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

Want More Control?

April 8, 2026
1,2 or 3 balls in Backhand and 1 fixed ball in Forehand FETHOMANIA 25: Drill 3 https://youtube.com/shorts/G5uFWsxbVBk All… Read More

Butterfly Signs Landmark 5-Year Title Sponsorship with India’s Premier Professional Table Tennis League, Ultimate Table Tennis

April 8, 2026
(By Butterfly Global) Long–term partnership to elevate India's premier table tennis league and expand the sport's ecosystem nationwide.… Read More

Arantxa Cossio Aceves – WTT San Francisco

April 8, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Bowmar Sports Tournament Highlights,  Arantxa Cossio Aceves is in action at the WTT… Read More

Lingshaui Meng – Forehand Mid Distance Looping

April 7, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Lingshaui Meng is working with a student on their Forehand… Read More

🎥 Episode 8: Ask The Expert Live With Logan Rietz | Don’t be afraid, try some pips!

April 7, 2026
(by Bowmar Sports) In this video, we break down the fundamentals of pips in table tennis focusing on… Read More

Try to Stay Within Arm’s Length of the Table

April 6, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame The operative word here is “try.” Table… Read More

Angel Naranjo – Transition Play

April 6, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Angel Naranjo is focusing on a transition exercise using multi-ball.… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: San Antonio Table Tennis Club

April 5, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) The San Antonio Table Tennis Club is located on Lookout Run, just Northeast of downtown… 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.