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

Sanuka Herath – 2026 Canadian Nationals Championship U 19 Highlights

August 20, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Sanuka Herath is in action at the Canadian Nationals in… Read More

🎥 Episode 14: Ask The Expert Live With Logan Rietz | What do you bring to a tournament?

August 19, 2026
(by Bowmar Sports) Being prepared for a table tennis tournament means more than just remembering your racket. In… Read More

Rachid El Bou Bou – Two Backhands, One Forehand

August 19, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is executing Two Backhand Loop, One… Read More

Three World Cup Stories, Three Mental Skills Every Table Tennis Player Can Use

August 18, 2026
(by Dr. Alan Chu, PhD, CMPC) Regardless of whether you watch soccer, this year's FIFA World Cup produced… Read More

Kou Lei – Forehand Short Push Return

August 18, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Kou Lei is executing the Forehand Short Push Return https://youtu.be/ScL4ruD1beo… Read More

A Levels Approach to Tactics

August 17, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame) I like to divide tactics into five… Read More

Carlos Hernandez – Game Play Sequencing

August 17, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Carlos Hernandez is focusing on practice games where he is… Read More

MLTT Meet the Teams: Florida Crocs

August 16, 2026
by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Florida Crocs have yet to make the playoffs, but this year they… 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.