help with selecting new equiment

 

I am picking up TT after a 15 year hiatus.  I need some help selecting my new blade/rubber combo.

 

I am a 60%chop, 40% drive FH

and 75%chop, 25% drive BH;

 

I need spinny rubber but I do not want dead slow rubbers.

 

I don't mind spending a little more on a good blade that fits my play - I am planning to keep it for a long time.

 

thanks,

tuco

 

 

I play mostly defense close to table or mid-distance.  I use chops to keep my opponents from hitting at me but would hit back when the opportunity is there.

 

  You're best off with something relatively slow -- helps with control of all shots, and the volume of spin with defensive strokes. @ colestt.com or zeropong.com, you can find a suitable blade / rubber combo for less then a butterfly blade will set you back.

 

  I'd say Toxic 5, or the Gambler Kevlar Oversize would fit the bill, if you don't mind an oversized blade. Keeping the rubber thin with such a large blade is a must.. but that's a plus for a defender, not a problem. On forehand something like RITC 2000 over 35 or 40 degree sponge (@ colestt.com -- this is the setup I started playing defense with) in a controllable thickness; probably 1.5 or 1.8mm (which I'd recommend; gives enough punch for offense).  For the backhand, if you're really chopping 75% of the time, long pips may be an option. I'd recommend RITC 755 with thin (.6, .8, or 1.0mm) sponge for the backhand if you've never tried long pips before, or perhaps RITC 2000 in 1.5mm to complement the 1.8mm on the forehand if you'd prefer to stay away from the pips.

 

Hope this helped, feel free to PM me about any questions,

 

 - Jack -