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 YouTube channel, mailing list, Facebook page, Twitter account and users of Table Tennis Daily.
In total, I received 537 responses from players from 76 different countries. The highest number of responses was from the UK (28%), USA (10%), Germany (7%), Australia (6%) and India (5%).
Most responses were from players who described their standard as intermediate (71%) , followed by advanced (18%), and then beginner (11%).
Most players described their playing style as an attacker (54%), followed by all-rounder (42%), and then defender (4%).
There were 36 different rubber brands which players are currently using. The most popular are Butterfly (18%), Tibhar (13%), Yasaka (11%), DHS (9%), JOOLA (8%), Xiom (7%), Donic (5%), Andro (5%), STIGA (5%) and Nittaku (4%)
Below are the results of the most popular rubbers. I have highlighted the 10 most popular forehand rubbers and also the 10 most popular backhand rubbers. 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.
These results should be taken as a snap-shot of rubber popularity at a specific moment in time (June 2022) 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.
Let’s get on with the results…
Most popular forehand rubbers
(in descending order) …
10 – 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:
- “Lower trajectory, good top spin” – John, UK
- “Great speed and spin” – Mario, Portugal
- “Nicely fast, but very controllable in the short game” – James, UK
9 – Andro Rasanter R47
Brand description:
The most popular choice among the Rasanter family, R47 offers power, speed, spin, and comfort on all attacking strokes. The R47 has a bit of bounce with high level speed and a medium throw angle. This is a very fast rubber but also it is very spinny. Be equipped to perform topspins with a precise curved trajectory and to be creative in the mid-distance play as well.
Player comments:
- “Good controlled spin though relatively fast” – Vilmer, Denmark
- “It is fast and still imparts good spin. Can still push and play touch shots, not too sensitive to incoming spin.” – Nigel, UK
- “Fairly grippy fast rubber that suits how I play” – Ben, UK
8 – JOOLA Energy X-tra
Brand description:
Designed for former speed glue players, who play a controlled, attacking game, and demand best feeling and enhanced spin. The rubber has good ‘arc’ and fabulous feeling at the net – the GREEN POWER feel is in-built but the grippy surface on a mid-soft 37.5° sponge produces a medium throw trajectory with high speed and excellent spin and control. Ideal for a fierce counter spinning / loop killing game, and ‘away’ from the table’ strategy.
Player comments:
- “Medium fast but with very good touch and control” – Richie, Australia
- “Great control, very spinny” – Tim, UK
- “Good control, but fast rebound and explosive in the sponge” – Mark, UK
7 – Xiom Vega Pro
Brand description:
Since the release in 2009, Xiom Vega Pro has gained a huge fanbase worldwide for many good reasons. The sponge is quite hard (47,5°) and non-reactive. What you put in, is what you get. In the short-short game over the table and at passive strokes the rubber will act slow. At fast movements and when hit with power, the rubber will be fast. The top sheet structure produces an extreme high ball flying curve with tremendous spin potential and provides an increased level of tolerance. This makes the rubber more forgiving and thereby increasing the confidence of the player in his attacking strokes.
Player comments:
- “Great consistency. It gives you good feedback on your strokes” – Chris, Thailand
- “Good spin and speed, pretty easy to control and good price” – Dan, UK
- “Cheap, linear, enough speed and spin” – Anon, Hungary
6 – 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:
- “Easy to create every kind of spin, even out of position, and easy to block” – Valentin, Japan
- “Great mix of power speed feel and control” – Chris, New Zealand
- “Very similar to Tenergy 05 but with more control” – Neil, UK
5 – 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:
- “Good spin and speed, but keeps control” – Matt, UK
- “It’s accurate, fast and lasts longer than other rubbers” – John, USA
- “Works well for me and my attacking shots although I do not loop” – John, Australia
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:
- “Is very spinny and great for serves” – Josh, New Zealand
- “Spinny, great for blocking, medium throw angle, very controllable” – Nikos, Greece
- “Spinny, controllable. Opens up well, counters well, offers a good serve, receive and short game, and facilitates both all-out spinning as well as a flatter game.” – Anon, Netherlands
3 – 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:
- “Lot’s of spin and counterlooping potential, I like the feeling of the sticky uppersheet” – Marco, Netherlands
- “Quite forgiving of incoming spin which makes it easy to return serves.” – Mikael, Sweden
- “It is good both in short game and looping game. It has good dwell time. A good spinny rubber with control” – Bjarni, Iceland
2 – 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:
- “The huge amounts of spin you can put into your loops” – Anon, Bulgaria
- “Great control, lots of spin, great speed on strong loops (I have a very long swing)” – Anon, France
- “Balance between control, spin and speed.” – Marc, Germany
1 – 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:
- “Very spinny, pretty fast. Good on serves, good on receives. High arc, not too hard.” – Jan, Poland
- “It gives me the spin and speed I need and has enough control for me.” – Simon, Sweden
- “Great for looping” – Bill, UK
Most popular backhand rubbers
(in descending order) …
10 – JOOLA Rhyzer 43
Brand description:
The 43 degree sponge gives you the optimum mix of power, spin and ball response. Ideal for spin oriented attackers, even from mid distance but also allows you to control your opponent in precise close to the net exchanges. Despite the high speed it compensates technical shortcomings due to the relatively soft stroke feeling and therefore guarantees very good feedback and an arched trajectory of the ball.
Player comments:
- “Good top spin especially close to the net.” – Craig, Australia
- “It’s a steady rubber for backhand” – Pete, UK
- “Quick and good for controlling” – Eva, UK
9 – 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:
- “Keeps ball on the table whatever shot I play” – H, Croatia
- “Cheap, enough speed and spin, easy blocking” – Anon, Hungary
- “Soft rubber with more spin than speed” – Michal, Poland
8 – 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:
- “Grippy top sheet, so great spin, great power, and speed like tensor rubbers. It is slower than other tensor rubbers but it has a lot more control.” – Anon, Puerto Rico
- “Bouncy yet controllable” – Aybars, Turkey
- “Good control and spin” – Ivan, Mexico
7 – 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:
- “Good for allround backhand play. I can push, block, flick and topspin with good control.” – Jerry, UK
- “Spin is great and speed is controllable. Easy to play with” – Steve, UK
- “Very fast and suits my backhand style” – Paul, Australia
6 – 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:
- “Very easy for flicks and open ups as well as being very direct and fast but still controlled” – Morgan, UK
- “Spinny good control great for short game an counter attack” – Bjarni, Iceland
- “Enough control but plenty of spin and speed” – Peter, UK
5 – 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:
- “Fast rubber for my aggressive backhand attacks” – Jane, UK
- “Allows me to flick and loop with my backhand with fast speed and high spin” – Anon, France
- “Good durability. I can use it for a long time and it still performs well.” – David, USA
4 – 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:
- “Love it for open ups because you can generate lots of spin” – Andreas, Sweden
- “Great spin. Both for top and chop.” – Gareth, UK
- “Very grippy (too grippy really!)” – Rob, UK
3 – 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:
- “Great spin on slow and fast shots with a high arc” – Josh, New Zealand
- “Can really out power in the blocks if needed” – Gustav, Sweden
- “Good control and spinny” – Tono, Canada
2 – 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:
- “Good spin for serving and creating errors.” – Vic, Australia
- “Spinny, good blocking, very controlled” – Avinash, India
- “Decent speed to play fast attacks, but definitely has decent control too” Phil, UK
1 – 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:
- “Powerful speed and spin” – Gary, USA
- “Very, very spinny when playing backhand topspin attacks” – Dev, India
- “So easy to loop backspin balls. Good arc. High spin” – Tim, UK
Summary
So there we go. Tenergy 05 is still the most popular rubber. Am I surprised by this? Yes and no. Tenergy 05 is a fantastic rubber. I used to play with it and you can generate loads and loads of spin. But Tnergy 05 has been available for around 15 years now, so I was expecting some of the newer rubbers to have knocked Tenergy 05 off the top spot.
I was also surprised by the popularity of the Yasaka Rakza 7 rubber. I have also used this rubber in the past and really liked it. I just thought it was more of a niche rubber, which not many players used. It’s a lot more popular than I thought.
The Nittaku Fastarc G1 was is also very popular. I have never used this rubber – or really heard of it – so I’d like to give it a try in the future.
It was good to see a few JOOLA rubbers making the top 10. I currently use JOOLA Rhyzer 43 on my forehand and JOOLA Rhyzer 48 on my backhand. Although I am tempted to switch to JOOLA Dynaryz AGR for my forehand. JOOLA make fantastic rubbers, which I think are just as good as Butterfly rubbers, but more affordable.
Finally, a little shout-out to defenders. Unfortunately I didn’t get enough defensive players fill out my survey, so it wasn’t possible to create any meaningful lists. If I run the survey again, I’ll try and get a bigger sample size.
Thanks to everyone who completed my survey!
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