Comparing other rubbers to Bryce.... basic help for a newbie!

[blue_smartie68]

Hi all,
Well....I've been table tennising for many years but really a newbie when it comes to equipment/rubbers out there! 
 
I read many of your posts comparing brands, sponge thickness, tackiness, spin/speed etc etc and to be honest, I've never heard of most brands/types mentioned! 
 
My experience has basically been with butterfly and originally had Soft D13 (I think...years ago)...then went to Sriver and more recently to Bryce. I have always had the same rubber on both sides. My blade is a Mazunov Off+
My game is essentially a top spin one... love big f/h loops and recently have been trying to nail some b/h ones. I spent 30 years playing tennis...so my loops use lots of shoulder!! Yeah, I know...too big of a swing!! I like fast counter hitting rallys also and think I'm pretty competent at the game...but then can be made look like a "C grader" when I come up against pimples or antispin  . I can also be belted off the table by some of the power players....but at least I enjoy I enjoy that type of game better lol 
 
Anyway.......
Now you have some background.....I would welcome some thoughts.. or advice.. or whatever!
 
How do other rubbers compare to Bryce (which actually I quite like!....but then, have no experience to compare it with anything)? Would my game develop better with something like Roxon which I read about here often? Is it similar?....or would it throw me out of whack for months?? If it is similar, then why should I change? Should I stick with the same rubbers on each side?
ahhhh...so many questions!!!
If I get something new which gives me lots more kick on my loops (which interests me)....would I then be at the mercy of a spin server who gets free point after point coz my bat is uncontrollable??!!
I guess I would be happy with less speed and more contol, as I tend to ease up on big powerhits and try for consistancy in landing them and working my opponent out of position. When I was younger, I would try and punch the ball right through an opponent with all my effort...but these days I tend to drive/loop to the corners.
I dunno.....I'm confused
Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss lol
The more you learn, the more you realise you don't know!!! 
Cheers,
Chris
 
 

[Der Echte]

Good on you if you can get excellent spin from unglued Bryce. Even unglued, it felt like a super blocking machine, but I had to tune it to get the spin I needed.
 
Galaxy Venus has a lot of the same properties as Bryce such as similar sponge hardness, ability to block and counter, and speed. It has more spin.
 
Gambler Outlaw is kinda like a somewhat glued up sheet of Bryce. it blocks and counters well, and it has the speed. Probably more than Bryce with even a little gluing. The overpowering spin is there if your stroke has good racket speed at impact. Sponge is a little harder than Bryce, but it is a good rubber. Doesn't last near as long as Bryce. Topsheet is thinnish and brittle around the edges after the first week. Costs 1/3 the price of Bryce.
 
Rob and the crew here can tell you all you ever want to know about tensors.
 
Silver will tell you all you want to know about EJing, even if everyone else could try to compete with him.

[Silver]

Haha.
I don't think any of the aformentioned rubbers feel like Bryce. Heck, even Bryce Speed doesn't feel like Bryce.


Roxon (lets say 450) is springier on the short game and also faster overall. Topsheet is and feels thinner and softer than Bryce.

Would my game develop better with something like Roxon which I read about here often?

Maybe. Maybe not. It'll just be different.

Is it similar?

no.

....or would it throw me out of whack for months??

Maybe. Depends on how much you practice.

If it is similar, then why should I change?

Because it's faster?

Should I stick with the same rubbers on each side?

Maybe. Maybe not. Your FH is different to your BH and you may find a better rubber that suits one.

If I get something new which gives me lots more kick on my loops (which interests me)....would I then be at the mercy of a spin server who gets free point after point coz my bat is uncontrollable??!!

Not if you practice.

I guess I would be happy with less speed and more contol, as I tend to ease up on big powerhits and try for consistancy in landing them and working my opponent out of position. When I was younger, I would try and punch the ball right through an opponent with all my effort...but these days I tend to drive/loop to the corners.

If you want less speed, don't use a Tensor.
On the other hand, you'll be able to get more spin out of roxon than Bryce meaning you'll be able to force the ball to pull down more on loops. It's up to you...

[blue_smartie68]

Thanks for your replies der and silver,
I realise there is no exact answers out there and I probably just need to try various rubbers and experiment to see what suits, but your comments/efforts are appreciated 
By the way...may be a stupid question but what is EJing? I gather it means constantly swapping/trying new equipment  ...but thought I'd ask anyway 
I would be interested in maybe trying a Tensor...even though they are faster, I do like the idea of loops pulling down quicker!
Anyway...off to Coburg tonight for a new comp 
Cheers,
Chris

[Silver]

By the way...may be a stupid question but what is EJing? I gather it means constantly swapping/trying new equipment
  ...but thought I'd ask anyway   

spot on

I would be interested in maybe trying a Tensor...even though they are faster, I do like the idea of loops pulling down quicker!

Yeah, you really need to try it. Best to try something in the mid range - 40 to 45 degrees hardness. Some people love em because they really do have better feel but some people hate em as they're too bouncy.

[pingpongrob]

spot on



Yeah, you really need to try it. Best to try something in the mid range - 40 to 45 degrees hardness. Some people love em because they really do have better feel but some people hate em as they're too bouncy.

Speed Glued rubbers were bouncy as well, yet they had a following. I reckon Sriver and Mark V feel dead, yet I used to use them and they were fast enough back then. Its all about what you get used to, and how much time you put in to getting used to them.

[blue_smartie68]

Ok Rob,
Can you start me off on my EJing ways 
If I want to try a tensor rubber....what would you suggest?
I think I'll stick with the same on f/h & b/h as I am keen to have an all-round topspin game....
 
Chris 
 

[Silver]

I'd suggest something like JP Gold 2mm :P






Yeah, rob, it is all about what you get used to. Unfortunately these days a lot of people will try it and then change their minds

[pingpongrob]

JP Gold is a good start, But since chris plays down at sunbury, he might as well take advantage of the 20 odd bats made up with all differant tensor.

[Der Echte]

I just played a Korean in a club in Seoul (a 4th division player) who used Roxon and Impulse tensors. He could bring the spin from mid-distance alright. Speed was reasonably good too.

[blue_smartie68]

JP Gold is a good start, But since chris plays down at sunbury, he might as well take advantage of the 20 odd bats made up with all differant tensor.

Sounds good Rob....although I'm not exactly sure if I'll be playing at Sunbury next year yet! 
You have a great bunch there and ample talent to leave me with a 50% result from the spring comp.... it's just a matter of travelling time really! I'm currently having a go in Coburg and it's about 15 minutes closer for me, will see how things pan out.
I have a few options for next year.... Sunbury, Coburg, Bendigo, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga...all within 90 minutes travelling time. It also depends on what nights they play as Shepparton plays on Mondays.
I'd be happy to buy another bat with whatever tensors you guys think might be worth a try...it's only money after all lol 

[blue_smartie68]

Well... a quick report on my new bat! 
 
Many thanx again Rob for quick supply and wonderful service 
 
...and thanx Silver for your suggestion on trying the JP Gold! I did some extra reading and it seemed like a good one to try.
I also had a chat to a friend who has done a bit of EJing and he knows my game well.... and he suggested a slightly slower blade. A hit with his Petr Korbel bf bat actually felt great (and quite a bit lighter than my Mazunov off+). I do like the handle/feel of the bf blades...
 
So, now I have a lighter setup with more spin and I'm very impressed so far 
 
I had a hit against the robot on the first night...and have to admit, I didn't notice a huge difference at the start. But less weight seemed to allow easier wrist work...or maybe that's just a psychological thing 
 
Anyway...had a hit with my daughter after that, who doesn't play comp but actually counterhits quite well and I always like to hit with a human after the robot... to adjust a bit as I find some of the robot spins are a tad unrealistic!
So...after a couple of hours, I felt confident to leave my old bat in the bag and use the new setup 2 nights later in our spring comp's grand final match!! Some call me crazy lol
 
The short story of the GF was...we won 6-3 and I didn't drop a game! Yay!! (mind you...I'm rated above these guys and am supposed to win, which gave me confidence to try the new bat)
What did impress me is the spin! Silver was spot on with loops pulling down quicker...I loved it! Shots that I was sure I had hit long, still landed (oh and I got a lot of base line edges which my opponents weren't overly happy about!  )
I found on my backhand (which I actually used the max rather than the 2.0mm), I could chop well, causing netted returns...or short loop, causing long returns...or even an impressive short, sharp smash which frankly amazed even myself with speed.
 
In rallying...I found that my blocking game was a little more erractic and when there was no pace on the ball, I found I needed to play more of a shot rather than just padding the ball back....I guess this is showing less speed in the setup than with using bryce and a faster blade.
 
Overall, I'm very happy with things and am looking forward to fine tuning my game. It could of course be a totally different kettle of fish when I play very spinny players...or pips too 
 
The worse thing....no table tennis for a couple of weeks over Christmas... how will I survive?? 
 
Cheers,
Chris
 

[Der Echte]

Good report Chris. glad to see it fits your game.
 
As for needing to play for a few weeks, come to Korea, they are hardcore TT enthusiasts.

[RebornTTEvnglist]

Hey Chris, nice read!


I have only used Bryce once for about 10 minutes on a friends bat. Didn't think too much of it. I didn't think it had a whole lot of feel and wasnt all that quick IMO. I have used Roxon 450 most this year and its a hands down winner in my book. ut I have just changed covering on my Gergely to Gewo Proton XP 385 Sound. Havent had a hit with it yet. Tried it on another friends bat at the very start of the year and loved it. Had a sheet sitting waiting for most the year (how's that for controlling EJ urges? ). Actually, the Roxon performed so well I wasn't all that tempted to change anyway. But now with season over and premier medals in hand, I feel I can let the EJ run a little wild lol. In fact I have also changed my LP for a new MP...yep, I'm the guy you hate    LOL. But I'm sure we'd get along fine once you realised what an asset my friendship would be (like having a natural enemy thats a friend teaching you the enemies dirty tricks lol).


I've not tried JP Gold or any of those Donic tensors. I know Speedplay swears by the Platin he had. Not quite sure, but I believe he said Platin was a touch faster than Roxon, with a little less spin. Not sure where the JP sits with this, but sounds like its more spinny again with less pace from what you've said.


As for shutdown over Xmas...am I sensing you live in Shep? Or between Melb and Shep? Would be great to have a knock, but I'm out Dandenong way and Dandy is shutdown as well. Am tempted to drive to Rob's one night for a hit, but its 2 hours, tolls and fuel, all knowing you're gonna get thrashed by him and supachop and probably sitting on the sidelines a lot while they have their usual go at it. And a 2 hour drive after a decent session of TT...now thats an accident waiting to happen for me.... still, been wanting to visit Rob's place a long time now!

[blue_smartie68]

Thanx guys 
Der, I can now understand why you called Bryce a super blocking machine! It does excel at that... but now trying a tensor shows me how less feel the bryce actually has! I doubt I'll use my old bat at all now....It's a bit like discovering the stereo switch on your FM receiver...then not wanting to go back and listen to mono sound anymore!!
Unfortunately, Korea is a bit out of my travel circles....
 
Reb, I didn't have any problems getting speed from Bryce, but agree about the feel thing!
Roxon sounds like it might be a next step thing for me!    Still, better not short circuit the learning curve...could get myself into strife!
I do tend to agree with having friends on the dark side!    lol. One thing I have lacked big time over the years is competition against variation. Most Shepp players are straight forward topspinners with no surprises...so when I come up against pips etc at countryweek or tournaments, I have suffered big time. So bring it on!!
Yep...I live between Melb and Shepp, in Nagambie. I have a collectables/antique/junk shop in the main street, so I can make a living while posting on forums LOL 
It takes me about 1 1/2hrs to get to Sunbury... and about 2 hours to get down your way (my ex. and 2 youngest daughters live at Narre Warren South). If you happen to be up this way, I have a table permanently set up at the tennis club.....or if I have to pickup or drop off the girls down there, we may be able to work something out?? Or else maybe you and I could beat Rob and Supachop in doubles sometime LOL 
 
 

[RebornTTEvnglist]

Bugger, wrote a long post and it stuffed up when trying to post. Something about a time out!


PM me some contact details if you like Chris, I live in next suburb to Narre South. Its 5 mins drive from me at its furthest point. A minutes walk at its closest LOL. Maybe your ex lives really close?

[pingpongrob]

Or else maybe you and I could beat Rob and Supachop in doubles sometime LOL 

[RebornTTEvnglist]

I addressed the issue with a smiliar reaction in the post I lost Rob!! I think Chris meant you and Supachop have to wear blindfolds!! 

[blue_smartie68]

Actually, I forgot to mention that they have to slam down 6 tequila's each and then do 20 revolutions in an industrial clothes dryer (or until sufficiently dizzy), before the game 
That should even up the competition! hehehe

[RebornTTEvnglist]

Or perhaps Rob and Supachop could just hit each other in the head with pain tins for a while!! Rob's good at that and doesn't play as well after it LOL.

[blue_smartie68]

Hi all,
Just an update on my new setup...
I Played the last round at Coburg last night and it's the third outing with the Donic JP Gold, and I really am starting to feel comfortable with it now!    In fact, I love it and definitely won't be going back to Bryce now!!
I won both the singles matches I played... one against a pips player who is ranked nearly 200 points above me!!...and the other against an attacking inverted player who is ranked about the same level as me.
Admittedly, it wasn't so much the new bat.... but some new found patience which helped me with the pips player (and probably some strategies I've read on here!  ). But I am pleased that when I did pick the right ball to hit, the tensor rubber seemed to be on my side!! lol. I had played John a few years ago and was totally bamboozelled...so it was good to turn the tables 
The first game against the inverted player took me a while to find my range after the slow and steady pips match, and I lost that game....but then things just fell into place and the next three games were just a breeze! I actually felt in total control and I'm very pleased with how the rubber controls and delivers spin in fast rallies. I had played Arlene once before a few months back and only just won that match after one of the toughest 5 setters I have ever played... but the match last night really showed me how limiting the Bryce was to my game. I'm really looking forward to developing things further now... can't wait for the new seasons to start in Shep and Sunbury.
Cheers,
Chris