Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, manufactured in Germany, designed for all-round (ALL-) players seeking a balanced game with spin variations and high control. This rubber stands out with its non-slip top sheet and soft sponge (~30–40°), which ensures excellent control (~9.0/20), medium spin (~8.1/20), and lower speed (~6.9/20), making it ideal for players who focus on a technical game involving topspin, backspin, and blocking elements. NIMBUS NORM is available in red and black colors, complying with ITTF regulations, and features a 1.7 mm sponge thickness that balances control and spin, providing versatility for various strokes.
Compared to the Tibhar Learn Spin (~6.2/20 speed, ~10.0/20 control, ~7.5/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM offers slightly higher speed and spin while maintaining a high level of control. Based on player reviews online (e.g., Revspin.net, Tabletennis11.com), Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is praised for its "excellent control," "easy spin generation," and "versatility," making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their technique and play a spin-rich game.
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth)
Sponge Hardness: Soft (~30–40°)
Sponge Thickness: 1.7 mm
Speed: 55/100 (~6.9/20 on a general scale)
Control: 90/100 (~9.0/20 on a general scale)
Spin: 65/100 (~8.1/20 on a general scale)
Trajectory Height: 6.8/10
Top Sheet Properties: Non-slip surface optimized for control and spin in all-round play
Technologies: Soft sponge, non-slip top sheet, SPI-System (Speed-Glue-Effect Inside System)
Color: Red, Black
Country of Origin: Germany
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Suitability: All-round play, topspin, backspin, blocking, serves, short game
Unique Characteristics & Playing Style:
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is a versatile rubber designed for players seeking a balanced game with spin variations and high control. Its non-slip top sheet ensures strong ball grip, allowing for medium spin generation (~8.1/20), sufficient for topspin loops, backspin chops, and serves. The soft sponge (~30–40°) extends ball contact time, providing excellent control (~9.0/20) and a "soft feel," enabling precise ball placement even on imperfect strokes. The low speed (~6.9/20) prevents the ball from flying too fast, making it ideal for beginners and all-round players looking to refine their technique.
The rubber is suitable for both forehand and backhand, and its 1.7 mm sponge thickness offers a balanced mix of speed, spin, and control, ideal for learning and versatile strokes. According to online sources (e.g., Tabletennis11.com, stalotenisui.lt), NIMBUS NORM is praised for its "easy handling," "stability in blocking," and "ability to generate spin," especially in slow topspin strokes and short play. Player feedback highlights that the rubber is "forgiving on imperfect shots" and "great for technique development," making it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players.
Top Sheet Composition:
The Tibhar NIMBUS NORM top sheet is non-slip, designed for optimal ball grip, facilitating spin generation and control. The inverted pimples ensure strong ball contact, allowing easy execution of topspin and backspin strokes. The sheet is less tacky than high-end Chinese rubbers (e.g., DHS Hurricane 3) but grippy enough for beginners and intermediate players to generate spin effectively. The SPI-System technology integrates a speed-glue effect, enhancing the top sheet’s dynamism and responsiveness, which improves stroke feedback.
According to player reviews (e.g., Revspin.net), the top sheet is "very reliable for precise strokes" and "effective in neutralizing opponent’s spin," making it easier to handle serves and short play. The top sheet is also durable, maintaining its properties even under intensive use if properly maintained.
Sponge:
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM uses a soft sponge (~30–40°) that balances control and spin, providing a "soft feel" and excellent ball control (~9.0/20). The 1.7 mm sponge thickness is ideal for all-round players seeking a slower yet controlled game. The sponge absorbs ball energy, making shots easier to manage—especially important for beginners refining their technique.
Compared to Tibhar Learn Spin (~30°, ~6.2/20 speed, ~10.0/20 control, ~7.5/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM offers slightly higher speed and spin while maintaining high control. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (~8.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~8.5/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM has lower speed but similar spin and higher control. Player feedback (e.g., TableTennisDaily.com) highlights that the sponge "provides a gentle touch" and "helps control the ball precisely," especially in topspin strokes and blocking.
Spin & Trajectory:
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM features medium spin potential (~8.1/20), sufficient for beginners and all-round players learning topspin, backspin, and serve techniques. The non-slip top sheet allows easy spin generation, particularly in slow topspin strokes and backspin chops. According to shop-ping.be, the rubber is "great for all-round strokes with spin variations," and its trajectory (6.8/10) is medium, ensuring stable and manageable ball flight.
The rubber effectively neutralizes opponent spin, making serve reception easier, though players note that receiving heavy spin serves may require precise technique. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM offers similar spin but higher control, making it easier to handle in all-round play.
Control:
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM provides excellent control (~9.0/20) in its category, especially in topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. The soft sponge and non-slip top sheet absorb ball energy, making shots manageable even for beginners.
Compared to Tibhar Learn Spin (~10.0/20 control), NIMBUS NORM has slightly lower control but higher speed and spin. Compared to Donic Baracuda (~8.5/20 control), NIMBUS NORM offers higher control and lower speed, making it better suited for technique development. Player reviews (e.g., stalotenisui.lt) emphasize that the rubber is "very forgiving" and "easy to control," especially in short play and blocking.
Technical Ratings:
Speed (55/100, ~6.9/20): Low speed, suitable for technique development and all-round strokes. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (~8.5/20 speed), NIMBUS NORM is slower but easier to control.
Control (90/100, ~9.0/20): Excellent control, especially in topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 control), NIMBUS NORM provides higher control.
Spin (65/100, ~8.1/20): Medium spin potential, suitable for learning topspin and backspin techniques. Compared to Donic Baracuda (~9.0/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM has lower spin but higher control.
Playing Aspects:
Topspin Strokes (7.8/10): Effective slow topspin strokes, especially on the backhand, with good spin for beginners.
Backspin Strokes (8.0/10): Suitable chops with medium backspin, easy to control.
Blocking (9.0/10): Highly effective in blocking topspin strokes close to the table due to the soft sponge and non-slip top sheet.
Push Shots (8.5/10): Precise short-game pushes with disruptive spin.
Chopping (8.0/10): Effective backspin strokes for all-round defensive play.
Counter-Hitting (7.5/10): Stable counter-hit strokes near the table, limited by speed.
Smashing (6.8/10): Limited attacking power due to low speed but suitable for learning technique.
Serves & Reception (8.5/10): Effective serve reception and spin generation, easy to control.
Flick Strokes (7.8/10): Stable banana flicks in short play with good spin.
Blade Compatibility:
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM pairs well with all-round and defensive blades that complement its control and spin potential:
Donic Appelgren Allplay (~8.5/20 speed, ALL): Enhances control, ideal for all-round players.
Butterfly Primorac (~9.0/20 speed, ALL): Boosts spin and control, great for technique refinement.
Stiga Allround Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-): Suited for players prioritizing maximum control.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood (~9.5/20 speed, ALL+): For players combining control with light counterattacks.
Yasaka Sweden Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-): Perfect for beginners improving technique.
It is recommended to use Tibhar NIMBUS NORM on an all-round blade (e.g., Donic Appelgren Allplay) for maximum control or a slightly faster blade (e.g., Tibhar Stratus Power Wood) for players blending control with light counterattacks.
Additional Information:
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is a versatile rubber combining low speed (~6.9/20), excellent control (~9.0/20), and medium spin (~8.1/20), making it ideal for beginners and all-round players. Compared to Tibhar Learn Spin (~6.2/20 speed, ~10.0/20 control, ~7.5/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM offers slightly higher speed and spin while maintaining high control. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~8.0/20 spin), NIMBUS NORM has lower speed but higher control.
Online reviews (e.g., Revspin.net, Tabletennis11.com) praise the rubber for its "excellent control," "easy spin generation," and "versatility," especially in topspin strokes and blocking. Some players note it is "ideal for beginners" and "great for technique development," though it may be less effective against heavy spin serves due to its low speed.
Additionally, NIMBUS NORM is particularly suitable for young players and those learning spin variations, as its soft sponge and non-slip top sheet allow easy ball control and technique refinement. The rubber uses SPI-System technology to enhance stroke feel and spin. It is recommended to clean the surface with a dedicated cleaner (e.g., Tibhar Rubber Cleaner) and use a protective film to prevent damage.
Due to its versatility, price-performance ratio, and technical flexibility, Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is an excellent choice for players seeking a spin-rich game with high control.
Who is Tibhar NIMBUS NORM For?
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is designed for all-round players:
Beginners & intermediate players (0–5 years experience): Seeking an easy-to-control rubber with spin variations.
All-round style players: Combining topspin, backspin, blocking, and short play.
Technique developers: Ideal for learning topspin, backspin, and serve techniques.
Forehand & backhand use: Suitable for both sides, especially backhand strokes requiring control.
Young players: A great choice for children and juniors starting in table tennis.
Advantages of Tibhar NIMBUS NORM:
Speed (6.9/20): Low speed, ideal for technique development and all-round strokes.
Control (9.0/20): Excellent control in topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception.
Spin (8.1/20): Medium spin potential, great for learning spin techniques.
Trajectory (6.8/10): Medium trajectory, easy to manage for beginners.
Soft sponge: Provides a gentle touch and superb control.
Non-slip 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.
Premium quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM is a versatile rubber combining low speed, excellent control, and medium spin, enabling players to enjoy a spin-rich game with high precision. Its soft sponge, non-slip top sheet, and SPI-System technology make it an ideal choice for beginners and all-round players looking to improve their technique and build a solid foundation in table tennis skills!