What table tennis rubbers are most popular with amateur table tennis players? To answer this question, I conducted a survey, asking players what rubbers they currently use for their forehand and backhand.
I sent the survey to subscribers of my mailing list and YouTube channel, various table tennis Facebook groups and users of the Table Tennis Daily forum.
In total, I received 594 responses from players from 70 different countries. The highest number of responses was from the UK (38%), USA (12%), Germany (7%), Australia (4%) and India (3%). Overall, 68% of responses were from players in Europe. The results of this survey should be viewed from this perspective. I’m sure that if 68% of responses were from players in Asia, the results would be different.
Most responses were from players who described their standard as intermediate (70%) , followed by advanced (21%), and then beginner (9%).
Most players described their playing style as an attacker (54%), followed by all-rounder (41%), and then defender (5%).
There are 41 different rubber brands which players are currently using. The most popular are:
- Butterfly (25%)
- Tibhar (10%)
- Yasaka (8%)
- Xiom (8%)
- JOOLA (7%)
- DHS (7%)
- Nittaku (6%)
- STIGA (6%)
- Donic (5%)
- Andro (4%)
When I ran this survey in 2022, Butterfly was top with 18% of players using one of their rubbers. In the two years since this has increased to 25%. Despite being the most expensive brand, Butterfly seem to be increasing their popularity amongst the amateur table tennis community. That being said, 75% of rubbers being used are not Butterfly, so the vast majority of players are enjoying using other brands.
Incredibly, players who responded to the survey are using 291 different rubbers! There is a massive choice of rubbers available. This can feel somewhat overwhelming when trying to find the right rubber to play with, as there is too much choice. On the flip side, as there is so much choice, it is possible to find the rubber which is the exact match for your playing style. One thing for certain, it is an extremely competitive market, with new rubbers frequently being produced.
So, on to the results. What are the most popular rubbers? The first list below is the top 20 of all rubbers used. Each entry includes a rubber description, views from players who completed the survey and links to purchase the rubber. For transparency, these are affiliate links, so I earn a small commission on any rubbers purchased. Below this top 20 list I have highlighted the 20 most popular forehand rubbers and also the 20 most popular backhand rubbers. There is also a video of me testing the no.1 rubber on the list.
These results should be taken as a snap-shot of rubber popularity at a specific moment in time (February 2024) amongst a small section of the global amateur table tennis community. Hopefully it will help players make an informed decision when choosing which rubbers to play with.
The top 20 most popular rubbers
(in descending order) …
20 – Yasaka Mark V
Brand description:
This rubber is the best selling rubber in the Mark V Line. Probably it´s the most well-known product in table tennis. Through the years a large number of championships have been won with MARK V. The rubber has continually been developed as the demands of the top players have increased. For the aggressive player, who masters the modern, fast technique close to the table, MARK V gives unique possibilities.
Player comments:
- “Excellent control. Not spin-sensitive.” – Matthew, Guernsey
- “Good for hitting hard attacks, close to the table” – Steve, UK
- “Plenty of control” – John, UK
Buy online
19 – Donic Baracuda
Brand description:
Excellent rotation and spin, creates a higher ball arc when playing topspin strokes. The BARRACUDA rubbers have been designed based on the Formula DONIC, but with one decisive addition: The ball leaves the rubber in a considerably higher arc, providing much more spin for topspin strokes. The spin stabilises the flight path of the ball and increases accuracy when hitting the ball with topspin.
Player comments:
- “Good spin for looping and serving and reasonable control with consistent response.” – Kevin, Australia
- “Good grip on the ball” – Anon, India
- “Good spin and able to pick up heavy backspin for loops” – Neil, UK
Buy online
18 – Andro Rasanter R42
Brand description:
Rasanter R42 is the most balanced of the Rasanter series. While it’s ability to attack with power is very much present, it should be noted that the softer sponge at 42 degrees allows the player to bring about exceptional control on blocks and the placement of all stokes. What’s unique about this rubber is that it is suitable for a large range of player levels as it can be used by top class players looking for that extra degree of control without needing to sacrifice too much speed in the process.
Player comments:
- “Medium soft, not too fast, lot of control, nice spin” – Matej, Slovenia
- “Spinny and good control” – Anon, Germany
- “Great looping and control” – Kyle, USA
Buy online
17 – STIGA DNA Platinum M
Brand description:
Advanced table tennis rubber with superior grip and spin that allow for strikes from challenging angles. A thinner top sheet can accommodate a thicker sponge, thus offering more speed and power. It features shorter pimples for greater surface contact between sponge and blade. Power Sponge Cells for increased catapult effect and optimal power. A sponge hardness of 47.5 degrees offers the perfect balance between control and speed.
Player comments:
- “Decent rubber for attacking, but still keeping some control. It’s fast, but not too fast” – James, UK
- “Good balance of power and control” – Tim, USA
- “Good spin and moderate power” – Anon, Egypt
Buy online
16 – Tibhar Evolution EL-P
Brand description:
Evolution EL-P is the most elastic of the Evolution range and offers a great balance to play precise and powerful strokes both at mid distance and at the table. The 42–44° medium sponge offers a good balance of feel and bounce and is perfect for attacking topspin players who want an emphasis on consistent controlled spin and power. The ball contact is terrific and you can play push, block and topspin strokes with confidence.
Player comments:
- “Suits my all-round game. I can push and block well, but I get decent spin when I go for my loops” – Shaun, UK
- “Not too fast, good control” – Bernie, UK
- “Slightly more control than MX-P” – Colin, Russia
Buy online
15 – JOOLA Dynaryz AGR
Brand description:
JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is used by professionals at the pinnacle of their sport – if you want aggression, precision, high speed and amazing spin characteristics DYNARYZ AGR is the rubber for you! The new signature purple 50 degree Hyper bounce sponge provides spectacular catapult effect whilst the Advanced Traction Surface Technology provides increased dwell time resulting in fabulous spin characteristics.
Player comments:
- “Very fast rubber allows me to play quick attacks with strong topspin” – Gustav, Germany
- “Grippy but punchy too” – Nigel, UK
- “Good speed and controllability” – John, UK
Buy online
14 – Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft
Brand description:
In Yasaka RAKZA 7 Soft the top sheet is the same as for RAKZA 7. The sponge is softer which gives the rubber more sound and built-in speed glue effect. With RAKZA 7 Soft the control characteristics are improved. After hitting the ball with top spin the curve of the ball is slightly higher, giving slightly bigger margins in the game. In the short return play, the ball feel is better.
Player comments:
- “This is a lively rubber which is fast and fun to hit with, but also has very good control for pushes and blocks. It has helped me generate more spin on my serves.” – Jenny, UK
- “Fast, very spinny but has excellent control” – Eddy, UK
- “It offers good control and is not to fast for me.” – Robert, Nertherlands
Buy online
13 – DHS Neo Hurricane 3
Brand description:
The rubber has the famous control and spin of the classic Hurricane 3 Rubber but is equipped with the Neo factory tuned sponge. More controlled, plus enhanced spin than Neo Hurricane 2, and suits the attacking allrounder who plays varied controlled loops. The sticky surface is combined with a hard sponge and allows attacking topspin shots with a low trajectory.
Player comments:
- “Maximum Spin, Arc, Touch, Power, Grip” – Anon, Germany
- “Good grip, nice for short game, slow when you need it, very quick when you need it also. Cheap!” – Anon, UK
- “Very good control including for underspin. Good spin. Linear rubber.” Erwin, USA
Buy online
12 – Yasaka Rakza Z
Brand description:
RAKZA Z is the new addition to the highly successful RAKZA series of YASAKA rubbers. For the first time in the RAKZA series, the top sheet has stickiness by employing a new production method. The result is a surface with exceptional grip, enabling phenomenal spin. The top sheet is combined with a harder ”Power Sponge”. The result enables you to make strong spin with a very high arc. Serves and short returns are both precise and sharp.
Player comments:
- “It grips and spins really well and is more controlled than most tensor rubbers but fast enough to trouble opposition and creates a lot of spin.” – Anon, UK
- “Has great dwell time and control, creates a lot of spin with enough speed to win points.” – Anon, UK
- “Very spinny and not very reactive. Makes it easy to flick and keep shots on the table.” – Anon, USA
Buy online
11 – Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX
Brand description:
TENERGY 05 FX combines High Tension technology with a version of Spring Sponge that produces a softer feeling and a straighter trajectory. It is the result of extensive research and one of many experiments carried out by the Butterfly Research Centre, its name deriving from pimples code 05. TENERGY 05 FX is the perfect solution for players who are seeking to play heavy topspin strokes, whilst maintaining control.
Player comments:
- “Softer rubber giving more consistency with backhand shots; very powerful and easy to attack as well. Good for flicks and no problems with blocking.” – Anon, Trinidad and Tobago
- “I have recently shifted to Tenergy 05 FX and it is working great with my playing style. I need good control, spin and speed which Tenergy 05 FX is fulfilling.” – Vipan, UK
- “Good control whilst being fast, reasonable spin” – David, UK
Buy online
10 – Tibhar Hybrid K3
Brand description:
Hybrid K3 combines characteristics that in the past didn’t seem possible. Despite its enormous tacki grip, Hybrid K3 still has high dynamics and powerful catapult effect. The hard sponge ensures high speed and the pimple configuration beneath the rubber surface gives you the sensation that you will be able to counter your opponent with early and effortless strokes. Play against heavily loaded chop or spin powered loops and you will be amazed at the precise control you have, plus the ability to lift and block heavily spun balls.
Player comments:
- “A lot of spin and power, without sacrificing too much control, especially over the table.” – Jeff, Luxembourg
- “Lots of spin, lots of control, not too fast, easiest rubber to open up I have ever used (on all+ blade)” – Clive, UK
- “Good speed, spin and OK control” – Ian, UK
Buy online
9 – Tibhar Evolution MX-P
Brand description:
The original dynamic and fast version of the Tibhar Evolution family. Due to the pimple geometry, the rubber is very flexible – giving greater energy to attacking balls. The red power sponge is a hard 46–48°, and makes no concession in terms of speed or spin. The ball contact time is extended by the pro-tension rubber giving excellent sensation and is chosen by powerful loop layers.
Player comments:
- “Have been using for many years – it’s fast, with lots of spin – great for direct attacking shots” – Harry, UK
- “Suits my topspin attacking game. Easy to counter-hit. Looping backspin decent too.” – Jannelle, France
- “Quick, spinny, enough control” – Matt, UK
Buy online
8 – DHS Hurricane 3
Brand description:
Launched by DHS to offer greater control than the original Hurricane 2 version. The typical sticky Hurricane surface is evident but Hurricane 3 produces reduced spin and speed, but this is compensated by the improved control. All shots are possible, but the strength is based upon control and spin when playing at the table.
Player comments:
- “I like how it doesn’t limit me in my forehand power, as I can put much more than with a tensor (eg. Tenergy) and it still landing, although probably getting same speed on the ball” – Dom, UK
- “Very tacky and spinny when attacking. Also good control.” – Graham, UK
- “Not too fast and catapulty and lots of spin” – Anon, Sweden
Buy online
7 – Yasaka Rakza 7
Brand description:
Yasaka RAKZA 7 uses mainly natural rubber gum for the top sheet. This improves the level of grip and the power of spin drastically. The top sheet is combined with the new “Power Sponge”. When the player hits the ball hard, the rubber “grips” the ball and the stroke can be used to place the ball accurately, both in direction and length. The serve and short returns are very sharp and easy to handle. Due to the increased percentage of natural gum the durability is improved.
Player comments:
- “Great spin, really nice to loop with” – Tommy, Sweden
- “Good control, easy to activate, great spin, good blocks, great for rally play.” – Jana, Poland
- “Easy to flick, control, good for attacking, blocking. Good feel.” – Jamie, UK
Buy online
6 – XIOM Vega Europe
Brand description:
VEGA EUROPE is one of XIOM’s most popular rubber of all time. The soft sponge of 42,5° provides longer dwell time and great acoustic feedback for immense control. The ball stays longer on the rubber which helps adjusting strokes, absorbing incoming spin and makes it more forgiving in general. The soft top sheet offers great touch and makes it easier for the player to control the game. Also the acceleration of the ball becomes more easy even without advanced technique or professional arm swing.
Player comments:
- “The rubber is quite soft so it gives me time to play my shot and it has good control” – Cristian, France
- “Combination of high control while still having good speed and spin” – Anon, Germany
- “It is cheap and durable. Not too much tensor effect.” – Simeoni, Finland
Buy online
5 – Butterfly Rozena
Brand description:
Newly developed reversed rubber top sheet combined with Spring Sponge. For the player who requires extra control during aggressive strokes. This is a rubber which concentrates on producing consistent play whilst maintaining the spin and speed you would expect from a modern offensive rubber.
Player comments:
- “Fast enough. A dream to block and control.” – Andre, Portugal
- “High spin in service but not to crazy so I can keep up with it as an intermediate player” – Anon, Germany
- “It’s not too fast, and gives me good control. I also like that it is the lowest priced of their best quality rubber. So it seems a good choice to improve my skills with.” – Anon, USA
Buy online
4 – Nittaku Fastarc G1
Brand description:
The FASTARC G-1 is a rubber for offensive play. The grippy surface and the 47 ° hard sponge can generate high speeds with extremely high spin. The rubber is played by Mima Ito and Masataka Marizonio! The Fastarc G1 is the best selling rubber in Japan.
Player comments:
- “Good for topspin loop, the ball drops quite quickly. Good speed and also good control.” – Neville, UK
- “It’s a very balanced rubber that can do everything and it’s not particularly bouncy which for me at least for the FH is a plus.” – Tiziano, USA
- “It can be spinny and also allow me to drive through the ball with confidence.” – Anon, UK
Buy online
3 – Butterfly Dignics 05
Brand description:
The combination of the new and improved sponge technology with an advanced surface sheet and pimples structure provide increased grip with the feeling of literally “holding the ball” on impact. DIGNICS 05 features additional elasticity, precision and spin performance of the highest order. Recommended for the most modern offensive table tennis with focus on spin – DIGNICS 05 will raise your game to new heights and provide high passive control of incoming spin – performance in passive play and serve-receive play will improve markedly.
Player comments:
- “Perfect balance of control and speed” – JP, Canada
- “Easy to switch between slower more thoughtful tactics and the faster more attacking loops and drives.” – Mark, UK
- “A more tamed version of Tenergy, more ‘gears’ in a way. Great for blocking.” – Eddie, UK
Buy online
2 – Butterfly Tenergy 05
Brand description:
This was the first rubber to feature Butterfly’s new “Spring Sponge”. Spring Sponge feels hard yet its new technology allows you to hold the ball on the racket longer. Tenergy 05 combines this new explosive sponge with a new tensioned topsheet with maximum surface grip. The result is a rubber that produces massive amounts of spin on serves and topspin drives.
Player comments:
- “It is a very special rubber, but you need to be precise with it at all times. This rubber will always reward you for your brushing motion with good spin.” – Cristian, Argentina
- “I’m a backhand-orientated player and find this really suits me at my current stage of development. Very consistent, hard wearing & reliable.” – Ian, UK
- “Everything…the kick…the grip…I can be sloppy with execution and rubber forgives lack of perfection.” – Michael, USA
Buy online
1 – Butterfly Dignics 09c
Brand description
With a sticky surface, DIGNICS 09c offers immense friction and grip leading to high spin value and a curved trajectory during topspin if sufficient power is generated to impact the 44° hard Spring Sponge X. The requirement in power, along with the comparatively low speed makes DIGNICS 09c a choice for players of higher skill range and ambition, looking for the benefits of a sticky rubber. In order to protect the sticky surface, DIGNICS 09c comes with a pre-applied protective foil.
Player comments:
- “High control in serve and return, incredible speed and spin in killing shots” – Erriza, Indonesia
- “Its hard and sticky. I would use DHS Hurricane 3, but D09c just gives more speed and is easier to play with on passive shots.” – Kevin, Canada
- “Great spin, great feel, long dwell time, yet can be any rubber you want it to be. Holds up well.” – Brian, USA
Buy online
Testing Butterfly Dignics 09c
Here’s a video where I reveal the findings of my survey and test out playing with Butterfly Dignics 09c with my Power Pong Omega robot…
Summary
So Butterfly are occupying the top three spots and have the most rubbers in the top 20. When I ran this survey two years ago, Tenergy 05 was the number 1 rubber, but now it seems Dignics 09c is the rubber to have, despite it’s very high price. There are a lot of table tennis players with spare money to spend!
There are many ‘controlled’ rubbers in the top 20 list. This is most likely a reflection of the standard of player who completed the survey. 70% of players described themselves as an intermediate standard. So it makes sense that these players are choosing rubbers which are not too fast and are easier to control.
There are a lot of new rubbers which have come to market in the past two years, but only Stiga DNA Platinum M and Tibhar Hybrid K3 have manged to make my top 20 list. It shows that it takes time for new rubbers to gain a wider appeal amongst the amateur table tennis community. Several of the rubbers on my list have been around for a long time and are still proving popular.
I haven’t tried most of the rubbers in this list. I currently use JOOLA Dynaryz AGR (number 15 on the list). This rubber has a lowish trajectory, with lots of speed and spin. I am very happy to recommend this, especially as it is cheaper than the Butterfly rubbers.
Hopefully this top 20 list will help you choose your next rubber. There are so many options available, but this list should narrow down the choices for you.
For completeness, here are the lists of the top 20 rubbers for both forehand and backhand. There are similarities with the top 20 list above, but a few differences and new additions as well…
Most popular forehand rubbers
- Butterfly Dignics 09C
- Butterfly Tenergy 05
- Nittaku Fastarc G-1
- DHS Hurricane 3
- Butterfly Dignics 05
- Butterfly Rozena
- Xiom Vega Europe
- DHS NEO Hurricane 3
- Tibhar Hybrid K3
- Yasaka Rakza Z
- Tibhar Evolution MX-P
- Yasaka Rakza 7
- DHS NEO Hurricane 3 Provincial (Blue Sponge)
- Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX
- Nittaku Hammond Z2
- Donic Baracuda
- Donic BlueStar A1
- JOOLA Dynaryz AGR
- Xiom Vega Pro
- Yasaka Mark V
Most popular backhand rubbers
- Butterfly Dignics 05
- Butterfly Dignics 09C
- Butterfly Tenergy 05
- Butterfly Rozena
- Yasaka Rakza 7
- Xiom Vega Europe
- Nittaku Fastarc G-1
- Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX
- Tibhar Evolution MX-P
- Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft
- Tibhar Hybrid K3
- Tibhar Evolution EL-P
- JOOLA Dynaryz AGR
- Stiga DNA Platinum M
- Butterfly Tenergy 80
- Stiga DNA Hybrid M
- DHS Hurricane 3
- Andro Rasanter R42
- Xiom Vega X
- Xiom Jekyll & Hyde V47.5
Thanks to everyone who completed my survey!
Personalised equipment advice
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