Site Products
Ask The Experts: Xin Zhou, No. 161-A Butterfly Question & Answer

Ask The Experts: Xin Zhou, No. 103

Posted on

Ask The Experts: Xin Zhou, No. 103
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Blade: Stiga Legend
Forehand: Tackiness Drive
Backhand: Sriver

Question: I am considering a equipment change since mine as about 20 years. I used to play seriously on championships and now thinking on returning to play. I was considering keeping a similar setup on my equipment, but want to replace at least the Sriver rubber since it makes no sense to have it at the backhand. Was considering Tackiness C. I consider myself an allround player but a bit more defensive. I mainly attack with my forehand. Can you please suggest a new setup? Best Regards

Coach Xin Zhou, Ask The ExpertsAnswer: Hi Lourenco,

Welcome back to the sport. Table Tennis is one of the few sports that can be played at all ages.

If you mainly attack with your forehand, it makes sense to replace Sriver. Tackiness Chop would be a good choice since you have been using Tackiness Drive. The difference is that the Chop version is spinner and easier to control. Tackiness Chop II is also a good choice if you need a bit more speed. It is still slower than the Drive but faster than the Chop.

If you are adventurous, you can even try long pips on your backhand side. I’ve seen players creating amazing effect with Feint Long III.

Hope my suggestions help.

Zhou Xin
Coach at the ICC Table Tennis in Milpitas, CA

Latest News

Super ZLC Blades: Power With Maximum Consistency And Stability

October 27, 2026
(by Logan Rietz) Super ZLC blades are known for being fast and crisp, but their biggest claim to… Read More

Shashin Shodhan Amicus Training Series – Falkenberg

October 27, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Amicus Training Series, Shashin Shodhan is demonstrating the Falkenberg Drill https://youtu.be/GvWoZKfBdlI Stay “In The… Read More

Importance of Serve Variety

October 26, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame) Many players develop a small but effective… Read More

MLTT Week 4 Preview: The Pros Head to Houston

October 25, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) Major League Table Tennis moves to the ULH Event Center in Houston, Texas,… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Canadian Elite Table Tennis Training Centre

October 25, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) The Canadian Elite Table Tennis Training Centre (“the Centre” or “Elite”) is a table tennis club… Read More

Jenson Van Emburgh: Pattaya, Paris, and Playing through Pain

October 25, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo ITTF) After winning silver at the last World Championships and bronze in Paris despite… Read More

Ping Pong Parkinson Reaches Rhode Island

October 25, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) This weekend, Rhode Island Table Tennis hosted its first Ping Pong Parkinson’s session, bringing the… Read More

Venezuela and USA take Team Titles as Parity Prevails at America’s Championships

October 25, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) TeamUSA's Women dominated the Women's Team event at the ITTF-Americas Championships in Lima.  Unfortunately, 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.

/* Constant Contact Universal Code */