For most of us, the best backhand table tennis rubber should be medium to soft and less insensitive to spin.
The suitability of rubbers varies with skill levels. The fast spinny rubbers which are good for professionals, may not be for everyone, especially for the backhand side. So careful selection is necessary for a good backhand rubber to uplift your game.
To simplify your search, I have presented the top 10 best backhand rubbers, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. These rubbers have been carefully selected for their exceptional performance for different skill levels and playing styles.
Best Backhand Table Tennis Rubber: At a Glance (Comparison)
Rubber | Speed | Spin | Control | Rating | Store |
 | Very High | Extreme | Low | ||
 | Very High | Very High | Medium- Low | ||
 | Very High | Very High | Medium | ||
 | Extreme | High | Medium- Low | ||
 | High | Very High | Medium-High | ||
 | Medium-High | Extreme | Medium | ||
 | High | High | Medium-High | ||
 | Medium-High | High | High | ||
 | High | High | Medium-High | ||
 | Medium | High | Very High |
Butterfly Dignics 09C/ Best Backhand Table Tennis Rubber
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 130
- Spin: 130
- Hardness: Hard (44°)
- Thickness: 2.1, 1.9 mm
- Level: Advanced & Intermediate
The Dignics 09C is a top-tier high-tension table tennis rubber that uses the Butterfly’s innovative spring sponge technology. This rubber is the first from Butterfly to use a highly tacky top sheet and a hard sponge. It is slower than the Tenergy 05 before the ball hits the table, but the springy effect deflects the ball faster after hitting the board.
Although it follows a high arc, the ball does not travel as far as the Tenergy 05. The tacky topsheet grips the ball more to produce enormous spins. It gives an extra edge to your serves, loops, and pushes. Due to the high holding time, it is also more consistent when playing close-to-table.
But to use the full potential of Dignics 09C, you have to increase the racket speed. At the same time, it is essential to close the racket angle to make the brushing more effective.
The Dignics 09C is a definite choice for the best backhand table tennis rubber but for the use of skilled players.
Positives
- Exceptional spin
- Massive speed
- More precision over shots
- Excellent for counter topspin
- Great Option for players who enjoy a controlled, spin-oriented game.
- Its tacky surface aids in handling incoming spin effectively.
Negatives
- The harder sponge and tacky topsheet demand higher skills and proper techniques to utilize the full potential of this rubber.
- The higher price tag restricts its use for advanced players.
Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 130
- Spin: 115
- Hardness: Soft (32°)
- Thickness: 2.1, 1.9, 1.7 mm
- Level: Advanced & Intermediate
The Tenergy 05 FX features revolutionary technologies of spring sponge technology, high-tension rubber, improved pimple structure, and a grippy surface.
It has a high-tension top sheet for Tenergy rubbers, stretching it to a thinner state before applying it to the sponge. This process enhances the ball’s penetration into the sponge. The sponge functions as a spring, releasing stored energy and propelling the ball with a powerful catapult effect.
The 05 FX has the same incredible spin as the famous Tenergy 05 but is slightly slower with better control. The FX version is better suited than the T05 as a backhand table tennis rubber. The relatively softer sponge offers more dwell time. It gives a better feel and is easier to open up.
Positives
- Spinny, high dwell time makes it an excellent choice for backhand loops.
- Great control while maintaining high speed.
- The softer sponge improves touch sensitivity during delicate shots like drop shots, flicks, and pushes.
- It’s well-suited for versatile play and easier to use than the Tenergy 05.
Negatives
- The Tenergy 05 would be a better option for expert players demanding more speed.
- Though the softer version is more controllable, it requires decent skills to manage this rubber.
Nittaku Fastarc G-1
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 95
- Spin: 96
- Control: 68
- Hardness: Soft (32°)
- Thickness: 2.1, 1.9, 1.7 mm
- Level: Advanced & Intermediate
Nittaku Fastarc G-1, one of the top-selling rubbers, features a grippy topsheet paired with a moderately hard sponge. The rubber offers impressive speed, exceptional spin, and reliable control. The rubber is more linear than T05 for more control over your shots. Also, its insensitivity to incoming spin allows precise ball placement and enhanced control.
The rubber is well-suited for aggressive play, allowing players to execute quick, powerful shots. Furthermore, this rubber is versatile and can perform admirably in offensive and defensive plays.
The Fastarc G-1, one of the best backhand table tennis rubbers, offers an impressive balance of speed, spin, and control, making it an excellent choice for aggressive, spin-oriented players.
Positives
- It offers excellent spin making it an ideal weapon for topspin-savvy players.
- High speed with good control
- Excellent balance of speed and spin
- The medium throw angle is perfect for not flying the ball at the end of the table.
- It’s a master of all from pushing and blocking to looping and smashing.
- An excellent option for Backhand and Forehand
Negatives
- The Fastarc G-1 tends to degrade around the edges quickly. So longevity is a matter of concern.
Butterfly Tenergy 64
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 135
- Spin: 105
- Hardness: Medium (36°)
- Thickness: 2.1, 1.9, 1.7 mm
- Level: Advanced & Intermediate
Tenergy 64 is the fastest among the Tenergy series. It is built on the same concept of spring sponge technology that incorporates air bubbles and high-tension top sheets.
The difference is that Tenergy 64 has a wider distance between pimples than Tenergy 05. This gives a softer feeling to this rubber.
The throw angle of Tenergy 64 is lower than Tenergy 05 which helps a lot in getting a better backhand loop. This highly flexible rubber is for those who prefer speed over spin.
Positives
- The space between pimples is more in Tenergy 64 than in other Tenergy variants. The more forgiving pimple geometry makes the T64 one of the best backhand table tennis rubbers.
- Tenergy 64 is the fastest rubber in the Tenergy series.
- The high-speed nature and lower spin sensitivity make it easier to block powerful shots.
Negatives
- Players who need more spin for heavy backhand loops may prefer the Tenergy 05 over the T64.
- Its high speed needs decent skills to manage the full potential of this rubber.
Andro Rasanter R42/ Best Backhand Table Tennis Rubber for Intermediates
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 117
- Spin: 126
- Control: 88
- Hardness: Medium-soft (42°)
- Thickness (mm): 1.7, 2.0, Max
- Level: Intermediate
To make the stroke-making more effective with the new plastic balls, Andro has developed the Rasanter series with a thinner topsheet and a 2.3 mm thick sponge. The R42, the medium soft rubber offers excellent spin and commanding control. It is slightly slower than the R47 but is easier to open up. The Rasanter R42 has a perfect speed and control combination for developing offensive players.
It has more dwell time and is less spin-sensitive. So it is easier to play various shots with more authority. The R42 is rated as one of the best backhand table tennis rubbers for intermediate players.
Positives
- The medium-soft sponge provides more dwell time which is good for backhand compact strokes.
- The R42 has a balanced combination of speed and control. intermediate-level players can easily adopt this rubber.
- The grippy topsheet can generate high spin on loops, serves, and short pushes.
Negatives
- The R42 lacks speed slightly to the harder rubbers like the Rasanter R47. Players who rely on speed may find it less useful.
Donic Baracuda
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 91
- Spin: 98
- Control: 71
- Hardness: Medium (45°)
- Thickness (mm): 1.8, 2.0, Max
- Level: Intermediate
The Donic Baracuda features a top sheet with enhanced grip and elasticity, which results in incredible spin. The rubber’s unique formula ensures the ball leaves the blade in a noticeably higher arc, giving considerably more spin. Due to the high throw angle and spin, it becomes easier to counter the incoming backspin balls and clear the net.
Despite its huge spin capability, the Baracuda offers excellent control, making it ideal for players who prioritize precision. The balance between speed and control allows for versatile play, from powerful topspins to delicate touch shots.
Its unique top sheet and soft, high-tension sponge make it a great choice for players who value precision and versatility in their game. While it might not be the fastest rubber on the market, the Baracuda’s performance benefits include it in my list of top 10 best backhand table tennis rubbers.
Positives
- Exceptional spin due to enhanced grip and elasticity
- Excellent for looping and banana flicks are easy to execute.
- Great for both Forehand and Backhand
- Extra margin of safety for topspin play
- Greater ability to attack backspin
- Great Cost-Benefit ratio
Negatives
- It may not be preferred by players who prioritize speed over spin.
Butterfly Rozena
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 130
- Spin: 108
- Hardness: Medium (35°)
- Thickness (mm): 1.7, 1.9, 2.1
- Level: Intermediate
The Rozena uses Butterfly’s spring sponge technology in a high-tension rubber. Though it is not as fast as the Tenergy 05, it has sufficient speed with a higher level of control.
Like the Tenergy series, it doesn’t give a higher arc. Rather the ball follows a relatively linear arc. Also, the spin insensitivity gives you a higher level of control while returning the incoming balls.
This rubber is known for its forgiving nature, making it an excellent choice for players looking to improve their game. The Rozena is for players aiming for the top with the aggressive nature of play but at the same time want stability in their shots.
Positives
- Good balance of speed, spin, and control
- Excellent control for an offensive table tennis rubber
- Forgiving nature helps players improve their game
- It’s a great backhand weapon when paired with the Butterfly ALC blade.
- Versatile and adaptable to different playing styles
Negatives
- It might not be suitable for players seeking very high speed.
- It is spinny but not as high as the Tenergy 05 or Dignics 05.
Xiom Vega Europe/ Best Backhand Table Tennis Rubber for Beginners
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 85
- Spin: 91
- Control: 73
- Hardness: Medium-soft (42.5°)
- Thickness (mm): 2.0, Max
- Level: Beginner + Intermediate
This popular rubber from XIOM is for intermediate players who want to dominate the game with nearly almighty control.
The 42.5° soft sponge sinks the ball for a longer dwell time. That gives more feedback to the ball and absorbs the spin of the incoming ball. Players also can adjust their shots for fewer mistakes.
The soft top sheet offers a great touch and players can easily control the game. VEGA is a mixture of two new technologies – HYPER ELASTO and CARBO SPONGE.
The HYPER ELASTO technology gives extreme spin with stability. This rubber also has the option to attack because of the high-level energy efficiency through the black TENSOR carbo sponge.
Vega Europe, a good backhand rubber for control, can act as per your requirement, from soft touch to fast attack. The transition from slow to fast is very smooth and linear. This helps build a trustworthy relationship with the players.
Positives
- Excellent backhand rubber for intermediate players with a controllable catapult effect.
- A lightweight spin-friendly rubber that is great for loops, serves, and pushes.
- It offers outstanding control, making it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediates looking for an offensive table tennis rubber.
- Durable and budget-friendly without compromising quality.
Negatives
- Offensive players who rely on powerful, fast attacks may not prefer it.
- The rubber is less effective for playing far from the table.
Yasaka Rakza 7
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 94
- Spin: 95
- Control: 67
- Hardness: Medium (45°)
- Thickness (mm): 1.8, 2.0, Max
- Level: Beginner + Intermediate
This new-generation rubber from Yasaka uses the optimal pimple geometry for a perfect combination of spin, speed, and control.
The top sheet of RAKZA 7 is made from natural rubber gum. It enhances the gripping capacity and power of spin. The top sheet is combined with a newly developed power sponge. Their perfect synergy has produced the “Hybrid Energy” rubber, RAKZA-7.
Due to the high gripping capacity of the Razka 7, you can place the ball accurately. This rubber has everything, it is great for loop (medium throw angle), fantastic for blocking, and easy to vary spin in your serves. Moreover, this is a very durable rubber due to the use of natural gum.
Positives
- The rubber’s balanced combination of speed, spin, and control makes it easier for intermediates and beginners to play confidently.
- The grippy hybrid topsheet is spinny and offers a fast yet controllable pace.
- Versatile and adaptable to different playing styles
- The extended lifespan is a cost-effective solution for extensive uses.
Negatives
- It is not as fast and spinny as the modern offensive rubbers like the Tenergy 64 or Fastarc G-1.
Donic Bluestorm Z3
- Manufacturer’s Rating:
- Speed: 91
- Spin: 97
- Control: 73
- Hardness: Medium-soft (42°)
- Thickness (mm): 1.9, 2.1, Max+
- Level: Beginner + Intermediate
The Bluestrom Z3, the softest of The Bluestorm series has a soft topsheet with 42° sponge hardness. The thinner topsheet and thicker sponge grab the ball more to enhance the control.
It is very spinny but not too speedy. It has amazing control.
The Bluestorm Z3 is one of the best backhand table tennis rubbers for less experienced players who prefer spin-oriented control shots.
Positives
- The Blurstorm Z3, a lightweight rubber, has impressive spin capabilities for looping and other spin-oriented strokes.
- Despite its soft sponge, the rubber offers good speed in a controlled manner.
- Great for defensive strokes like blocking and chopping.
- Easy to use with high command of control
Negatives
- It Iacks the power of harder rubbers when playing far from the table, making it less effective for long-distance rallies.
- Aggressive attackers may find it less effective.
Best Backhand Table Tennis Rubber: Selection Factors
In table tennis, rubber is the most interesting part, though its chemistry is a little bit complex. The selection of proper rubber is very crucial and may bring a drastic change in your performance.
Speed, spin, and control are the three attributes that determine the nature of a rubber. Offensive rubbers have more speed and spin while defensive rubbers have more authority on control.
The speed of a rubber is inversely proportional to control. So if you want more speed from a rubber, you have to deal with less amount of control.
Speed ∝ 1/Control
The following 8 properties determine the quality and behavioral pattern of table tennis rubbers.
1. Sponge Hardness
| Sponge Hardness | Hard | Medium | Soft |
| Degree of Hardness | 47.5 – 60 | 42 – 47 | 37.5 – 41 |
| Effect | High Speed Low Control | Balanced (Speed, Spin, & Control) | High Control Low Speed |
As Backhand shots are more compact, Medium-soft rubbers are recommended for beginners and intermediate players.
2. Sponge Thickness
| Sponge Thickness | Rebound Speed | Style of Play |
| < 1.5 mm | Slow | Defensive |
| 1.5 mm – 1.9 mm | Medium | All-round |
| 1.9 mm – 2.1 mm | Fast | Topspin Attack |
| 2.1 mm – Max | Very Fast | Power Attack |
3. Pimple Geometry and Chemistry of the Top sheet
Pimple geometry determines how hard or soft the top sheet is. For shorter, wider pimples with less space between them give a harder feeling whereas narrow, long pimples with more space between them, give you a softer feeling.
There are different types of chemistry involved in manufacturing a top sheet. Some top sheets are made with natural rubber formula, like Butterfly rubbers which give a soft and flexible feeling. Chinese rubber manufacturers use artificial formulas, the cheaper option gives you a hard feeling.
High-tension rubbers are those where the top sheet is stretched before gluing to the sponge during manufacturing. This creates higher tension in the top sheet resulting in a higher bounce.
A good example of high-tension rubbers is the Butterfly Tenergy rubbers where the tension is increased by 300% to normal rubber.
Summary:
The article presents the top 10 backhand rubbers in descending order of skill levels. The skilled players should opt for the no. 1 – 4, i.e. from the Dignics 09C to Tenergy 64 depending upon their preferences, playing styles, and budget. The Rasanter R47, Donic Baracuda, and Butterfly Rozena are the recommended options for intermediates while the rest are for beginners.
Thanks for continuing till the end.
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