# Weekly Ping Pong Observation 190: Catching up with G09c, the Choice of Straight Blade

Original by Shaobilin [Dark Horse Chat Ping Pong](javascript:void%280%29;)

**Dark Horse Chat Ping Pong**

WeChat ID: darkhorse_pingpang

Function Introduction: Special Contributor and Columnist for “Ping Pong World” Equipment Edition

Posted on September 11, 2023, in Guangdong

Included in Collection #Ping Pong Observation 154

In this issue, Dark Horse will chat with everyone about the small information behind the Japanese equipment sales rankings.

**Catching up with G09c, the Consistent Fastarc**

The top ten sales ranking of inverted rubbers are:

Rozena, T05, G-1, D05, Mark-V, Vega Europe, D09c, C-1, Glayzer, G09c


T05 and D05 have always been in a competitive relationship, indirectly indicating that they are not upgrades of each other. However, it should be noted that there are more star players using D05 than T05.

However, there is a key factor that many people may not have considered. Many of the developments in Butterfly blades are actually for the purpose of selling rubbers. In other words, some new Butterfly blades may not be suitable for Tenergy series rubbers, but require Dignics series rubbers to perform well.

Recently, Dark Horse has had a similar experience with the flagship product of this Yasaka series – Hellfire. When initially using the small yellow man (Innerforce Layer ZLC), it was difficult to play with, and the spin was average. But when paired with Viscaria, it was a different story, with much better performance. The speed was fast enough and the bite was good. It can be speculated that when Yasaka develops new rubbers, the main consideration is still the compatibility with their own blades, and their mainstream blades are mostly outer-ply. Therefore, when you use Hellfire on an inner-ply blade, it may not be suitable, but it works better on an outer-ply blade.


For example, Butterfly D09c, when paired with small yellow man or limited edition Yoshimura, feels a bit sluggish and not as effective as when paired with an outer-ply blade. One possible reason is that when D09c was designed, it was mainly based on outer-ply blades. Even considering the compatibility with new inner-ply blades, these inner fiber blades like Ovtcharov ALC and Super Zhang Jike are still relatively rigid and supportive.

Similar to D09c, Glayzer 09c also needs to be paired with a blade with better support. If paired with a soft inner-ply blade, it will feel even more powerless. The evaluation of this rubber by Dark Horse is average, not as cost-effective as Glazyer. However, the current consumption trend is “brand supremacy”. Even if its actual performance is not outstanding, combined with Butterfly’s brand position and an acceptable price, recently, G09c has caught up in sales in Japan.


We are familiar with G-1 and C-1 by Nittaku. The feeling of biting the ball is really good. This Fastarc series (G-1, S-1, C-1, P-1) has been popular for ten years. G-1 is suitable for both forehand and backhand, but it is not light. C-1 is really stable for the backhand.

What about Vega Europe at fifth place? In China, some players think that Vega Asia Red V is soft when used on the backhand, so it is even less suitable to consider the softer Vega Europe. This Vega series from Victas was released in November 2009. At first, many people regarded it as an affordable substitute for Tenergy. The control, spin, and speed of this Vega series are actually quite good, and it is still cost-effective. Although it may not have the same power and endurance as the T series, it must be said that the combination of spin and speed is pretty good. Otherwise, how could it be one of the best-selling rubber series in the world?

**Straight Blades, Star Effect, and Single Ply Mainstream**

The situation in Japan is different from that in China. Firstly, there are still many amateur players using single-ply blades. Therefore, among the top 10 sales of straight blades, four are single-ply blades. The others are three personal names.

First place, Victas Swat

The Swat series has been popular in Japan for many years. On one hand, as a Japanese brand, TSP/Victas has a wide audience and relatively cheaper prices. The pure wood seven-layer Swat has a versatile playing style. Now that Ni Xia Lian is in a hot state, she has given powerful endorsements. In November, Victas will also release the Ni Xia Lian signature blade.


Second place, Viscaria; fifth place, Viscaria Super ALC.

Clearly, Zhang Jike’s influence is still enduring.

Third place, Fan Zhendong ALC; eighth place, Fan Zhendong Super ZLC.

It is obvious that this is due to the influence of the world’s number one “little fatty”.


It is worth noting that the above Butterfly blades are more suitable for two-wing looping playstyle. If you prefer the traditional straight blade style of pushing with the left and attacking with the right, or the pimple playstyle, you may want to consider Dark Horse’s new version of Zhongmingniao, available for pre-order with a special price, thick and reliable in performance. (At the end of the article, it is finally revealed that this is a “soft article”. )

(Special price for pre-order) Upgraded Zhongmingniao. Suitable for classic straight blade and horizontal blade playstyle of “pull, loop, then flick or smash”. Also meets the requirements of the pimple playstyle for “soft and firm”.

Dark Horse Ping Pong Equipment Store

Purchase for 399

**\*** **Copyright Statement: The articles are original, and the copyright of the text belongs to “Dark Horse Chat Ping Pong” and the author. Plagiarism is not only shameless but may also be legally liable.**

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