Query regarding my new bat
Equipment
Ashwin Ganesh Asked 10 years ago
Few days back , I bought a Butterfly ACB 3000 blade as it was the lightest one among the limited choices I tested. Then, I got two Mark V rubbers and have stuck them quite perfectly for both forehand and backhand .But, suddenly I find this customized one heavier than my old bat, which was cheaper . I can't believe the rubbers added so much weight ! Now , Do I feel this way since the bat is pretty new and will be adjusted to it given some time or did I choose a bad combination or something (I hope not)? . I really like lighter bats compared to heavy ones.
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Ashwin,
The Mark V will make a bit of a difference. You will get used to the weight. The better rubber will allow you to develop further.
Thoughts on this question
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Jean Balthazar Posted 10 years ago
Hi Ashwin,
That's one of the surprises you'll get when you start composing custom bats. It happened to me also, as I was used to what I now know was an extremely light racquet (137g). A medium weight racquet is around 170g. Blades range from 60 to 100g, rubbers from 30 to 55g (cut), so if you just chose randomly, it can lead to what will feel like a feather or like a brick. Check here: http://tabletennis-reviews.com/reference/rubber-sheet-mass-size-database/
The Mark V has a quite hard sponge, that's mostly what makes it heavy. If you choose a light blade and paired it with heavy rubbers, the centre of gravity of the racquet will be further away from the handle. That may be why you feel the difference so much, compared with your previous racquet.
That being said, heavier racquets have their advantages too, so try to get used to it. If you can adjust to heavier racquets, that will give you much more choice when you will want to select your next combination.
Ashwin Ganesh Posted 10 years ago
Thanks to both of you :)
So Jean , Mark V seems to be heavier than an average rubber. So , just few more queries.
Q) How hard is it to shift to a heavier racket . I have a feeling that this heaviness , although it is not that heavy might slower down my reaction speed but I haven't played with much though. I know playing with it a lot will help , any other workouts might quicken it up? ;)
Q) It would have been better if I had gone for a Mark V forehand and lighter backhand maybe. Can you suggest some rubbers which have similar features to Mark V but are pretty light ? would be useful for me in the future.
And is there a similar site for bats as well . Sadly, I am unable to find the weight of my Butterfly ACB 3000 .
Thanks a lot.