Tibhar RAPID SOFT is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, manufactured in Germany, designed for all-round offensive (ALL+) players seeking a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control. This rubber is a softer version of the classic Tibhar RAPID, featuring a soft sponge (~35°) with a high proportion of synthetic rubber, providing a gentler feel while maintaining the necessary catapult effect and speed. RAPID SOFT offers good speed (~11.9/20), high spin (~12.0/20), and excellent control (~9.5/20), making it suitable for players who rely on versatile gameplay, especially when executing sensitive strokes against backspin and precise serves. The rubber is available in red and black colors, complying with ITTF regulations, and comes in four sponge thicknesses (1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX), allowing customization for various playing styles. Compared to Tibhar RAPID (~12.0/20 speed, ~9.3/20 control, ~11.9/20 spin), RAPID SOFT offers slightly lower speed but higher control and slightly more spin. Based on player reviews online (e.g., Revspin.net, TableTennisDB.com), Tibhar RAPID SOFT is praised for its "soft feel," "excellent spin on topspin strokes," and "stability in blocking," making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players looking for a versatile rubber with high control.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth)

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~35° ± 3)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX

• Speed: 95/100 (~11.9/20 on the general scale)

• Control: 95/100 (~9.5/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: 96/100 (~12.0/20 on the general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 7.8/10

• Top Sheet Properties: Elastic topsheet optimized for spin and control, with a soft feel

• Technologies: SPI-System (Speed-Glue-Effect Inside System), Optra-Technology (maximum spin)

• Color: Red, Black

• Country of Origin: Germany

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: All-round offensive play, topspin, sensitive strokes against backspin, blocking, serves

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

Tibhar RAPID SOFT is a versatile offensive rubber designed for players seeking a balanced combination of speed (~11.9/20), spin (~12.0/20), and high control (~9.5/20). Its soft sponge (~35°), with a high proportion of synthetic rubber, provides a gentle feel that extends ball contact time, allowing for high spin generation—especially on topspin loops, sensitive strokes against backspin, and disruptive serves. The elastic topsheet ensures strong ball grip, making the rubber ideal for a multifaceted game that combines attacking strokes, blocking, and short play. The soft sponge provides a catapult effect that enhances stroke dynamics while maintaining high control, making RAPID SOFT perfectly suited for players who like to vary their strokes and control the game's tempo. The rubber is available in multiple sponge thicknesses: 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm are ideal for maximum control and all-round players, while 2.0 mm and MAX suit players seeking more speed and power. Based on online sources (e.g., Tabletennis11.com, stalotenisui.lt), RAPID SOFT is praised for its "soft feel," "excellent spin on topspin," and "blocking stability," making it suitable for players looking for a rubber that facilitates technique and serve reception. Players note that the rubber is "very forgiving" and "excellent for sensitive strokes against backspin," making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players developing an offensive style.

Top Sheet Composition:

The Tibhar RAPID SOFT topsheet is elastic, designed for optimal spin and control, utilizing SPI-System and Optra-Technology. The inverted pimples ensure strong ball contact, allowing easy spin generation on topspin, backspin, and disruptive serves. The topsheet is slightly tackier than the classic Tibhar RAPID (~11.9/20 spin), offering slightly higher spin (~12.0/20), suitable for all-round players. SPI-System technology mimics the speed-glue effect, increasing the topsheet’s responsiveness, while Optra-Technology enhances spin potential, especially on topspin loops. According to player reviews (e.g., Revspin.net), the topsheet is "highly effective in generating spin" and "controls the ball consistently," particularly in short play and blocking. The topsheet is also durable, retaining its properties even under intensive use if properly maintained. Due to the soft sponge and elastic topsheet, RAPID SOFT is less sensitive to the opponent’s spin, making serve reception and counterattacks easier.

Sponge:

Tibhar RAPID SOFT uses a soft sponge (~35°) with a high proportion of synthetic rubber, providing a gentle feel and excellent control (~9.5/20) while maintaining a catapult effect that ensures sufficient speed (~11.9/20). The sponge thickness options allow customization for different playing styles: 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm are ideal for maximum control and all-round players, while 2.0 mm and MAX suit players seeking more speed and power. Compared to Tibhar RAPID (~42.5°, ~12.0/20 speed, ~9.3/20 control, ~11.9/20 spin), RAPID SOFT offers slightly lower speed but higher control and slightly more spin. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (~8.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~8.5/20 spin), RAPID SOFT has higher speed, spin, and control. Player feedback (e.g., TableTennisDaily.com) highlights that the sponge "provides a soft yet reactive bounce" and "helps control the ball precisely," especially on topspin strokes and sensitive strokes against backspin.

Spin and Trajectory:

Tibhar RAPID SOFT features high spin potential (~12.0/20), particularly on topspin loops, backspin chops, and disruptive serves. The soft sponge and elastic topsheet extend ball contact time, allowing for intense spin generation, which is especially effective on slow topspin strokes and sensitive strokes against backspin. According to shop-ping.be, the rubber is "great for all-round players seeking spin variations and control," and its trajectory (7.8/10) is medium-high, ensuring a stable and easily controllable ball flight path. The rubber effectively neutralizes the opponent’s spin, making serve reception easier, especially for beginners and intermediate players. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 spin), RAPID SOFT offers significantly more spin and higher control, making it more suitable for modern all-round offensive play.

Control:

Tibhar RAPID SOFT provides excellent control (~9.5/20) in its category, especially on topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. The soft sponge absorbs the ball’s energy, making strokes easily manageable, even for beginners. Compared to Tibhar RAPID (~9.3/20 control), RAPID SOFT has slightly higher control, making it even more forgiving on imperfect strokes. Compared to Donic Baracuda (~8.5/20 control), RAPID SOFT offers higher control and lower speed, making it more suitable for all-round players. Player feedback (e.g., stalotenisui.lt) emphasizes that the rubber is "very forgiving" and "easy to control," particularly in short play, blocking, and sensitive strokes against backspin.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (95/100, ~11.9/20): High speed, suitable for offensive topspin strokes and counterattacks. Compared to Tibhar RAPID (~12.0/20 speed), RAPID SOFT is slightly slower but maintains the catapult effect.

• Control (95/100, ~9.5/20): Excellent control, especially on topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 control), RAPID SOFT offers higher control.

• Spin (96/100, ~12.0/20): High spin potential, ideal for improving topspin and backspin techniques. Compared to Donic Baracuda (~9.0/20 spin), RAPID SOFT provides more spin.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Strokes: 8.9/10 – Effective topspin strokes, especially on forehand and backhand, with high spin and good speed.

• Backspin Strokes: 8.7/10 – Effective chops with strong backspin, easily controlled.

• Blocking: 9.5/10 – Highly effective when blocking topspin strokes at the table, thanks to the soft sponge and elastic topsheet.

• Push Strokes: 8.8/10 – Precise pushes in short play, with disruptive spin.

• Chopping: 8.5/10 – Effective backspin strokes, suitable for all-round defensive play.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.8/10 – Stable counter-hit strokes at the table, with an excellent balance of speed and control.

• Smashing: 8.3/10 – Powerful enough attacking smashes, especially with 2.0 mm and MAX sponge.

• Serves & Reception: 9.0/10 – Effective serve reception and spin generation, very easy to control.

• Flick Strokes: 8.7/10 – Stable banana flicks in short play, with good spin.

Compatibility with Blades:

Tibhar RAPID SOFT pairs well with all-round and slightly offensive blades that complement its spin, control, and speed:

• Tibhar Stratus Power Wood (~9.5/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances speed and suits all-round offensive strokes.

• Butterfly Primorac (~9.0/20 speed, ALL): Complements the rubber’s spin and control, ideal for technique development.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~8.5/20 speed, ALL): Suitable for players seeking maximum control.

• Stiga Allround Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-): Perfect for all-round players seeking stability.

• Yasaka Sweden Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-): Suitable for players combining control with light counterattacks.

It is recommended to use Tibhar RAPID SOFT on an all-round blade (e.g., Donic Appelgren Allplay) for players seeking maximum control or on a slightly faster blade (e.g., Tibhar Stratus Power Wood) for players balancing control with aggressive attacks.

Additional Information:

Tibhar RAPID SOFT is a versatile offensive rubber that combines high spin (~12.0/20), excellent control (~9.5/20), and sufficient speed (~11.9/20), making it ideal for all-round offensive players. Compared to Tibhar RAPID (~12.0/20 speed, ~9.3/20 control, ~11.9/20 spin), RAPID SOFT offers slightly lower speed but higher control and slightly more spin. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~8.0/20 spin), RAPID SOFT has higher speed, spin, and control, making it more suitable for modern all-round offensive play. Based on online reviews (e.g., Revspin.net, Tabletennis11.com), players praise the rubber for its "soft feel," "great spin," and "blocking stability," especially on topspin strokes and sensitive strokes against backspin. Some players note that the rubber is "ideal for transitioning to an offensive style" and "great for improving technique," particularly for young players. Additionally, RAPID SOFT is highly suitable for players looking to improve topspin technique and spin variations, as its soft sponge and elastic topsheet allow for easy ball control. The rubber uses SPI-System and Optra-Technology to enhance stroke feel and spin. It is recommended to clean the surface with a specialized cleaner (e.g., Tibhar Rubber Cleaner) and use a protective film to prevent damage. Due to its versatility, price-performance ratio, and soft feel, Tibhar RAPID SOFT is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their technique and build a solid foundation for table tennis skills!

Who is Tibhar RAPID SOFT for?

Tibhar RAPID SOFT is designed for all-round offensive players:

• Beginners and intermediate players (0–7 years of experience): Those seeking a balanced rubber with spin, control, and sufficient speed.

• All-round offensive players: Suitable for those combining topspin, backspin, blocking, and sensitive strokes against backspin.

• Technique developers: Perfect for players looking to master topspin and spin variations.

• Forehand and backhand use: Suitable for both sides, especially backhand strokes requiring control and spin.

• Young players: A great choice for children and youth transitioning to an offensive style.

Advantages of Tibhar RAPID SOFT:

• Speed (11.9/20): High speed, suitable for offensive topspin strokes and counterattacks.

• Control (9.5/20): Excellent control, especially on topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception.

• Spin (12.0/20): High spin potential, ideal for improving topspin and backspin techniques.

• Trajectory (7.8/10): Medium-high trajectory, easily controllable for all-round players.

• Soft Sponge: Provides a gentle feel, high control, and a catapult effect.

• Elastic Top Sheet: Facilitates spin generation and precise play.

• Durability: High-quality construction, long lifespan with proper care.

• Price-Performance Ratio: Great value for high quality and versatility.

• High Quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.

Tibhar RAPID SOFT is a versatile offensive rubber that combines high spin, excellent control, and sufficient speed, giving players the ability to play a multifaceted offensive game with great precision. Its SPI-System and Optra-Technology, soft sponge, and elastic topsheet make it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their technique and build a solid foundation for table tennis skills!

Tibhar RAPID SOFT

Tibhar RAPID SOFT

Tibhar RAPID SOFT