Tibhar 5Q SOUND

Tibhar 5Q SOUND is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, manufactured in Germany, designed for all-around offensive (OFF-) players seeking a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control, particularly suited for sensitive topspin players. This rubber is an upgraded version of the Tibhar 5Q, with its spin-oriented topsheet improved to deliver even greater spin (~14.6/20) and speed (~13.5/20). Combined with a softer sponge (~37.5°), the 5Q SOUND provides a unique, smooth hitting feel reminiscent of glued rubbers, along with a distinctive sound effect that enhances the playing experience. The rubber ensures high control (~9.3/20), very high spin, and sufficient speed, making it ideal for players who rely on topspin strokes, backspin play, and controlled shots close to the table or from mid-distance. The 5Q SOUND is available in red and black colors, complying with ITTF regulations, and in three sponge thicknesses (1.7 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.1 mm), optimized for various offensive playing styles.

Compared to the Tibhar 5Q (~13.9/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~14.5/20 spin), the 5Q SOUND offers slightly lower speed but higher control and marginally increased spin. Player feedback highlights that the rubber "provides excellent spin on topspin shots," "has a smooth, glued feel," and "allows precise ball control," making it ideal for players prioritizing control and spin.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth)

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~37.5°)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.7 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.1 mm

• Speed: 108/100 (~13.5/20 on a general scale)

• Control: 93/100 (~9.3/20 on a general scale)

• Spin: 117/100 (~14.6/20 on a general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 8.0/10

• Topsheet Characteristics: Spin-optimized surface with high grip and elasticity

• Technologies: PRO Tension, Red Power Sponge

• Color: Red, Black

• Country of Origin: Germany

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: All-around offensive play, topspin strokes, backspin play, controlled shots, close-to-table and mid-distance play

Unique Properties & Playing Characteristics:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND is a versatile offensive rubber designed for players seeking high speed (~13.5/20), very high spin (~14.6/20), and high control (~9.3/20). Its soft sponge (~37.5°) and spin-optimized topsheet, enhanced by PRO Tension technology, provide a smooth, glued-like feel and a strong sound effect that amplifies the playing sensation. The rubber is particularly well-suited for sensitive topspin players who rely on spin-rich play close to the table and from mid-distance, while also being effective for blocks, counterattacks, and backspin play. The Red Power Sponge technology enhances the sponge’s responsiveness, delivering a balanced catapult effect that facilitates strokes while maintaining excellent racket-and-ball contact. Its trajectory (8.0/10) is high and slightly arched, ensuring a stable ball flight path ideal for topspin shots, backspin play, and controlled strokes.

The rubber is available in three sponge thicknesses:

• 1.7 mm – optimized for maximum control

• 1.9 mm – balanced for offense and control

• 2.1 mm – greater speed and spin

Player feedback emphasizes that the rubber "delivers outstanding spin on topspin shots," "has a soft, glued feel," and "enables precise ball control," making it suitable for players who value control and spin.

Topsheet Composition:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND features a spin-optimized topsheet with high grip and elasticity, supported by PRO Tension technology. The inverted pimples ensure strong ball contact, enabling very high spin generation (~14.6/20), particularly on topspin shots, aggressive serves, and backspin strokes. Compared to the Tibhar 5Q (~13.9/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~14.5/20 spin), the 5Q SOUND offers slightly lower speed but higher control and marginally increased spin. Against the Tibhar Evolution EL-P (~13.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~14.0/20 spin), the 5Q SOUND has similar speed and control but greater spin.

The PRO Tension technology optimizes the topsheet’s elasticity, prolonging ball contact and facilitating spin generation. Players note that the topsheet is "highly effective for spin generation in topspin strokes," "stable on backspin shots," and "has excellent grip," making it ideal for players who prioritize spin and control. The topsheet is moderately sensitive to opponent’s spin but less so than Chinese rubbers, simplifying receive and short-game play. Its durability is high, maintaining grip even under intensive use if properly maintained.

Sponge Characteristics:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND uses a soft sponge (~37.5°) that balances high speed (~13.5/20), very high spin (~14.6/20), and high control (~9.3/20), delivering a "soft and controllable feel." The Red Power Sponge technology enhances energy return, ensuring a light catapult effect that facilitates strokes and prolongs ball contact.

Sponge thickness options allow customization for different offensive styles:

• 1.7 mm – maximum control

• 1.9 mm – balanced offense

• 2.1 mm – greater speed and spin

Compared to the Tibhar 5Q (~45°, ~13.9/20 speed, ~8.8/20 control, ~14.5/20 spin), the 5Q SOUND offers lower speed but higher control and slightly more spin. Against the Butterfly Rozena (~13.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~13.5/20 spin), the 5Q SOUND has similar speed, slightly lower control, but greater spin. Players highlight that the sponge "provides a soft, glued feel" and "helps generate heavy spin in topspin shots," especially in close-to-table and mid-distance play.

Spin & Trajectory:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND excels in very high spin potential (~14.6/20), particularly in topspin shots, aggressive serves, and backspin strokes. The spin-optimized topsheet and soft sponge prolong ball contact, allowing for heavy spin that disrupts opponents, especially in topspin rallies and serves. Its trajectory (8.0/10) is high and slightly arched, ensuring stable ball flight ideal for topspin shots, backspin play, and controlled strokes.

Compared to the Donic Bluefire M2 (~13.5/20 spin), the 5Q SOUND offers greater spin, making it suitable for players seeking more rotational play.

Control:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND provides high control (~9.3/20) in its category, particularly in topspin shots, serves, backspin play, and blocks. The soft sponge offers forgiveness on off-center hits, making the rubber easier to handle compared to harder rubbers like the Tibhar 5Q (~8.8/20 control). Against the Tibhar Evolution EL-P (~9.5/20 control), the 5Q SOUND has slightly lower control but more spin. Compared to the Butterfly Rozena (~9.5/20 control), it offers slightly less control but more spin.

Players note that the rubber is "highly controllable in topspin play" and "allows precise ball placement," especially in backspin shots and serve reception.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (108/100, ~13.5/20): High speed, suitable for topspin shots, backspin play, and controlled strokes. Slightly slower than the Tibhar 5Q (~13.9/20) but more controllable.

• Control (93/100, ~9.3/20): High control, especially in topspin shots, serves, backspin play, and blocks. Superior to the Tibhar Evolution MX-S (~8.0/20 control).

• Spin (117/100, ~14.6/20): Very high spin potential, ideal for topspin shots, aggressive serves, and backspin strokes. Exceeds the Donic Bluefire M2 (~13.5/20 spin).

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Strokes: 8.8/10 – Effective topspin shots, especially on the backhand, with very high spin and control.

• Backspin Strokes: 8.4/10 – Effective chops with heavy backspin, easy to control.

• Blocking: 8.9/10 – Effective against topspin due to spin-optimized topsheet and soft sponge.

• Push Shots: 8.6/10 – Precise short-game pushes with disruptive spin.

• Chopping: 8.3/10 – Effective backspin shots for all-round players.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.7/10 – Stable counterattacks with excellent speed-spin balance.

• Smashing: 8.5/10 – Effective offensive shots, especially with the 2.1 mm sponge.

• Serves & Receive: 8.8/10 – Strong spin generation and controlled reception.

• Flick Shots: 8.7/10 – Stable banana flicks with good spin and control.

Blade Compatibility:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND pairs well with all-round and offensive blades that complement its spin, speed, and control:

• Tibhar Samsonis (~12.0/20 speed, OFF-): Enhances speed for balanced offense.

• Butterfly Primorac (~10.5/20 speed, OFF-): Boosts control for all-round players.

• Donic Waldner Senso Carbon (~11.5/20 speed, OFF-): Balances speed and control.

• Stiga Clipper CR (~11.5/20 speed, OFF-): Ideal for players seeking speed-control equilibrium.

• Yasaka Sweden Extra (~10.5/20 speed, ALL+): Suits players combining speed with high control.

For maximum control, it is recommended to pair the 5Q SOUND with an all-round blade (e.g., Stiga Clipper CR). For greater speed, an offensive blade (e.g., Tibhar Samsonis) is preferable.

Additional Notes:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND is a versatile offensive rubber that combines high speed (~13.5/20), very high spin (~14.6/20), and high control (~9.3/20). Compared to the Tibhar 5Q, it sacrifices slight speed for better control and marginally more spin. Against the Tibhar Evolution EL-P, it matches in speed, has slightly less control, but more spin. Versus the Butterfly Rozena, it offers similar speed, slightly less control, but superior spin—making it ideal for players seeking a spin-control balance.

Players praise the rubber for "exceptional topspin spin," "a smooth, glued feel," and "precise ball control," particularly with the 1.7 mm or 1.9 mm sponge. The 2.1 mm variant is favored by those prioritizing speed.

The PRO Tension technology and Red Power Sponge enhance spin, control, and durability. Additionally, the 5Q SOUND is lighter than harder rubbers (~44.0 g with 1.9 mm sponge), benefiting players seeking a lighter racket. Its unique sound effect, resembling glued rubbers’ "click," adds a psychological edge, boosting player confidence.

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean with a specialized rubber cleaner (e.g., Tibhar Rubber Cleaner).

• Use a protective film to prevent damage.

With its spin-optimized topsheet, soft feel, and excellent price-performance ratio, the Tibhar 5Q SOUND is an outstanding choice for players looking to refine offensive techniques while maximizing spin and control!

Who Should Use the Tibhar 5Q SOUND?

This rubber is designed for all-around offensive players, including:

• Beginners to intermediate players (1–6 years experience) seeking high spin, speed, and control.

• Sensitive topspin players relying on spin-heavy strokes and controlled shots.

• Versatile attackers requiring precision in varied strokes.

• Forehand & backhand players—especially backhand-dominant due to its high control.

• Close-to-table and mid-distance players optimizing ball control and spin efficiency.

Advantages of the Tibhar 5Q SOUND:

• Speed (13.5/20): High pace for topspin and controlled attacks.

• Control (9.3/20): Superior handling in spin-heavy play.

• Spin (14.6/20): Elite-level rotation for disruptive shots.

• Trajectory (8.0/10): High, arched ball flight for stability.

• Soft Sponge: Smooth, controllable feel with high dwell time.

• Spin-Optimized Topsheet: Maximizes spin and precision.

• Unique Sound Effect: Enhances psychological confidence.

• Low Sensitivity to Opponent’s Spin: Simplifies receive and short game.

• Durability: Long-lasting grip with proper care.

• Price-Performance Ratio: Professional-grade quality at a competitive price.

• ITTF-Approved: Tournament-legal for competitive play.

Final Verdict:

The Tibhar 5Q SOUND is a high-performance offensive rubber that merges speed, spin, and control, empowered by PRO Tension technology, Red Power Sponge, and a spin-optimized topsheet. Its soft sponge, smooth feel, and acoustic feedback make it an ideal choice for spin-focused attackers aiming to maximize control and rotational dominance!