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

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

**Dark Horse Ping Pong**

WeChat ID: darkhorse_pingpang

Function Introduction: Special guest editor and columnist for “Ping Pong World” Equipment Edition

Published on 2023-09-11 12:07, Guangdong

Included in the collection #PingPongObservation 154

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

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

The top ten sales of inverted rubbers are as follows:

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 D05 is not an upgraded version of T05. Of course, it is undeniable 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 new butterfly blades are actually developed to serve the sales of rubbers. In other words, some new butterfly blades may not be suitable for Tenergy series rubbers, and can only perform well with Dignics series rubbers.

Recently, Dark Horse had a similar experience with the flagship new product from Eula – Hellfire. At the beginning, when it was paired with Innerforce Layer ZLC, it was difficult to play and the spin was average. But when paired with Viscaria, the effect was much better. The speed was fast enough, and the bite was strong. It is reasonable to speculate that when Eula develops new rubbers, the main consideration is the compatibility with their own blades, and among Eula’s mainstream blades, the emphasis is on outer-ply blades. Therefore, if you put Hellfire on an inner-ply blade, it may not be suitable, but it works much better on an outer-ply blade.


For example, Butterfly D09c, when paired with Innerforce Layer ZLC or Yoshimura Limited, feels a bit sluggish and not as good 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, blades like Timo Boll ALC and Super Zhang Jike are still similar to outer-ply blades in terms of taste, being 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. Dark Horse’s evaluation of this rubber is average, not as cost-effective as Glazyer. However, the current consumption trend is “brand first”. Even if its actual performance is not outstanding, combined with Butterfly’s brand position and the acceptable price, recently, G09c’s sales in Japan have caught up.


We are familiar with G-1 and C-1 from 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 the 5th place Vega Europe? In China, some players think that Vega Asia Red V is soft for the backhand, so they wouldn’t even consider the softer Vega Europe. This Vega series, released in November 2009, was initially regarded by many as an affordable substitute for Tenergy. It has good control, ball bite, and speed, and the cost-performance ratio is still good. Although it lacks the power and durability of Tenergy, it must be said that the combination of spin and speed is quite good. Otherwise, why would it be one of the best-selling rubber series in the world?

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

The situation in Japan is different from that in China. Firstly, there are still many amateur players who use single plywood blades. So, out of the top 10 sales of straight blades, four are single ply. The rest are three names.

1st place: Victas Swat

The Swat series has been popular in Japan for many years. On the one hand, TSP/Victas, as a Japanese brand, has a wide audience and relatively lower prices. The 7-ply Swat, with its versatile playing style, has gained strong endorsement from teacher Ni Xiaolian, who is currently in a hot state. This November, Victas will also launch a signature model blade for Ni Xiaolian.


2nd place: Viscaria; 5th place: Viscaria Super ALC

Obviously, Zhang Jike’s influence is enduring.

3rd place: Fan Zhendong ALC; 8th place: Fan Zhendong Super ZLC

It is clear 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 a two-wing looping style. If you use a straight blade for traditional push and attack or long pips style, it is better to consider Dark Horse’s new version of Heavy Ming Niao, which is available for pre-order at a special price, thick and versatile. (At the end, it is finally exposed that this is a “soft article”. )

(**Pre-order special price**) Upgraded version of Heavy Ming Niao. Suitable for classic straight blade and horizontal blade styles of “pull and loop, then flick or attack”. Also meets the requirements of a “soft yet firm” style for long pips.

 **Dark Horse Ping Pong Equipment Store**

Buy at 399

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

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