If you’re a serious table tennis player, you know that choosing the right equipment is essential to your success on the court. One of the most critical pieces of equipment is to find the best table tennis rubbers for us.
In fact, the problem is that there are so many table tennis rubber brands and types available that we often become confused about their various features and which ones are most suitable for our individual needs and preferences.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top table tennis rubbers on the market and what makes them stand out. We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of each rubber’s key features, including spin, speed, control, and tackiness, and highlight the playing styles that they’re best suited for.
It should be noted that the rubbers listed in this post are all inverted rubber. If you are interested in ranking long pips or short pips rubbers, you could read our previous blogs, 12 best long pips, and 12 best short pips recommendation by clicking the link.
Best table tennis rubber for forehand
Butterfly Dignics 05
Before the Butterfly D-series’s introduction, numerous legendary players had already adopted the Tenergy series for their forehand and backhand strokes. As Butterfly Company’s most successful series, the rubber of this series has always been the subject of intense discussion around the world.
If you ask which rubber in this series generates the most discussion, it would undoubtedly be the T05, renowned for its exceptional forehand spin.
Since the introduction of the D05, with its even stronger rubber surface friction, faster ball speed, and harder sponge, it has quickly gained recognition among national players. It is similar to the relationship between the MXP and Xiom Vega Pro.
While D05 may be used as the backhand rubber of many national players who have extreme power in China, for most amateur enthusiasts, the D05’s hardness is perfect for use as a forehand rubber. D05 spins just as well as Chinese sticky rubbers but has a much faster ball speed.
In topspin rallies, it is more aggressive than DHS Hurricane NEO Blue Sponge and D09C. I used D05 with both the W968 blade and the Zhang Jike ALC blade, and the feeling of wrapping the ball with great force was evident.
It is ideal for middle and far-distance topspin rallies, but its strong elasticity sacrifices some control compared to T05. However, it still falls behind the crazy speed of sticky rubbers like DHS Hurricane and D09C.
DHS NEO Hurricane 3 National (Blue Sponge)
Suitable player: Enthusiasts who pursue extreme spin performance.
Recommendation score: 9.5
Butterfly Dignics 09c
Suitable player: This rubber is ideal for players who pursue stable looping performance and attack. Or if you have a sufficient budget but don’t know which rubber to purchase, then you can consider it.
Recommendation score: 9.5
Butterfly Tenergy 05
Tibhar Evolution MX-P
Best table tennis rubber for backhand
Butterfly Dignics 64
Donic Desto F1 Plus
Donic F1 is an undeniable classic, owing to its excellent overall performance and outstanding features. Even though sometimes I am not so satisfied with the friction on the rubber surface, the relatively soft sponge provides it with an excellent ball grabbing performance and decent spin.
Its main strength is speed, and the ball can be bounded with low arc and fast speed.with a low and fast bounce. F1 plus has improved on its predecessor by enhancing the rubber’s durability. With further boosting speed, the rubber has been engineered to be more elastic under smaller forces, resulting in even more precise ball control. I can obviously feel the precise control in some drop shots.
I personally like use this rubber to do backhand push. Donic F1 Plus has a relatively soft sponge, which allows for better contact with the ball and helps generate more spin on the push. The rubber surface also has good grip, which helps control the push’s placement and depth.
Recommendation score: 9.3
Donic Bluefire M1
Donic, a renowned rubber manufacturer from Germany, is known for both its classic high-density sponge rubber (Donic F1) and its flagship product, the blue cake sponge rubber. Among all the products, Bluefire M1 is the one most widely used by ping pong players.
It has a soft, high-density sponge and a narrow, elongated pimple structure on the rubber surface, which gives it a high degree of elasticity and a good grip on the ball. These features make it an excellent choice for players who prefer to use their backhand to attack with powerful shots, such as drives and flicks.
The strong grip and friction of the rubber surface provide players with a high degree of confidence and control over the ball, especially during backhand pushes and other defensive shots. The elongated pimple structure on the rubber surface allows for greater flexibility and a larger contact area with the ball, which helps players generate more spin and power.
Recommendation score: 9.3
Gewo Proton NEO 450
The Gewo Proton NEO 450 is similar to the Donic F1 but with cake sponge version. But it has stronger support, slightly better spin capabilities, and better defense control than the Donic F1, making it better suited to the needs of the 40+ era.
The cake sponge and rubber surface particles provide good elasticity, allowing for a fast ball release and strong spin potential. The rubber can provide high-speed stroke in the middle court. However, when you play far away from the table, then it may fail to give you sufficient support.
It’s more suitable for players who play backhand drives, loops and pushes near the table.
Recommendation score: 8.8
Butterfly Bryce High Speed
Before the birth of the Tenergy series, Butterfly’s two flagship rubbers were the commonly known Sriver, often called “little brother,” and the commonly known “big brother” Bryce. Compared to Sriver, Bryce achieved peak speed and spin after gluing. This was exemplified by the only non-Chinese male singles champion, Ryu Seung-min, at the 2004 Olympics.
In the era of 40+, Butterfly launched a new rubber called Bryce Speed for fans of the original Bryce, which, even without gluing, had extremely strong energy. After 15 years, Butterfly introduced Bryce High Speed, demonstrating the company’s extreme confidence in its speed performance by daring to attach “High Speed” as a suffix to “Bryce.”
Its high speed performance is a great weapon for players who prefer a fast and aggressive playing style, making it a suitable option for attacking shots and offensive play. Even if you do some shots at a far distance from the table, the rubber is still able to give you sufficient support.
Recommendation score: 9.0
Best table tennis rubber for beginners
Starting with table tennis rubbers that offer more control and less speed is generally recommended for beginners. A slower and more controllable rubber can help beginners develop proper techniques, improve consistency, and gain confidence in their shots.
Beginners don’t necessarily need to buy very expensive table tennis rubber. Many cost-effective options available in the market are suitable for beginners. So here we list several high cost effective rubbers for you to choose.
Friendship/729 729-2 Sensor
Friendship 729-2 Sensor is a type of table tennis rubber made by the Chinese Friendship Company. Compared to the previous regular 729 version, 729-2 appears to be more professional among entry-level rubbers. In fact, this was my first table tennis rubber when I started to learn table tennis 20 years ago.
The new version of 729-2 has abandoned the sponge used in the old version, and is now paired with a new white high-bounce sponge, which works with the highly tacky topsheet to create a well-balanced rubber.
It is a relatively affordable option that is often recommended for beginner or intermediate players. The 729-2 Sensor is known for its good spin and control, which can help players develop their skills and improve their consistency.
It is also considered a fairly durable rubber, meaning it can last longer and require less frequent replacement compared to other more expensive options.
Recommendation score: 9.5
Donic Desto F1
Donic Desto F1 is a popular table tennis rubber designed for offensive players who rely on fast, aggressive shots. If you haven’t played with many rubbers and ask your friends for a recommendation, nine out of ten of them will probably suggest you try the Donic Desto F1.
As one of the earliest rubbers that have been introduced to China, the F1 is almost considered the “standard backhand rubber” for players who begin to learn table tennis. Due to its early entry into the Chinese market and excellent elasticity, people will inevitably compare them to the F1 whenever they discuss new rubbers.
The F1 is known for its excellent balance between speed and control, making it a versatile choice for players who need to adapt to different playing styles. Its unique pimple arrangement on the top sheet also enhances its spin capabilities, allowing players to put more rotation on the ball.
Recommendation score: 9.5
Yinhe Venus 2
Yinhe Venus series is a quite well-known table tennis rubber, and it’s widely used both in China and other countries. I notice that apart from DHS Hurricane series, the best-selling ones are Venus series in europe.
The Yinhe Venus 2 is a high-performance rubber that retains the sticky properties of the “Venus” series while incorporating a unique rubber compound and an “Arbalest Sponge” that is in a state of energy storage.
This enhances the overall support of the rubber, allowing for faster speeds and more varied spins upon contact with the ball, breaking through the speed limitations of non-speed glue and significantly improving the threat of looping shots.
It is a classic all-round rubber with a medium sponge hardness, suitable for both forehand and backhand strokes.
Recommendation score: 9.2
Xiom Vega Asia
The Xiom Vega Asia is a part of the Vega series and is known for its all-around balance, high cost-effectiveness, and excellent durability. It is considered an entry-level product in the Xiom lineup for its lower price compared to other rubbers of XIOM.
The Vega Asia has a medium-hard sponge that gives it the perfect balance between speed and control. It is also designed with a unique topsheet that provides excellent spin and a higher ball trajectory. This rubber is recommended for backhand strokes because it emphasizes speed, especially for Asian players.
It has excellent all-around qualities, offering both elasticity and spin potential, and it produces a satisfying sound when striking the ball. The Vega Asia is worth considering if you are looking for a rubber that balances speed, control, and cost-effectiveness.
Recommendation score: 9.0
Tibhar Aurus
Tibhar Aurus series has been a popular entry-level rubber line in recent years, offering a variety of rubber types. The Aurus rubber features Tibhar’s innovative “SPI” technology, which stands for “Speed-optimized Performance and Integrated Dynamics.”
This technology is said to balance speed and control, allowing players to attack confidently and accurately. When touching the ball, it can almost be described as “biting the ball.”
Its sponge is designed to be very soft and elastic. This allows for greater dwell time on the ball, which can help generate more spin and power on shots.
Overall, I feel this is an ideal rubber for practicing topspin. That’s why we list it as the rubber recommended for beginners.
Recommendation score: 8.8
Best table tennis rubber for intermediate player
For intermediate table tennis players, they have already learned and are proficient in basic table tennis skills like forehand and backhand topspin, drives, and pushes strokes. They have gained basic ball control ability but still need to work on improving their speed, spin, and consistency.
Due to this reason, intermediate players require a rubber with a higher level of performance that can help them develop a deeper understanding of the game and enhance their overall performance.
Andro Rasanter R48
Andro’s Rasanter series rubbers are a well-known series widely used by European players. In terms of their names, this series is quite straightforward, with the letter “R” followed by a number representing the hardness of the sponge.
R48 is the choice here because the 48-degree hardness of the German sponge is a more balanced and versatile option. Of course, if the player’s stroke is powerful enough, they could opt for the higher hardness of R50 or even R53. But I would recommend that you start from R48.
The R48 has a top sheet of high-quality natural rubber with a special pimple geometry designed to maximize spin and speed, while the sponge underneath provides excellent control and feel.
The newly designed cake sponge is as thick as 2.3mm, so the rubber has enough space to generate deformation and bite the ball. Combined with the high friction surface, it generates a lot of speed and spin on both topspin and backspin shots, making it a great choice for offensive players who like to attack aggressively.
Compared to other rubbers, R48 is well-balanced and leans more towards the offensive end. Its overall performance can reach up to 90% of T05’s level, but it may be slightly inferior to T05 in terms of control and defensive capabilities. So that’s why we recommend it for intermediate players.
Recommendation score: 9.6
Xiom Vega Pro
Xiom Vega Pro is known for its ability to produce high spin and speed, making it ideal for players who focus on offensive play. The rubber has a hard sponge that is 2.0mm or 2.2mm thick, providing a powerful catapult effect and a good feel for the ball.
The topsheet of the rubber is made of a proprietary “Hyper Elasto” material, which enables it to grip the ball more firmly and generate more spin. It can help intermediate players to generate more spin, increase their shot speed, and improve their overall consistency.
However, since the Vega Pro is a relatively fast and spinny rubber, it may require some adjustment from players who are used to slower and less reactive rubbers. It may take some time for intermediate players to get used to the Vega Pro and fully utilize its performance capabilities.
Recommendation score: 9.0
Yasaka Mark V
Yasaka Mark V is a classic table tennis rubber that has been popular among players of all skill levels for many years. The rubber has a medium-hard sponge, which provides a good balance of control and speed. The topsheet’s grippy texture allows for good spin generation on topspin and backspin shots.
Our previous review mentioned that its high error tolerance impressed us most during the test. It can compensate for slight errors in technique, making it a suitable choice for intermediate players who may not have perfect control over their shots yet.
If you ask me to describe this legendary rubber with two words, then I would say the consistency and reliability. The rubber’s medium-hard sponge and grippy topsheet also offer a good balance between speed, spin, and control, which can help intermediate players improve their game while still being able to keep the ball on the table.
Recommendation score: 8.8
Donic Acuda S2
Donic Acuda S2 is a high-speed rubber with excellent spin qualities. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced players who make continuous loops in both directions, even when they are playing near or far from the table.
This technique, called “loop-loop” shots, was popular during the time of speed glued rubbers. If you check the early videos of Ma Long or Zhang Jike, you can find their playstyle before 2008 were somehow like this.
The topsheet is made of a high-quality synthetic rubber. It features a unique “SSP” (Speed, Spin, and Precision) technology that enables high levels of speed and spin without sacrificing control. The rubber is easily controllable and has a clear feedback when hitting the ball.
Recommendation score: 8.5
Joola Dynaryz AGR
Dynaryz is Joola’s flagship series, representing the top level of German rubbers and one of the rubbers that can compete with Butterfly. Currently, three versions are available: ACC, AGR, and ZGR.
ACC and AGR are traditional non-tacky rubbers, while ZGR is a tacky rubber, with their hardness increasing from low to high. After trying them out, the ACC has a relatively low hardness and is more suitable for the backhand, while the AGR has sufficient support and is fully capable of being used for the forehand.
In terms of attacking, AGR’s ball quality when playing both topspin and backspin is better than T05. And it is also very similar to D05. AGR can rival D05 in the attacking aspect, and I want to call it “the perfect killing tool for advanced players” to show that its attacking ability is excellent.
At the same time, it is also very stable in defense.
However, the shortcoming of this rubber is that it may be difficult to penetrate the ball with low power. Flicks and short game shots may be challenging for some players.
However, its incomparable attacking ability makes it an ideal choice for offensive players who love to play with a violent and powerful style.
Recommendation score: 9.5
Best table tennis rubber for control and spin
Speed is not the only winning factor in table tennis. In terms of speed, table tennis is not as fast as badminton or tennis. The charm of table tennis lies in its varied spin and precise control.
Many non-professional athletes do not necessarily require absolute speed, as too much speed can actually be difficult to control. The right speed, tricky spin, and precise control are the key to achieving victory.
Butterfly Tenregy 19
Butterfly Tenergy 19 is a table tennis rubber that was released in 2021 as the newest addition to the Tenergy series. The rubber features a unique top sheet that is made from a new compound, which is softer and more flexible than previous Tenergy rubbers, allowing for greater ball dwell time and improved control.
According to Butterfly’s official description, by changing the pimples’ size, length, and arrangement, Tenergy 19 has stronger spin than the previous T05. However, during the test, we can feel a slight increase in spin, but it is not significant and does not appear to be as enhanced as Butterfly’s official description.
Recommendation score: 8.5
Tibhar Evolution EL-P
Similar to Butterfly’s Tenergy series, Tibhar’s Evolution series is also a top product in the world of table tennis rubbers and is divided into different versions based on softness and performance.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the “MX” in MX-P represents higher hardness, while “P” represents a focus on power. In the case of the EL-P, the name stands for “Extra Long Pimple,” which refers to the rubber’s pimple structure.
The EL-P rubber also inherits the highly frictional surface of the Evolution series. Combined with a softer sponge and stronger ball wrapping, it provides a stronger ability to generate spin. However, EL-P also has a high tension, allowing for powerful shots and good speed.
Recommendation score: 8.8
Nittaku Fastarc P-1
Nittaku is among the major brands in Japan but has often lived in the shadows of Butterfly and maintained a relatively low profile with limited marketing, resulting in lower brand recognition. However, in the past, Nittaku was widely regarded as a backhand standard for the Chinese national team.
The P-1 version of the Fastarc series has a medium-hard sponge and a grippy topsheet that provides excellent spin and speed. The built-in tension that allows players to generate explosive power with minimal effort.
In addition to its speed and power, the Fastarc P-1 also provides excellent control and touch, allowing players to execute precise shots easily. The rubber’s grippy topsheet enables players to impart heavy spin on the ball, making it difficult for opponents to return.
I would recommend this rubber if you want to strike the ball with strong spin and great control.
Recommendation score: 9.0
Butterfly Tenregy05 fx
When Butterfly introduced the Tenergy series, it caused a stir in the table tennis world by leading the way in the era of cake sponge rubbers. Among them, T05 stood out with its unique arrangement of the built-in pimples that produced a strong spin, making it the top choice among countless pro players.
However, due to its relatively hard topsheet, many people find it hard to control. Thus, Butterfly Company launched the T05 FX, an updated version of the T05, but with a softer and more elastic sponge, which provides a better spin and more control.
Its tacky and grippy topsheet enables players to generate a high amount of spin with less effort. The softer sponge made it easier to grip the ball as well as produce better friction.
Although top players use it relatively less, it is a nice rubber with good spin and control.
Recommendation score: 9.0
Tibhar Hybrid K2
Tibhar was one of the early developers of tacky rubber apart from those Chinese manufacturers. In addition to the Evolution series previously mentioned, the K-series are also the popular choices among ping pong lovers.
The rubber features a medium-hard sponge and a hybrid top sheet, providing excellent balance between speed and spin. The unique top sheet design allows for increased dwell time and better ball control while generating strong topspin. The K2 also features a built-in speed glue effect that gives the rubber a lively and explosive feel.
It is very similar to the classic Chinese tacky rubber DHS Hurricane 3.
Recommendation score: 8.6
Best rubber for chopping table tennis
As a chopper, I have been asked most frequently: ‘ What rubber do you use for chopping?’ and ‘What kinds of rubbers are suitable for chopping?’ Here we don’t discuss the long pips as we haven’t talked about this topic in our previous blog.
When we choose an inverted rubber for chopping, we should know that a thinner and softer sponge will provide better defensive control, but the speed and spin of attacking shots will be reduced. On the other hand, a thicker and harder sponge will provide the opposite effect.
In my case, I always prefer some relatively soft or medium soft rubbers. But I have also seen some players chopping with Tenergy 05! Sounds crazy, right? Anyway, the choice depends on your personal feel and playing style.
Victas V>15 Extra
Koki Niwa has withdrawn from international competition but has left behind many classic shots in his career. Despite being a small and slender player, Niwa is a top professional player who could trust in the performance of the V15E rubber that he used on his forehand for so long.
One of the key features of the Victas V>15 Extra is its “Hyper Elasto” technology, which is designed to enhance the rubber’s catapult effect and increase the amount of spin generated on topspin shots.
Among the many rubbers available, the V15E appears to be less ‘explosive.’ Although the sponge is not particularly soft, it has a soft and controllable feel. As advertised by the manufacturer, the rubber surface is ‘not afraid of spin,’ allowing players to respond to incoming shots easily.
You can use this rubber for both forehand chopping and forehand loops. Especially if you are a player who tend to find chances to attack during the defense.
Recommendation score: 8.5
Butterfly Sriver FX
The Butterfly Sriver is a classic table tennis rubber that has been around for over 50 years, with its origins dating back to 1967. It is one of the most iconic and enduring rubbers in the history of the sport, and countless top players have used it over the years. I suppose the age of this rubber is older than many of our readers.
Compared to the original Sriver rubber, the Sriver FX has a slightly softer sponge, providing a little more feel and control. The good control and softer sponge is beneficial for defensive shots.
The reason for choosing this type of rubber is mainly because it is softer and easier to control. The chopped balls produced by this rubber are relatively flat and steady, which is easy to loop and does not pose much threat. It is suitable for beginners to practice chopping with this rubber.
Recommendation score: 8.6
Butterfly Tackifire Drive
The Butterfly Tackifire Drive is another classic rubber of Butterfly Company. It features a tacky surface that enables players to produce a high level of spin on their shots, and a medium-hard sponge that provides good speed and power.
Many chopping experts use this rubber on their forehand. It is sticky, with good control and strong spin, making it suitable for forehand chops. It is even easier to use on the backhand side, but its speed is slightly slower.
A special feature of this rubber is its ability to absorb the powerful incoming topspin and chop spinny shots. I really recommend this rubber if you have solid basic chopping skill.
Recommendation score: 9.0
Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft
Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is a popular rubber among table tennis players prioritizing control and spin over outright speed. Compared to its sibling, Rakza 7, Rakza 7 Soft has a softer sponge and is more suitable for players who prefer a more controlled game.
The tacky topsheet of Rakza 7 Soft allows for good grip on the ball, which helps players generate more spin and control the ball more effectively. This is especially important for players who rely on chopping to force their opponents to make errors or set up their offensive shots.
Personally, I have used Rakza 7 soft for several years. The rubber gave me great experience and gave me a deeper understanding of chopping with inverted rubbers.
Recommendation score: 9.2
DHS Hurricane 3
At first sight of this rubber, you might think: Are you serious? Is this rubber good for chopping?
Now I can tell you: Absolutlely. This is the rubber that I have used for chipping for longest time in my career. DHS Hurricane 3 is not only good for attacking but also for chopping. The ball is fast, spinny, and with good control, which is uncommon.
It is the most recommended forehand chopping rubber to replace the Butterfly series if you find that they are expensive. Actually, you don’t need to buy Hurricane provincial or national version. A normal version is definitely enough for chopping purpose.
I have heard many European players complaining that Hurricane is not fast. So if you are not an attacker, then you can absolutely consider this rubber.
Recommendation score: 9.5
