Effect
- Dense Sponge makes way for Less Energy Absorption
- High Power Returns
- High Durability
CONS
- Heavier than Other Rubbers
Bottom Line
The Tibhar Evolution MX-P is one of the most potent rubbers on our list. It is suitable for an aggressive play style and provides extra speed, power, and spin for Backhand shots. You can stay consistent across many tournaments when using this rubber due to its high durability.
6. Butterfly Rozena Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Control
- Speed Rate: 8.5
- Spin Rate: 9.0
- Control Rate: 9.5
- Weight: Medium
- Durability: Low
This is the third entry in our list from Butterfly, which clearly proves that the company is excellent in providing high-quality rubbers that fulfill different needs of the consumers. Therefore let’s not talk a lot about the company and jump straight into the product features.
Rozena is one of the most forgiving rubbers on this list. Using the proprietary spring sponge technology from Butterfly, the rubber can correct errors in your angles and your swing. Furthermore, the pre-tensed rubber helps in gripping the ball and lets you make accurate shots.
The soft sponge makes way for a very lightweight rubber. This does not let your hands get tired fast, and lets you make swings and shots with precision for a more extended period.
The Sponge, coupled with the rubber, has a low catapult effect but provides the balls with adequate speed and spin. Another unique feature of this rubber is its fantastic color. It is a special Rose dyed sponge giving it a vibrant and beautiful look.
PROS
- Provides a High Catapult Effect
- Low-Density Sponge makes way for a High Ball Grip
- Exceptional Look
- High Consistency
CONS
- Low Durability
Bottom Line
The Butterfly Rozena is a rubber that looks amazing and provides excellent control over your shots. Furthermore, its high forgiveness compensates for any small mistakes that you might make. The only downside of this rubber is that it has low durability. Hence you might need to change it after a few months.
7. Butterfly Sriver Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Beginners
- Speed Rate: 8.0
- Spin Rate: 8.0
- Control Rate: 8.5
- Weight: Low
- Durability: High
This is the fourth Butterfly rubber on our list. Being this frequent, you can rest assured that the brand will successfully uphold your faith and trust. Furthermore, this is one of the oldest table tennis rubbers from the company and the most used. Let’s now uncover the characteristics and features which make this rubber so popular.
The Butterfly Sriver is unique because it is made for keeping everything in mind. It can be called the jack of all trades. The Sponge used in the rubber is of medium hardness, and the rubber is pre tensed; therefore, it provides ample feedback from your hits.
The other best part is that it can be paired with many different rackets with varying characteristics. This makes the rubber versatile and lets you not worry about the pairing. For someone who has just started to learn table tennis, that is what you need.
Even then, the rubber can output adequate speed and spin, thereby letting you practice your serves, chopping, forehand, and backhand shots. Furthermore, this is highly durable than any other rubbers at this price point.
PROS
- Suitable for Both Aggressive and Defensive Play Styles
- It Supports Different Techniques and Shots
- Not Too Heavy in Weight
- High Durability
CONS
- Low Control over the Ball
Bottom Line
For the beginners who are just learning their serves and shots, this is the best rubber they can get their hands on. This rubber has low forgiveness and control over the ball; therefore, the trainees need to work harder to perfect the shots making them better in the long run.
8. Butterfly Tenergy 80 FX Table Tennis Rubber – Best for Professionals
- Speed Rate: 9.0
- Spin Rate: 9.5
- Control Rate: 9.5
- Weight: Heavy
- Durability: High
Butterfly is taking over this list. The reason for their fifth entry is that Butterfly is among the best companies that cater to armatures and professionals alike. Moreover, the Tenergy range is one of the most successful product lines from Butterfly. Let’s talk about the features and characteristics of the 80 FX now.
The Tenergy 80 FX is the most balanced table tennis rubber that you’ll find on Amazon. It is suitable for both the attacking and defensive playstyle, which is a rare trait among rubbers from different brands. The rubber is loaded with the spring sponge technology giving it medium hardness, and it provides fantastic spin to the ball.
Furthermore, the rubber also houses the High Tension Rubber technology. The elasticity of the rubber provides a strong catapult effect that offers impressive speed for the balls. It adds to your aggressive gameplay and explosiveness.
With a slight tackiness of the rubber, you will be able to control the ball without any difficulties. The tackiness also aids in the consistency of the ball. With the help of this rubber, you will find the new potential within you in no time.
PROS
- It Performs well for Both Offensive and Defensive Play Styles
- High Ball Spin due to Spring Sponge
- High Ball Speed because of the High Tension Rubber
- High-Durability
CONS
- The Rubber is Slightly Heavy
Bottom Line
The Butterfly Tenergy 80 FX is one of the most versatile and compatible rubbers on this list. It is one of the few high-quality rubbers that support both offensive and defensive plays. The only downside is that the rubber is a bit on the heavier side, which might be a problem.
Things to Consider When Buying a Table Tennis Rubber
Table Tennis is one complicated sport, and buying its equipment can be overwhelming. The rubber on the table tennis paddle is an integral element as it majorly influences the way you play and the ball’s behavior.
It will have a significant impact on your overall strategy and style. While there are many rubber choices, it is essential to understand the important factors before deciding to buy rubber for a table tennis paddle.
Nonetheless, we bring you a guide to assist you with the buying process. Read on to figure out what factors you should consider, ensuring an accurate purchase.
So, what to look for in table tennis rubbers?
1. Rubber Material Types
Table Tennis rubbers contain some protrusions on them called pimples (pips); these pimples have a significant impact on the spin of the ball and the type of strikes a player wishes for.
- Pimples-in: This rubber has pips inward and the flat side outward. The smooth and flat side is for hitting the ball. This rubber is vastly popular as it lends satisfactory control to the player and allows for stroke development.
- Pimples-out: This rubber has the pips outward and its flat hitting side inward. The player hits the ball with the pip side. This rubber is for defensive strikers who wish to cut the momentum of their competitor’s shots and decrease the game tempo.
2. Sponge Thickness
The sponge layer is the region between the rubber and the wood that acts as a bounce. This layer comes affixed to the rubber sheet when you buy a rubber.
Skinnier sponges will have less spring and be hard feelings. The call will sink to the wooden surface and deliver less speed and spin. Thin sponges work best for defensive players as it is useful for mellowing out the speed and spin of the foe’s shots.
Denser sponges have a softer feel and are faster; they provide additional spin as the ball will fall deeper into the sponge layer. This will catapult the ball outward with enormous velocity and high spin. These sponges are best suited to attack-style playing.
3. Sponge Hardness
Some rubbers have hard sponges, while some come with medium or soft sponges. However, in some cases, you can choose how hard it will be. Generally, the softer sponges give off more feeling of the ball, are more gracious, and generate spins easier.
Harder sponges lend the player extra offensive strength and give greater spin potential even for very tricky or difficult shots.
For players newer to the game, a rather softer sponge can be a good start for a short time as it allows for ample easy spin; however, for players at a higher level, a harder sponge is the ultimate way to go. It trains in polishing better shots and gives professional spin and speed capability.
4. Speed and Spin
Rubbers have their speed and spin ratings. These characteristics work more for the ball but must be mentioned here because rubber is the thing controlling the ball’s behavior. The speed of a rubber chiefly pertains to the speed that the ball is coming off with.
Offensive players who go for serves like topspin and smash generally desire rubber with a high-speed rating. Defensive strikers who mainly go for serves like underspin and block prefer a slower speed rubber.
For spin, the spinier a rubber is, the harder it will be to control. Spin is more particular to the stroke being played and the spin of the incoming shot by the opponent. Speed and spin ratings must match your playing style.
5. ITTF Authorization
You must ensure your rubber is approved by the standards set by the International Table Tennis Federation if you wish to compete in formal play. The requirement is also applicable to the selected colors. One side of the paddle must be bright red, and the other is to be black.
It is traditional for professionals to have a different playing style of rubber on either side of the racket to vary their shots, but they must adhere to the lawful requirements.
Another condition is that only rubbers with the ITTF logo can be utilized during official play. This implies that the federation has examined the specifications of the rubber, and it fulfills all the regulations and is eligible for the logo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Types of Rubber are there?
Mainly there are four types of rubber sheets: smooth, short pimples, long pimples, and anti-topspin. Players mostly opt for a smooth rubber sheet that has pimples on inwards. There are also tacky rubbers that have a flat and sticky surface; these are best in giving the ball some light spin.
How Long Does a Table Tennis Rubber Last?
According to the manufacturer’s estimate, the general life of a rubber can last for 50 to 90 playing hours. However, that is not the final verdict since many pro players can work their rubbers for around 12 months. Rubbers with materials like short pips and anti-spin rubber tend to last long.
How Often Should I Change My Table Tennis Rubber?
A smooth rubber can last for around 60 hours for average club players. However, it depends solely on the playing style and the time spent playing. If you have a regular coaching practice, then change it once a month. For twice a week usage, change it every four months.
Can You Reuse a Table Tennis Rubber?
You can definitely reuse your rubber. Once you take it off, give it a good wash, turn it inside out, and glue it back on properly. While the gluing process can take some serious time and devotion, it will allow you to reuse your rubber without discarding it.
How To Make Table Tennis Rubber Sticky Again?
You can make rubber sticky again by oiling it up. You will need a brush and a little bit of sunflower oil. Apply the oil evenly with your brush on the rubber and then let it soak the oil for a good few minutes. Your rubber will be sticky again.
How To Protect Table Tennis Rubber?
For rubber protection, you can buy protective sheets like plastic films. Place them on both sides of the paddle to keep any and dust and grime off it. You can always give your rubber a gentle wiping by using a damp sponge. Make sure you do not scrub harshly.
Final Thoughts
The fact is that there are a lot of companies that make table tennis rubbers. Moreover, there are a lot of different types of rubbers and playing styles as well. This allows a lot of different optimal combinations to exist.
Within this article, the best rubbers of the eight most common categories are listed. There is no competition between them; all you need to do is choose the category you fall and choose the rubber stated. You can mix and match the products listed if you want to rate them according to different characteristics like spin, speed, or control.
Either way, round, we have listed some of the best rubbers from world-renowned brands. These brands have all been suppliers of either Olympic Table Tennis Games or the World Table Tennis Championships. Therefore, you can have complete trust in them.
Butterfly has the highest number of entries within this list because it makes the most comprehensive range of rubbers. The company has produced some of the best rubbers for each category and at different price ranges. This makes it the most versatile equipment production company.
DHS and Tibhar are two other excellent rubber production companies. They, too, have a worldwide reputation for producing some of the highest and best quality products. The DHS and Tibhar products are priced a little high, but that is compensated with the provision of highly durable products.
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