Short Pimples In General

Table Tennis Equipment

Last updated 9 years ago

Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Asked 9 years ago

Hi, Alois

I must say, playing with pimples is going well, I made some progress, so, I must say that defensive players shouldn't be underestimated. But, this question is more for curiosity:

Can you tell me what are the main features of short pimples, because I see they became popular among some players. What is their purpose, how are they used, what kind of effect do they have. I have to say one short pip player tried to win me, but, my long pimples were too much. So, can you tell me some specifications about short pimples. Thanks


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Sasha,

Short pimples allow you to hit the ball flatter.  You can’t generate as much spin with them but it makes controlling spin a little easier.

Take a look at our lesson on the Effects of Rubbers.


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Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Posted 9 years ago

I have seen it earlier, but, are short pimples more used for defense or attack, what players want to achieve with short pimples, and, are there several kinds of short pimples, like you have with long pimples ( for instance long pimples for blocking, disturbing, defence) 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Hi Sasha,

They are usually used for attacking close to the table.  There are a lot of short pimples.  Some are softer some have more control some more speed.  I don’t have any specific rubbers that I know that have these qualities.


Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Posted 9 years ago

OK, thanks. Can you just add one more comment on medium pimples, what are they for, what kind of players use them, what do they want to achieve with them


Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Posted 9 years ago

And one more thing. I have a buddy of mine who is thinking about these pimples. He has got a Hallmark Ultra oversize blade, with thick balsa core and one layer of carbon on forehand side. Is this blade suitable for short or medium pips, and what sponge thickness should he use


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Medium pimples are used by attacking players that want to get some different effect on their block.  The ball will go back slower and there will be some reversing of the spin as well.

That blade of your friend’s should be OK.  It will all depend on his playing style and ability.  I would use a 1.5mm sponge to start with on both the short and medium pimples.


Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Posted 9 years ago

Are medium pimples good for hitting, can you get clean shot with good control. Some players on several blogs recommend Friendship 563-1 medium pips, but, they don't talk about hitting, which is why I ask you this


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

You can use them for hitting but it is a difficult skill.


Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Posted 9 years ago

Hi, Alois

I have read some reviews about blades that are paired with short pimples. And people recommend a 7-ply blades like Avalox P700 or Stiga Clipper. But, as I said my friend wants to switch from long pimples to short pimples, but, he has, Hallmark Ultra, 5-ply blade with thick balsa core. What do you think of that, are they right about this, and can he use short pips on his blade?

And can you recommend some short pimple rubber? What are the best short pips overall, those with more or less spin, with softer or harder sponge? Thanks


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Hi Sasha,

I would use it with the same blade first.  I don’t have any recommendations as to types of short pimples.  Others may be able to help out here.


Sasha Savic

Sasha Savic Posted 9 years ago

OK. So, how can I let others see my question? I want recommendations for short pimples, is it possible for others to see this conversation. And, I have noticed in some earlier discussions that you mention Phantom rubber. What is that? Thanks


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Others can see this discussion.

Phantom is a Long Pimple rubber rather than short.



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