Top 10 table tennis rubbers

This post is about the top 10 table tennis rubbers used by most people.  I went searching the net and looked at few forums and sites to come up with a list that most people refer to as the best table tennis rubbers. If you feel like you want to add your own rubbers to the list or you disagree with my list don’t hesitate to use the comment box to project your opinion.

Butterfly Sriver

Butterfly Sriver has long been considered a classic table tennis rubber. It possesses great feel coupled with strong speed and spin.   In the late 1970s and 1980s many world-class players used to use them.   There were used because they generate powerful attacks while retaining good ball control.   Even today, great players like Germany’s Timo Boll still prefers Sriver’s Quality.

YASAKA Mark V 30

A lot more spinier as it is really good for looping, push shots etc….   It’s also a very good rubber for blocking.   On the downside of things it reacts a lot to incoming serves.    So you would need to work harder for returning serves. After a couple of weeks you will lose it’s max gripiness, however it remains pretty grippy over time.

STIGA Mendo MP

This rubber is recommended if you want something more suited for attacking players.  The rubber has more speed and spin than the Sriver type rubbers.  It’s also less bouncy and if you use it in conjunction with speed glue, it gets really fast.  This rubber is a great alternative to Sriver.

Friendship 802

This rubber can do almost anything.  Hitters, choppers as well as blockers can use it.  There are 2 versions 802-40 with spinier pips while the 802-1 has its pips more widely spaced out.  If you are trying this sponge for the first time, keep the sponge thickness to 1.5 – 1.8 mm and soft for better control.

Butterfly Bryce

Regarded as the big gun of the last century for table tennis, this rubber is very fast and has enough spin to bring the ball down on the table when power looping.

DONIC Coppa Speed

Person and Walder have both won world championships with this rubber.  This is Donic’s version of the like of Sriver and the Mark V but it’s slightly more powerful and firmer.  The quality is unparalleled and if you decide to go for that table tennis rubber, you will enjoy it thoroughly.

Donic J.O. Waldner

This is an offensive rubber with medium to hard sponge and is also comparable in speed to the Sriver, Mark V and Mendo.  It can be used by anyone regardless of your level.

Juic Driva Smash Ultima

This is a Japanese rubber, which is a little grippier than the Sriver.  The sponge is “small cell” which means that it’s less springy when glued.  So if you happen to use speed glue, it won’t get too bouncy.  Another good point about this rubber is that it’s cheaper than its counterparts.

NITTAKU Hammond

This table tennis rubber is moderately fast and spinny.  It’s a little bouncy but with practice you will be able to control it pretty easily.  It’s really good for hitting, looping and returning serves.  However it’s less effective for serving; a small trade off. Oh well !!

Friendship 729

This rubber has great spin and control as well as being able to produce heavy spin loops, heavy pushes and chops.  It’s also great for serving although the surface seems to look a bit dirty for some reason.  Check it out!

Where to get your rubbers

Ebay offer a wide range of rubbers at competitive prices. You can see a selection of rubbers here.

Related Posts:

1. Sriver Vs Mark V
2. Table Tennis Rubber-Find The Best Rubbers From Butterfly
3. How to choose a new table tennis blade and rubbers
4. Table tennis rubber guide
5. Table Tennis Rubbers-DSH Hurricane