Last Updated on September 17, 2022
The most important question to answer when changing your table tennis rubber is how long do you need to keep it? A good rule of thumb is to replace it every twelve months. But what if your rubber only lasts six months? Do you need to change it sooner? Or do you want to keep it tacky for longer? Here’s a guide to help you decide. You can also read this article to learn how to clean your table tennis rubbers and which types of rubbers work best.
Table tennis rubber expires in less than 12 months
If you are a professional table tennis player, you should always consider replacing your rubber every few months. There are several types of table tennis rubbers on the market today, but you should make sure you choose the one that will last the longest. Most rubbers have an expiration date of less than 12 months, but there are a few things you can do to prolong its life. First, you need to check the expiration date of the rubber.
It is best to choose a rubber that has a 12-month expiration date. If it is past that date, it is probably already too old and you have to buy a new one. But if you play frequently, you will be able to use it for longer. It is recommended that you change your rubber when it loses its tackiness. The ITTF will only approve rubber that meets its specifications.
The life of the rubber varies according to the level of skill. Advanced players may replace their rubber after only a week or a day. Advanced players may even replace their rubbers sooner. If you do not know the exact time, check the line drawing on the rubber to determine its lifespan. Then, you can replace the rubber accordingly. However, if you do not know the exact period, check with your coach.
Most table tennis rubbers last about 50 to 100 hours of active play, but the exact time depends on your skill level and play schedule. Usually, rubbers last between 13 and 25 weeks. Professional players, on the other hand, play seven days a week and four hours per day. If you are playing more than once a week, change the rubber every month. The average rubber lifespan for a beginner is between thirteen and twenty weeks. However, it can go beyond that range.
Types of table tennis rubbers
If you have played table tennis for several years, you may be wondering how often you should change your rubber. You should keep in mind that the rubbers are prone to wearing out over time. Playing more games can also reduce their lifespan. Heat and cold can also diminish the rubber’s lifespan, as can UV light and simple dust. Here are some tips to extend the life of your rubbers:
First, you should know that different rubbers have different sponge thickness. The thinner the sponge, the harder the ball will feel. However, a thicker sponge will produce higher spin and speed. Generally, a sponge thickness between 1.9mm is fine. When choosing a rubber, make sure to check the thickness. Using a pharmacist’s scale, you should be able to find a rubber of the same weight.
Next, choose the type of table tennis rubber that best suits your playing style. Some players prefer a smooth, inverted rubber. For example, a sponge with 2.5mm is better for attacking. Meanwhile, a sponge with 1.5mm gives better control. In addition to rubber, there are also different types of sponges. While the most common is smooth, the opposite is the best option for defensive play styles.
Another tip for changing your rubber is to check the pips on it. Check for too many missing pips in a single place. This will affect the playing characteristics of your surface, which is strictly forbidden according to ITTF regulations, the Handbook for Match Officials, and Law 2.4.7.1. If you notice that the pips on your rubber have changed, it is time to replace it.
Choosing the right type of rubber
The first step in choosing the right rubber is to consider the type of play you intend to engage in. A slower rubber suits defensive players, while a faster rubber offers more power and speed. Butterfly’s Tackiness Chop II, which is available in two different thicknesses – 1.5 mm and 1.7 mm – is an example of a slow rubber. It produces extra backspin and maximum control, making it ideal for attacking. The sponge also has increased rebound, making it easier to hit the ball with a quick shot.
Butterfly Tenergy 05 table tennis rubbers are authorised by the ITTF. Butterfly’s Evolution MX-P table tennis rubber, which has been around since 2012, is another good option for beginners. Like the Butterfly Tenergy 05, it is affordable and is great for players seeking speed and spin. With its excellent spin, this rubber is a good choice for players just starting out in the sport. Its durability and excellent feel will also help players with varying strokes.
Depending on the type of play you plan to engage in, you can choose between two types of rubbers: long pimple and short pimple. Obviously, the type of play you choose is crucial. Short pimple rubbers are great for hitting through spin, but they’re not ideal for topspin. While the ox pimple rubber is the most common type of table tennis rubber, black and red pimple are different types of sponge.
If you plan on playing offensively, you’ll want to buy a pips-in rubber. This type is also known as backside or inverted rubber. Conversely, pips-out rubbers feature pimples on the outer side. These were the standard rubbers in the beginning. Speed, spin sensitivity, and spin capacity are three primary parameters to consider when choosing a rubber.
Cleaning table tennis rubbers
Whether you’re looking to improve your stroke or improve your ball control, cleaning your table tennis rubbers is critical. The surface of the rubber picks up dust and other particles easily. Dirt can reduce the friction, and when this happens, you may find your shots aren’t as powerful as they once were. The best way to prevent this is to clean your rubbers regularly. Depending on the type of rubber you have, you can follow a few easy steps to keep them looking great.
Water is the easiest way to clean a table tennis rubber. A solution of water and soap can do the trick. A commercial cleaner is also available. This solution is designed to clean rubbers and is generally packaged in a kit with a sponge. While commercial cleaners cost more than dry cloths, they’re recommended for regular cleaning. Listed below are some steps to properly clean your rubber. After cleaning, let it dry and then use it again to play!
A fine foam table tennis sponge is a good option for cleaning rubbers. The sponge is vacuum packed, but it will quickly harden when it comes to contact with water. To make it pliable, soak it in water before using it on the rubber. To remove dirt and grease, use the sponge to wipe the surface of the rubber. If you’re using water to clean the rubber, you should also use a bio-rubber cleaning solution such as Revolution No.3 Bio Rubber Cleaner. It will prevent the rubber from becoming duller and will significantly increase its life span.
If you’re a cheapskate and don’t want to invest in a special cleaning solution, you can try using tap water. It will work, but the mineral content in tap water will eventually ruin the rubber. To avoid this problem, use deionized water. If you can’t afford deionized water, you can always use bad breath, body sweat, and saliva to clean the rubber. However, this method isn’t the best.
Changing table tennis rubbers
If you play a lot of table tennis, you probably know that you should change your rubber on time. Over time, the rubber on your paddle can lose its tacky and elasticity. When this happens, you will not be able to generate the spin and control you need to win a game. You should also consider changing your rubber if you notice a reduction in the speed of your strikes. You can test your rubber by sliding your finger across it. To determine if your rubber needs to be replaced, slide your finger across the surface of the rubber. You can also do this with a paper or table test.
When you change your rubber, choose a type that works for your playing style and stick with it. Try to avoid using a rubber that flips over when you apply force to it. Also, be sure to protect your rubber whenever it is not in use. Cleaning your table tennis rubber is also important to keep its tackiness and overall condition. However, do not forget to store your racket in a protective case when not in use.
Most rubbers can last for fifty to one hundred hours of active play. However, this will vary depending on how many sessions you play each week, your skill level, the quality of the rubber, and the treatment of your racket. Below is a table of the average rubber lifespan. You should consider this as a guide, as it is possible to get out of shape faster than you can imagine. If you are a competitive player, it is important to change your rubber more frequently than other players.
About The Author
Pat Rowse is a thinker. He loves delving into Twitter to find the latest scholarly debates and then analyzing them from every possible perspective. He's an introvert who really enjoys spending time alone reading about history and influential people. Pat also has a deep love of the internet and all things digital; she considers himself an amateur internet maven. When he's not buried in a book or online, he can be found hardcore analyzing anything and everything that comes his way.