Site Products
DJ Settle (left) with Eugene Wang

Ask The Experts

Posted on

Ask The Experts
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Blade: Gergely Carbon
Forehand: Tenergy 05
Backhand: Please suggest

Question: Hi, I use Tenergy 05 (2.1 Red) for forehand and I have doubts to choose the best rubber for my backhand. I want more spin. (I play more offensive)
1. Is it a good idea to make it different than my forehand?
2. Does FX provide more spin? How about it?
3. What are the differences between 2.1 and 1.9? I think it’s harder so does it provide more spin or speed?

Looking forward to hear from you ASAP.

Regards,
Hovik

Answer:  Hovik,

  1. It’s a good idea to use a different rubber on your backhand if it requires special attention. Players with weaker backhands tend to use softer, faster, and sometimes specialty rubbers to compensate. If your backhand has more spin than power then FX sponge will benefit you.
  2. FX versions have the same top sheet but with softer sponge. Softer sponge allows more ball penetration which provides additional surface grip and dwell time.
    This allows you to produce more spin when attacking and more consistency for touch and blocking.
  3. 2.1 sponge gives more rebound force which produces more speed. Most intermediate-advanced players use 2.1 sponge. The thicker sponge also helps if you play away from the table 1.9 sponge is a touch slower and offers a little reduction in weight. Most beginner to intermediate players prefer 1.9 sponge because it give them more control and works for close to table play.

 Regards,

DJ
Butterfly Staff

Latest News

How to Loop Stronger!

February 11, 2026
Robot serves short backspin to Forehand/middle, Logan Backhand swipe to Backhand, robot plays topspin to long Backhand, Logan… Read More

BTY ASM-S8 – The Right First Step in Table Tennis

February 10, 2026
(by Edgardo Vázquez, Puerto Rico National Coach / Butterfly America Sponsored Coach) When someone starts playing table tennis,… Read More

What Equipment Does Amy Wang Use? | Amy’s New Butterfly Setup

February 10, 2026
(by Bowmar Sports) One of the most frequently asked questions from fans has finally been answered in the… Read More

How to Perform a Chop Block!

February 9, 2026
Robot serves short backspin to Forehand/middle, Logan Backhand swipe to Backhand, robot plays topspin to long Backhand and… Read More

Calderano Takes Over No. 2 in Newest World Rankings

February 9, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Wang Chuqin remains firmly in the top spot, but 19 others in the… Read More

Positioning Part 2 of 4: On the Receive

February 9, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame, www.tabletenniscoaching.com/blog)   Where to position yourself on… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: PongPlanet

February 8, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) PongPlanet is a full-time table tennis club with a variety of programs for adults and… Read More

Alexis Lebrun and Sabine Winter Claim Euro Top 16 Cup Titles

February 8, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo Remy Gross for ETTU) Darko Jorgic had a strong Semifinal performance today at the… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.