(by Steve Hopkins)

I recently had opportunity to try sheets of Impartial XB and Impartial XS.  These are two of Butterfly’s most popular short pips out rubber sheets designed to provide control with spin possible as well.

As a 2000-level player, my analysis and comparison of equipment has limits.  I don’t have the arm speed of the pros, and I don’t rely on powerful loops or try to drive the ball through my opponent – so my review is on how this equipment works for me in a competitive setting.  I’m an all-around or control player that uses precise shots to set up high-percentage points.  I vary spin and speed, and my attacking shots generally occur when the other player has made a mistake or as a counter-attack using my opponent’s power against them.

I have seen lots of players who use pips on their backhands, though with some recent successes among pro players with pips on their forehand, I tried these sheets on both my forehand and backhand. At first glance, the sheets look very similar – the construction of the pip is the same on both Impartial versions, though the XS has a horizontal alignment of pips and the XB has the pips turned so the rows are vertically aligned on the sheet.

In regard to performance, both sheets were very good for steady blocks and had good touch around the net.  Flat smashes are fast, and one doesn’t have to pay too much attention to the spin one’s opponent is using on their loops.  Both sheets use high tension technology, a new twist on classic pips.  Both sheets work well with opening topspin rallies – and even soft loops off of heavy underspin.  The XB is designed for the steady player.  The XS is the higher octane version, with higher spin and speed.  According to the Butterfly site, the spin and speed ratings of Impartial XS are actually quite similar to the spin and speed ratings of original Sriver.  If you are looking for good control and feel, and steady placement of the ball – Impartial XB may be the rubber for you. If you are looking to minimize the effect of your opponent’s loops while still driving some topspin attacks – not unlike some tour players who are using pips on their forehand, Impartial XS may be a rubber to try.

Depending on your game, Impartial could be a great weapon, or a way to neutralize a hard-looping opponenty.

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