Has anyone switched to Rozena?
Printed From: Alex Table Tennis - MyTableTennis.NET
Category: Equipment
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: Share your experience and discussions about table tennis equipments.
Moderator: haggisv
Assistant Moderators: position available
URL: http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=80480
Printed Date: 05/03/2024 at 1:09pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Has anyone switched to Rozena?
Posted By: richrf
Subject: Has anyone switched to Rozena?
Date Posted: 10/06/2017 at 8:03pm
|
The rubber seems to be selling well in Japan, but I can't seem to find anyone who is actually using it. The reviews in the databases seem to be quite good, and considering the number of reviews (unless they are planted), it would seem that Rozena is quite competitive though probably $10 more than competitors. In my club no one is using it yet. Anyone know of anyone who is using it as their primary rubber? |
Replies:
Posted By: Blip
Date Posted: 10/06/2017 at 8:48pm
|
I've used 2.1 black as my bh rubber for ~3 months. It's not a bad rubber and it does deliver on the promise of a lot of safety. Although it's still in good shape, I've switched back to my prior rubber, Evol El-P 1.9. Pros: It does everything decent and the softer sponge allows you to utilize it more compared to Tenergy. Cons: It doesn't excel at much either. Although El-P isn't that much better, imho the sponge is more engaging and gives a split second more dwell. They're similar rubbers in terms of performance. Low grip and requires more forward stroke. Give it a shot. ------------- Viscaria T05 - Forehand T05fx - Backhand Please post my feedback here: http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71402&PN=1#874345 |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/06/2017 at 9:47pm
Thanks much. Generally I find ESN too bouncy, though I have tried any of the lastest generation. Even Tenergy feels a bit bouncy. Right now I am using old Calibra. I like the feel but it lacks spin. Does EL-P provide equivalent control for you to Rozena? Also, how do they compare with durability? Thanks again! |
Blip wrote:Posted By: Blip
Date Posted: 10/06/2017 at 11:05pm
|
The sponge thickness is a factor when comparing my experience. EL-P at 1.9 gives me more control than Rozena 2.1. I imagine their nearly identical if both were 1.9. Once again they have very similar performance for me. ------------- Viscaria T05 - Forehand T05fx - Backhand Please post my feedback here: http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71402&PN=1#874345 |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/06/2017 at 11:07pm
Great information. Really helpful. Thanks! |
Posted By: iamj8
Date Posted: 10/07/2017 at 7:01am
|
I played Rozena 2.1 on the backhand. When I first got Rozena I felt it played great in training/drills. Shots felt quite easy to execute and the 'safety' it allegedly provides isn't just marketing. As far as physical properties go it is noticeably softer than T05 and 80 and also less spinny. The mechanical grip isn't as bad as some reports claim but the rubber plays badly under humid conditions. After playing it in match games I felt it played best on fast and stiff blades. I tried it on a Viscaria and I think it played very well. The blade compensated for Rozena's lack of speed and reactiveness perfectly. I also tried it on Carbonado 145 (my main set up) which as far as I'm concerned has more dwell and isn't that fast relative to other composites. I like to loop, counter and active block on my backhand and I found it awkward so ended switching back to T80. I've improved since then so I might give Rozena another shot on this set up. I'm looking for something a little softer than T80 so it only makes sense but it's hard to say. I think the sales figures in Japan may not tell the full story as we don't know what demographics it is popular in. Perhaps it could be high school/university players who want a cheaper Tenergy which would be good news but maybe it just replaced Sriver as the quintessential beginners rubber. All in all I think it's a decent rubber but not quite the Tenergy replacement I (personally ) was hoping for.
------------- A version of Hurricane 3 A version of Tenergy A Stiga blade... |
Posted By: BRS
Date Posted: 10/07/2017 at 9:12am
|
My practice partner switched from t64 to rozena on the fh of a tb zlf. It took a few hours but she is playing great with it now. She makes plenty of spin and it grips fine in very humid conditions (and my garage in a Florida rainstorm is very humid conditions by anyone's standard). She has given up some speed for better placement and it seems to be working. She didn't like rozena as a backhand rubber to replace t80. I hit a few balls with it and wasn't wowed, but our blades are so different that was kind of meaningless. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/07/2017 at 12:54pm
Thanks much for the information. I guess those who are using The Rozena are looking for more control than what Tenergy offers but not sacrificing too much in speed and spin which is sort of what I'm looking for. I play a control game and need a grippy rubber to open up against US and also fast enough to counter when there is an opening, in a manner that Samsonov may play, relaxed and in control. Rozena seems like it might fit into that high end all-around but T80 might also work, only the Tenergies in general seem to be difficult to control. Never tried T80 though. |
Posted By: AMonteiro
Date Posted: 10/07/2017 at 1:21pm
|
One friend of mine uses a DHS PG7 with Rozena and Acuda S1. I tried his blade for a while and I found Acuda S1 better in all aspects. Rozena for me is not better even compared to older generation ESN rubbers (Acuda, Hexer, Genius, Rakza 7, Vega Pro...), IMO.
------------- Dynaryz AGR /Yasaka Goiabao 5 / Dynaryz AGR |
Posted By: SmackDAT
Date Posted: 10/07/2017 at 7:40pm
|
What is your playing level? I find Tenergies (bar 05 for blocking sometimes) fairly easy to control, but obviously if you're asking for advice so often you might find a better answer if you told us your level ------------- Zhang Jike ALC AN (88g) Tenergy 05 Hard (2.1, B) Tenergy 19 (2.1, R) https://goo.gl/bFWoxW" rel="nofollow - https://goo.gl/bFWoxW |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/07/2017 at 8:52pm
Thanks for asking. I would say that my level of play it's that I can be quite consistent and comfortable with Calibra LT dynamics (speed, low throw, blocking) and it is suitable for the control game that I play except for the enormous effort it takes to create spin, especially when opening against US. I'm just getting too old for it. For me all ESNs I've tried out, feel very bouncy (I admire Samsonov for the control he achieves), and Tenergy doesn't give me the sensitivity for the ball that I get with Calibra (not sure why), but lifting the ball with T05-FX is a piece of cake compared to the Calibra LT, I just wish I had more feeling. I was testing it on a carbon blade and maybe by changing the blade I could get more feedback. So if I eliminate ESNs and Chinese, it leaves me with Tenergy or one of the other Japanese Rubbers, e.g. Rozena, Karis, but I still need some assist similar to Calibra otherwise I will have to work too hard for each point. Very hard backhand and forehead drives are my put away points. I think Mantra M would be a natural possibility but there seems to be much less control than Calibra LT. Hope this helps explain why I was considering Rozena. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 11:11am
Thanks for your evaluation. Very helpful. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 11:17am
Thanks much for the comparison. It is very helpful. I'm trying to get some tests setup in my club to compare T80 to Rozena. It gets very personal and this point. I may end up just getting a sheet of each and see which I prefer. I hope I like at least one. 😃 Thanks again. |
Posted By: NextLevel
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 11:27am
|
I have gone to Vega Pro. Easily the best rubber in terms of price to performance and it allows you to preserve your Tenergy technique. ------------- https://youtu.be/jhO4K_yFhh8?t=115" rel="nofollow - I like putting heavy topspin on the ball... Cybershape Carbon FH/BH: H3P 41D. Lumberjack TT, not for lovers of beautiful strokes. No time to train... |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 5:02pm
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, ESN and my game don't mix. Not sure why, but they all feel very bouncy to me yourself less feeling. I am hoping to try out T80 or Rozena. I don't like the idea of staying with Calibra LT because of the effort it takes to open up with spin. It's ok when loop driving from mid or long. |
Posted By: Believer
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 5:14pm
| I have used Rozena for a good two months. But I have switch back to FX-P since and recently trying Rasanter R42. My biggest complain about Rozena is that the sweet spot is small, and your u have to be square to the ball to get a good shot. Also, the grip is not that strong over the table and such. FX-P is much better. I am not ready to pass my judgement on R42 yet, but initially, the block and drive shots are much easier than Rozena and it has a better sweet spot than Rozena. Granted, if we are on point and timing, sweet size may not matter. But for most of us, we don’t always get to the ball on time and that’s where the other attributes matter more to me. |
Posted By: iamj8
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 5:48pm
|
No worries hopefully you like at least one of them. I preferred T80 on woodier feeling blades like the aforementioned Carbonado and some of the quicker 5 plies. I found it too hard to control on stiff 7 plies and composites. To me they play best on different blades which is weird given how similar they're meant to be but my opinion is just one among many. :) T80 would be the perfect bh rubber for me if it were just a touch softer and slightly lower throw. Nothing that can't be compensated for with better technique though, haha. Didn't like T64. Good luck. ------------- A version of Hurricane 3 A version of Tenergy A Stiga blade... |
Posted By: Makelele
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 7:07pm
| Did you consider trying the Tenergies in 1.9 mms.? I haven't done it but perhaps for some people is better a Tenergy 05 in 1.9 mms.than a Rozena in 2.1 mmms. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 9:18pm
Thanks very much for the information. I would think that the sweet spot would be more a function of the blade. Am I mistaken? I understand that it may not be as forgiving with the angle of impact. Is that what you are referring to? Thanks for the comparison to R42 and FX-P. Do you have any further comments regarding touch and feeling? In general I have found ESN runners very bouncy and I am unable to create a good level of touch control. Thanks again! |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 9:22pm
Thanks for the additional information regarding blade harmony. The new Stiga Artic Wood was one of the blades I was considering but TT11 has it weighing in at 95gr which is too heavy for me. I can't confirm it with Stiga since they do not reply. Appreciate the T80 info. It is very helpful. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 9:24pm
I did try T05-FX, 1.9. Much better opening against US than the Calibra, but immediately it felt like I was missing some feel, but I am going to try it out again. Thanks for the recommendation. |
Posted By: jpenmaster
Date Posted: 10/08/2017 at 11:25pm
|
Rozena and T80 have the same pip structure so that's why T80 is the closest Tenergy to Rozena. T80 has a harder sponge than Rozena but to me Rozena has a harder top sheet. T05 has more spin than T80 and Rozena and a much higher throw. So if you are switching to Rozena from 05 you will be probably be disappointed. When playing 05 many rely on that arc/spin to get loops to land and you won't get that from Rozena. ------------- OSP Expert II w DNA Dragon Grip |
Posted By: iamj8
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 5:32am
|
Slightly off topic but has anyone tried Nittaku's Fastarc C1? Can they compare it to Rozena or T80? Thanks. ------------- A version of Hurricane 3 A version of Tenergy A Stiga blade... |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 11:01am
|
Thanks everyone for all of the help. Considering that I am mostly in training mode nowadays I thought I'll try out Rozena for its control, linearity, and durability. One more quick question. Is Butterfly Online US the best prices? Will they assemble? Thanks! |
Posted By: Swiff
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 11:38am
|
I got my 2 sheets of Rozena in the mail last week. I've only had the chance to play with it once. I'm switching from T-05 backhand and T-64 forehand. I played with my new rubber on Saturday. My first impressions were pretty good. I first noticed how soft the rubber feels. I could feel the extra control. It definitely is just toned down version of Tenergy in all ways. But it's still fast and spinny enough for me. The rubber felt very weird for short game, for some reason. I don't know if it's something I need to adjust to or the rubber needs to be broken in a bit more. I wasn't able to push at all with it, aggressively or passively. Over the table flicks felt weird.. I'll see how it goes when I play again on Wednesday. ------------- 
|
Posted By: *_strataras_*
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 12:00pm
|
I use rozena in 1,9 mm thickness at both sides. Great rubbers for me. After 9+ years of using tenergies, I didn't find it very hard to change into rozena! They play great, not much spin as tenergies, but a little bit safer shots. ------------- OSP Virtuoso SQST Tenergy 05(black 1,9mm FH) Tenergy 05(red 1,9mm BH) http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=74157&title=feedback-strataras" rel="nofollow - Feedback |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 12:04pm
Thanks. Very interesting feedback. I'm wondering whether the blade might be affecting your short game? If course, it may just need breaking in. Can I ask what blade you are using! Thanks! |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 12:07pm
Thanks! Can I ask what blade you are using? I'm trying to decide between an all-wood or ALC. Thanks! |
Posted By: SmackDAT
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 1:32pm
Is there proof or pictures that T80 pips is exactly the same as Rozena? Thanks ------------- Zhang Jike ALC AN (88g) Tenergy 05 Hard (2.1, B) Tenergy 19 (2.1, R) https://goo.gl/bFWoxW" rel="nofollow - https://goo.gl/bFWoxW |
Posted By: jpenmaster
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 8:04pm
Here you go Rozena 1.9 over T80 2.1 ------------- OSP Expert II w DNA Dragon Grip |
Posted By: Purett
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 8:25pm
it has smaller pimples ------------- rating solid 1000 moving up to 1001 |
Posted By: jpenmaster
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 8:45pm
This is my rubber they are the same size ------------- OSP Expert II w DNA Dragon Grip |
Posted By: ericd937
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 8:51pm
|
I can give my thoughts on Rozena. I've used it for about 7 weeks in total. I play about 2 to 3 hours 6 days a week. I also usually train with a coach about twice a week. I've been been using Rozena (max) on the backhand side for about the last month or so. Rozena takes a long time to break in, 15+ hours. Previously, I'd been using R42 for about 3 months. Before R42, I had used Rasant Grip for about 2 years. I tried to switch to Rozena before, but after trying it for about 3 weeks I decided that R42 was better at that time. The only reason that I came back to Rozena is because after about 3 months of daily play, R42 has started to significantly lose spin. After 3 months, R42 also had become extremely soft. So instead of spending money on another R42 I decided to give Rozena another try. It's a pretty good rubber and the spin and the topsheet grip actually seem to increase over the first month of use. Rozena is not bouncy. Its not a spin monster, but you can spin pretty well on loops and loop drives. I enjoy serving with Rozena. When I first got it, it seemed to have a lot of problems in humid conditions. I don't seem to be having that problem now. Rozena is less linear that R42, but much more linear than T05, T64, or T25fx. Those are the only Tenergy rubbers that I've tried. Out of the 3 Tenergy I've tried, T25fx was most suitable for me. I hated T05. I can't compare it to T80, never tried it. I really can't decide if I prefer R42 or Rozena. R42 is really good from about 0 to 140 playing hours and Rozena isn't really good from 0 to 20 playing hours then it starts to get better. I'm not sure how long Rozena will maintain its current capabilities, as its my first sheet. R42 and Rozena are both really good. I haven't decided what my next sheet would be on the backhand side. I may try r47 or one of the new Aurus rubbers next or I could stick with Rozena or R42. ------------- Current Setup: TBS FH T80/BH D80 Official USATT Rating 1815 Current estimated level: 1800-1900. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/09/2017 at 9:09pm
|
Thanks ericd! Really great info. Actually I was looking very closely at R42 and was just about to pull the trigger, but I noticed there were several reviews commenting on the durability. Ditto for Mantra. So I got cold feet. Rozena gets excellent marks for durability still I'm initially going to go b with it. Thurs. I'm going to look at some blades. The usual suspects are on the list, including Visceria (probably too fast for me), Korbel, Samsonov Force, Waldner Senso, Ovtcharov True and maybe Arctic Wood. Hopefully one feels good but if anyone has any other ideas that they would like to share, I'd appreciate it. |
Posted By: Tyler45
Date Posted: 10/10/2017 at 12:46am
|
Durability? 140 hours is amazing. I change my rubbers after every 80 (rhythm). I don't think you need to worry if you "only" get 140 hours :) Having said that I've just glued up 2 rozenas in max because my el-s is really crumbling round the edges after only 30 hours, to the point where it soon won't be legal. I really like el-s but it doesn't seem to be very durable (also quite a bit of wear on the surface fh side and quite heavy even in 2mm). So will try rozena. I really liked t05 in training but in match situations not so much. Hence rozena. I've been playing the rhythm 425 max both sides for two years and really liked it. I honestly wonder sometimes whether all the plastic ball rubbers are an "emperors new clothes thing" and I'll probably be back on rhythm by xmas 
|
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/10/2017 at 12:59am
What I was reading was more along the lines of 3 weeks followed by a rapid deterioration in quality and characteristics though for the most part it was the harder versions. I'm used to a medium hard Calibra LT so I was looking at all of the reviews. I agree, 140 hours is pretty decent but from what I've read, Rozena might do better. Thanks for the feedback! |
Posted By: Swiff
Date Posted: 10/10/2017 at 9:53am
No problem. I'm using the Timo Boll ALC -------------
|
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/10/2017 at 10:05am
| Thanks. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/15/2017 at 10:38am
| I'm still waiting to try out some Rozena. In the meantime, the Calibra LT keeps working on. If anyone had any updates, I'd appreciate it. Also, I can't find anyone using it on the forehand, though I did notice a women pro using it on the backhand. Seems like as a FH rubber it doesn't have the spin and speed. |
Posted By: Basquests
Date Posted: 10/15/2017 at 12:06pm
|
Most players want something harder for their fh, and i guess t05 and mxp kinda make people not wanna experiment too much on the fh. They are so good, why change For pros certainly, it simply is nowhere near hard enough on the fh. Im interested in using it on the bh, although im using a 46 or 47 degree omega 5 toir atm. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/15/2017 at 12:31pm
It is interesting that at least one high reasoning pro Chinese woman found it good enough for the backhand. I was hoping to find a tamer version of Tenergy for the FH but still one with adequate grip and speed. I don't think Rozena will get me there. Seems like more of an upgrade for Sriver it Mark V than a tamed Tenergy. |
Posted By: 100niTenis
Date Posted: 10/16/2017 at 8:07am
|
I think I am going to try Rozena ! ------------- Blade, Rubbers, Shoes, Socks ... |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/16/2017 at 9:22am
Let me know how it goes. What blade are you going to put it on? |
Posted By: 100niTenis
Date Posted: 10/16/2017 at 9:30am
|
Going with TBS and Rozena on FH ------------- Blade, Rubbers, Shoes, Socks ... |
Posted By: Swiff
Date Posted: 10/16/2017 at 9:31am
|
I'm wanting to give an update to my previous post. I played Wednesday (which is always a better (and longer) training session than Monday and the rubber for the short game felt completely better. Meaning, I either adjusted to the rubber or it "broke in" properly. My satisfaction is now much higher. I'm completely comfortable and happy with my Rozena as of Wednesday. It's a good decision. -------------
|
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/16/2017 at 10:11am
It will be interesting to hear how this combination works. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/16/2017 at 10:24am
Thanks for the feedback. I noticed you are coming from T05 and T64, which is a very common setup. Can I ask what did you see as the benefits and/or negatives of your new setup? Also, what blade you are using? Thanks! |
Posted By: iamj8
Date Posted: 10/17/2017 at 3:24pm
|
Have switched back to Rozena from T80 on my Carbonado's backhand. Liking it so far. Seems like a technique adjustment has done me some good. Seems livelier than the first one I got which doesn't make sense for a Butterfly product but whatever lol. ------------- A version of Hurricane 3 A version of Tenergy A Stiga blade... |
Posted By: henningf
Date Posted: 10/17/2017 at 4:45pm
|
I’m playing with Rozena on my bh, OSP V+ played with it for about ~3-4 months now. (I love the sound it makes on a hard block )
|
Posted By: Snakefish
Date Posted: 10/18/2017 at 6:00am
|
Using a new Rozena on backhand of a new Bty Innerforce Layer ALC.S First few sessions, control was not that good due to newness of both. Had to break in these two - blade and Rozena. Powerful and fast yes, but not as springy as a Tenergy sheet. After the break in period, control was better. Not as sensitive as Tenergy on returning spinny serves. Touch and short game shots easy to control. Counter-hitting gave very good feedback. Definitely has more ooomph than Tenergy FX rubbers. For my backhand loops, this rubber was above average - due to the great dwell time of this blade. Rozena combined with this blade is excellent for blocking. I would slot Rozena in between regular Tenergy and Tenergy FX rubbers. Cheaper price than Tenergy, but doesn't have the glamour of Tenergy. Ask me to choose between ESN rubbers and Rozena. I'll take ESN, not because a little cheaper in price, but gives me more options. ------------- Andro Treiber Z - fl FH: Tibhar MX-D max BH: Tibhar Quantum ProX-blue,max |
Posted By: Believer
Date Posted: 10/18/2017 at 6:47am
| I use the term sweet spot as a reference. Normally, sweet spot is a function of the blade and you are correct. In this comparison, if I am out of position, FX-P can save the point easier especially if I need to spin the ball back. The overall surface grip is not too strong with Rozena. However, I had just tried to boost Rozena with lamp oil and had one session on a stiff 7-ply wood blade and it plays quite well. So I may give Rozena another go for it. Rasanter R42 definitely requires better technique to play it effectively because you have to engage the sponge all the time to get the benefit of it. That’s why during active blocking and punch block are great. But the top sheet grip is not as good as FX-P. So I am dropping R42 for now. |
Posted By: richrf
Date Posted: 10/18/2017 at 10:22am
|
Thanks everyone for your comments. Had anyone figured out the proper technique for using Rozena on the FH and getting enough spin to open up without boosting? Does the harder top sheet require a more flexible blade? Just wondering what Butterfly is thinking? Is it only a BH rubber? |
Posted By: Swiff
Date Posted: 10/18/2017 at 10:39am
I will not give any benefits or negatives from the actual switch from my old setup to my new setup. Because my old rubber was SO worn, I'm sure it didn't play like it was supposed to at all. So my input here would probably be wrong or misleading. I'm using the Timo Boll ALC. Actually, I'll offer some insight, remembering back to when I bought my last Tenergy setup. They play very similar to Rozena. Rozena seems like it's a bit softer, slower, less spinny. But only a little bit. The truth is, out of the hundreds of offensive rubbers available, they mostly all play the same. So I don't even care too much. lol -------------
|