Answer: Marinosv,
I have also been using Bryce Speed FX for the last year but with Butterfly Viscaria. I have been using Viscaria for many years and been thinking about changing also. I think Amultart is a good choice but if you get a chance, try the Bryce with Timo Boll Spirit, Photino and Schlager Carbon. Schlager is faster of the three but the rubber is control oriented so you may like the additional speed. Timo Boll and Photino have better feel for the ball.

Let me know what you tried and what you think.

Masaaki Tajima

Answer: The blade that I would suggest for your style is the Timo Boll ZLF blade with Tenergy 05 on the forehand and Tenergy 64 on the backhand. This should be a very good combination of a paddle as you will get both the spin and the speed with Tenergy. Tenergy 64 is a little softer than the 05 so it is a little easier to control on your backhand and makes looping easier as well. The Tenergy 05 will be a bit faster and will provide you with slightly more spin than the 64 which should suit your forehand well. The Tenergy 05 will also help you generate more spin on your forehand serves. The ZLF blade is a great blade that will suit your aggressive style providing control along with the speed and power that you're looking for.

Thanks,
Stefan Feth

Answer: Hi Zac,

I think Bryce Speed is fine for your forehand but be sure that it is 2.0mm and not Max; 2.0 is better for both spin and hitting, Max primarily for spinning. I would recommend Tackifire line for your backhand if you want more spin because the topsheet have more adhesive qualities and more control. Roundell is more suited for spinners who play at mid distance or further back; you don't want to be away from the table when you smash.

Masaaki Tajima

Answer: If your playing style revolves around a spin game such as pushes & loops, then I would recommend Bryce FX on the forehand and Bryce on your backhand. Comparing Bryce to Sriver, it is a bit spinnier rubber and may fit your game better. The blade that I recommend with this combination is the Maze Passion. This should be a little softer wood than the Schlager Precision so it is easier to control and will be easier to loop with.

Thanks
Stefan Feth

Answer: Hi Martin,

Anytime you start trying different rubbers, it is a very personal matter of FEEL and how you are playing that day, do you have a good warm-up partner or not, etc. I only mention this to remind you to stick with something longer rather than looking for a miracle product too often.

As for rubbers to consider I would suggest trying Catapult first and if this is still too slow to you then Sriver G2 FX and finally Sriver G3 FX last.

My blade suggestions would be the Viscaria from personal experience and then the Keyshot light and BalsaCarboX5.

Martin, personally I would try rubbers with my old blade first until I found something I decided to stick with for several months before I would start searching for blades also. It is very difficult to know the differences you are feeling when you are switching rubbers AND blades.

Enjoy the search, Mark Nordby

Answer: Hi Ted
The VSG line is discontinued so a blade to get more control, I suggest Viscaria, Timo Boll Sprit or Michael Maze. These are carbon blades but they are not that fast, good feel, especially when you combine it with control type speed glue effect rubbers made for looping. Most of my high level and developing students play with these combinations, including myself (Viscaria with Bryce Speed FX).

If you prefer non carbon blades, Peter Korbel, Kiso Hinoki or Kong Linghui. If you want even more control and slower, Primorac and Grubba line is my favorites.

Masaaki Tajima

Answer: Hello Jake,

There are basically 4 different rubber choices for your backhand.

(1) Sriver and all other smooth rubbers. This would be the best option if you have aspirations to improve a lot and play a topspin style from both your backhand and forehand side. You will need to find a coach to help you with your stroke and show you how to handle the different spins that will come at you.
(2) Anti-spin rubbers : These are the least affected by the opponents spin because of their glass-like lack of grip. You will easily be able to keep the ball in play but will have to become very adept at attacking with your forehand as your bh attack will be fairly minimal
(3) Short-pip rubbers : These are also less affected by incoming spin but can not generate great spin on their own and are best for smashing
(4) Long-pips rubbers : These are great for confusing your opponents because of the way they are designed to mostly reverse the spins your opponent will throw at you. They are very weak for making spin on your own but are minimally affected by spin. These are mostly for defensive players or players who control the ball with one side and attack with the other.

If all this information leads you to more questions, just let us know.

Best of luck, Mark Nordby