Joo Se Hyuk Long pimples

What do you suggest me to start with? 1.0mm? 1.2/ something else? What would that be best for an beginner with Long pimples?

Currently, Joo either uses DTecs or P1-R on his backhand, there is some debate over what he does use. He used P1-R at the olympics though.

I believe Joo used to use TSP Curl P-1R for a long time, but recently changed to Tibhar Grass D-Tec.

I can't recall the thickness of the sponge but it was pretty thick (maybe around 2mm) given that he plays pretty far back from the table.

Both of these rubbers are supposed to be quite fast and extremely difficult to control...you really need very consistent and excellent technique.  As such, I wouldn't recommend using these if you are a beginner.

I am a beginner myself and selected the TSP Curl P3 because I read it was a high control do-a-bit-of-everything rubber good for beginners.

I would say that its better to have short pimples orMedium pimples in the backhand because you can defend as Good as you can attack. Also it makes a Bit easyer becauseyou can chop foreward.

Hope this helps, Lukas

A long pip with some grip, and therefore spin manipulation, is beneficial, with no more than 1mm sponge for good control, is a good starting point.

Long pips with a lot of spin reversal can be good or bad, depending on the situation, but at the higher levels an opponent can quickly adjust to the reversal aspect- he gives you top spin, he gets back spin in return.

Some high level defenders use short pips for chopping, but you need excellent technique, footwork, and consistency for these rubbers to work in this situation, as they are designed more for hitting close to the table. They can offer excellent spin manipulation, but you need a lot of experience and training to be effective. For a novice, not recommended.

I personally use medium pips (RITC Friendship 563-1), with 1.8 mm soft sponge, which is a good compromise. It enables me to chop consistently with good control, plus it gives me attacking ability on the backhand, which long pips, especially OX, doesn't do well consistently. The medium pip is also good for attacking loose serves, and gives me good control of spinney serves, especially side spin.

Twiddling isn't a part of my natural game, so this setup works well for me.

For the forehand, keep the sponge to 1.8-2mm, again, for control with the forehand chops.

Oh yes- and make sure you use a def to all round blade. A fast blade will only make your life that much more difficult. My choice- the JUIC EUROCUT. Good control in the short game, with ample firepower for the attack.

Hope this info helps.

Joo uses T64 2mm on the forehand and TSP Curl about 1.5 on the b/h.  Alois is right.  Start with about 1mm on the b/h.  Pips with grip will give more control and less variation.  They're easier to play an all round game with. No-grip long pips are harder to control, but give more variation.  If you play with no grip pips you will need give the yourself some time to get used to them. If you play back from the table a lot the sponge helps retrieve with less back swing.  Of course, the more you practice the easier both sorts of rubber will be to use.

I have played 3-4 years with Smooth rubber and want to learn LP; I have played just a few times with it and find it natural.  I have a very strong FH and much weaker BH and often have to play much stronger hitting guys.  I have decent footwork, but often can't get right in front of those BH's that are cut to short middle and tend to be too far from the table.  I attack very well from afar as well as chop (WITH LP), hence, I think this style is one I wish to learn.

For smooth rubber hitting blade, I use a Stiga ALL plus NCR blade.  What other blades would work well for LP's.  I do want to retain some hitting and good control from afar with LP.

@Miriam  I suggest Getting Palio CK531 with .5   sponge. GEt thicker 1mm if you plan to  play farther  from the table. Very good control and inexpensive way to start   learning LP. I am using Andro Fibercomp Def with it - an All around blade  with good control. I've tried a Butterfly Feint II on it and a a TSP curp P1 . Although I would have wanted  to   stick with P1Curl  for the  amount of spin I generate with chops, I  was having a beast of a time taming it  ( control).   I mainly stick anywhere from 3-6  ft   from the  table so I  the Palio  affords me great   control and flexibility. It  doesnt generate as much backspin but is very controllable. However,  it is very good in a straight block  and even  hitting attack. The Palio is a fast long pips (relative to  TSP  Curl and FEint 2)   I get more deception this way.   Main thing I found was  I  would need 3-4  chops on my BH   returning loops before  my opponent starts driving it into the net.  TSP curl P1 only takes 2-3  loops.   Try Palio CK531,  it's half the cost.   For the most destructive chopping  effect  TSP curlP1 if you can tame it..  As a compromise, get the New TSP curl P4. Supposedly more forgiving and controllable than the P1  but not as  much backspin with chops. BTW, Supposedly, Red  Palio is a bit faster  than  the black version

P.S.  I play inverted rubber  Xiom Vega Euro on FH.

I play Long Pimples with no sponge and it works great! I have much control on the ball and it returns the spin of the other player heavier. It a friendship 729 pimples.