I know, we have done this once before, but since the forum crashed (well, sort of) we'll have to do it all over again.
This time, I would appreciate it if you all contributed with the set up you would recommend for a beginner, without flaming other members and there suggestions. If we do feel the need to ask about some ones suggestion, please do this in a separate discussion thread.
My Suggestion to the total noob who has never touched a bat before;
Get a cheap combo, rated in the lower regions of speed and spin. Trust me, everything will be fast and spiny enough for you and you will most likely like to try some different things before you get settled, so no need to spend loads of money until you have a clue as to what you are looking for.
To the basement player who wants to take a step further;
If playing a very offensive game:
Blade: Something listed at Off- to Off, don't go for the Off+ as these bats are very fast, to fast for a beginner. I could try to find some suitable blades, but since I haven't used any of them myself, your guess is as good as mine.
Rubbers:Dawei Inspirit in 2.0 or max thickness, preferably on a 38 degree sponge. This will give you all the speed you need with out losing all control. You will have a rubber that spins pretty nice, with out causing you to much trouble when receiving spin.
If playing an allround game:
Blade: Joola Cat. Rated at all+ this blade will give you the speed to hit your own winners, but control to play defensive as well.
Rubbers: Kokutaku/Tulpe has got a whole line of Blutenkirsche 868. The Tokyo version is supposed to be the best, but I have found that even the cheaper Chinese sponged version provides a good alternative. Excellent quality rubbers, decent speed which gives great control and a mildly tacky surface that allows for a spin oriented game. Be aware, this also increase the impact on the incoming spin. Sponge suggestion: 2.0 or max.
If playing a defensive game:
If you are loaded with cash, then go for something from Neubauer, can't go wrong with them. If you, like most of us want a cheaper alternative, you could try out the Yasaka balsa. Rated as All-, this is a slow and very controllable blade which really gives an excellent feeling and touch.
Rubbers: It's not commonly suggested, but I feel that if you intend to play defensive, you might as well start out with the equipment suited for this, namely long pimples. My recommendation is to use them on one side (most common the backhand side) and for that, Dawei have made some truly great long pimpled rubbers, such as 388D, 388D-1 and Saviga V. All of them are capable of generating minor spin but still reverse the incoming spin and provides you with great control. I suggest that you start of with a thin sponge, 0.5 or the closest you could get depending on what sponge thicknesses that are available. Once you have get used to it, you might want to try them in OX (No sponge at all) as that increase the spin reversal, but it's also a tad harder to learn how to play with. For the other side of the bat, I'm actually going to recommend something I haven't tried, but all the current positive reviews can't be wrong, the Xiom Yanus DF sounds like the perfect rubber for this. At a 1.5 sponge this should work great for chopping, creating different spin on each shot, provide great control but still have the speed to go for that surprising winner.
Good luck with what ever you pick and welcome to the world of serious table tennis!
