Spin Testers
Best Beginner Table Tennis Rubbers 2023 for Control Test
This article will guide you through the jungle of table tennis rubbers 2023 and recommend the best choice for beginner players for maximum control. If you're not a beginner player and looking for something more advanced, why don't you check out the section for intermediate players?
As a beginner who just started playing table tennis, you need a slow, grippy rubber with lots of control that helps you to develop the fundamental techniques like drive or push. Do not buy a rubber like Butterfly Tenergy 05 even if someone recommends it to you. This is a great but also very fast, high performance rubber for advanced and pro-level players. Tenergy is also extremely expensive. Beginners won't be able to control this kind of rubber and should start with something that is easier to use like one of the following:
Yasaka Mark V
In the 90s, the Yasaka Mark V was the rubber of world cup winners. Nearly everybody played with it from amateur to pro-level table tennis champions. However, after fresh glue was banned and the table tennis ball material changed from celluloid to plastic, the Yasaka Mark V became irrelevant in the pro-level space. However, this doesn't mean that it's a bad rubber. Actually the opposite is the case: Today, in 2023 the Yasaka Mark V is a so called classic rubber which is excellent for beginners as it is very high quality, durable and offers high level of control through its excellent top sheet. Recommended sponge thickness:
Facts
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Yasaka Mark V GPS
The GPS version of the Mark V has a softer sponge but uses the same topsheet. This is great if you find that the
regular Mark V or Sriver have a too hard sponge. If you struggle with your first topspins (especially against
backspin), then you might want to try something a bit softer. Such a rubber also gives you more control which is why
many table tennis players like to use softer sponges on their backhand compared to their forehand rubber. Recommended sponge thickness:
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Butterfly Sriver
Just like the Mark V, the Butterfly Sriver is also a classic table tennis rubber which offers lots of control. There isn't that much of difference compared to its Yasaka pendant, so at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference if you prefer the Butterfly or Yasaka brand. When glued with normal (water-based) glue, Sriver provides only slow to average speeds which is great for beginners to get started without going through too much frustration when the racket is too fast and uncontrollable. Recommended sponge thickness:
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Are these rubbers too slow for your skill level?
Check out our recommendations for intermediate players →
Table Tennis Blade Recommendations for Beginners
Combine any of the rubbers above with one of the following blades. There really is not much of a difference. All 3 are great for table tennis beginners in 2023 as they are quite soft and offer lots of control. They are also very affordable and should last you a long time.
Donic Appelgren Allplay
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Stiga Allround Classic
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Butterfly Primorac
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