STIGA Horizontal 20 is an ITTF-approved long pimple table tennis rubber manufactured in Japan, specifically designed and optimized for ABS balls, intended for classical defensive (DEF) style players who operate far from the table. Developed in close collaboration with former Japanese national team player Masato Shiono, this rubber features a horizontally aligned pimple structure that delivers high spin (~9.9/20) and exceptionally high control (~11.4/20) while maintaining low speed (~7.1/20). The ultra-soft 20° sponge enhances control, enabling players to execute safe and precise strokes even in challenging situations, such as imperfect positioning or off-center hits. The long pimple structure generates disruptive spin to unsettle opponents, particularly during defensive strokes and chops. Lightweight and optimized for ABS balls, it is available in ITTF-approved red and black colors.

Compared to other long pimple rubbers like Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~6.0/20 speed, ~12.0/20 control, ~10.5/20 spin), the Horizontal 20 offers slightly higher speed and lower spin but comparable control. Player feedback highlights that the rubber "provides exceptional control in defensive play," "generates disruptive spin," and "excels in classical long-distance defensive rallies," making it ideal for players prioritizing control and spin potential.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Long Pimples (Long Pimple)

• Sponge Hardness: Ultra-soft (~20°)

• Speed: 57/100 (~7.1/20 on general scale)

• Control: 91/100 (~11.4/20 on general scale)

• Spin: 79/100 (~9.9/20 on general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 7.5/10

• Top Sheet Properties: Horizontally aligned long pimples, optimized for spin and control

• Technologies: Horizontal pimple structure

• Color: Red, Black

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Playing Style: Classical long-distance defense, chopping, disruptive spin, backspin play

• Player Level: Intermediate, Advanced, Professional

Unique Characteristics & Playing Performance:

STIGA Horizontal 20 is a premium long pimple rubber crafted for classical defenders seeking extreme control (~11.4/20), high spin (~9.9/20), and low speed (~7.1/20). Its horizontally aligned pimples—co-developed with Masato Shiono—produce erratic spin, especially during chops and defensive strokes far from the table. The ultra-soft 20° sponge ensures unmatched control, allowing players to recover from poor positioning or mis-hits. Optimized for ABS balls, it stabilizes ball contact and maximizes disruptive spin against heavy topspin or backspin.

The horizontal pimple layout reduces sensitivity to opponent spin, simplifying serve reception and enabling precise defensive shots. The trajectory (7.5/10) is low and controlled, ideal for consistent chopping and backspin play. While it permits limited inverted rubber techniques, its focus remains on defensive stability and spin variation. Players praise its "exceptional control in defensive rallies," "ability to disrupt opponents with spin," and "suitability for classical long-distance defense."

Top Sheet Composition:

The Horizontal 20 top sheet uses horizontally arranged long pimples to optimize spin (~9.9/20) and control. Compared to Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~10.5/20 spin), it sacrifices slight spin for higher speed, while matching the control of TSP Curl P1R (~11.8/20). The pimple alignment minimizes spin sensitivity, easing serve returns and facilitating deceptive chops. Players note the top sheet "effectively generates disruptive spin," "stabilizes defensive strokes," and "offers superb grip," making it ideal for spin-oriented defenders.

Sponge:

The ultra-soft 20° sponge balances low speed (~7.1/20), high spin (~9.9/20), and extreme control (~11.4/20), delivering a "soft, controlled feel." Typically, long pimple rubbers are available OX (no sponge) or with thin sponges (0.5–1.5 mm), but the Horizontal 20's sponge enhances stability and spin generation. Against Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~25° sponge), it trades spin for slightly higher speed. Players highlight the sponge’s "exceptional control" and "ability to absorb power," particularly during deep chopping.

Spin & Trajectory:

With high spin potential (~9.9/20) for a long pimple rubber, the Horizontal 20 excels in chops and defensive strokes. The horizontal pimples and soft sponge create unpredictable spin variations, while the low trajectory (7.5/10) ensures consistency in long rallies. Compared to Butterfly Feint Long II (~9.5/20 spin), it offers marginally higher spin. Players emphasize its "effectiveness in disrupting opponents" and "controlled trajectory for defensive play."

Control:

The rubber’s extreme control (~11.4/20) shines in chopping, backspin play, and defensive shots. The ultra-soft sponge (~20°) forgives mis-hits better than harder alternatives like Dr. Neubauer Trouble Maker (~8.5/20 control). While slightly below TSP Curl P1R (~11.8/20), it surpasses Butterfly Feint Long II (~11.0/20). Players commend its "precision in chopping" and "ability to neutralize aggressive attacks."

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (57/100, ~7.1/20): Low speed, tailored for defensive play and chopping. Slightly faster than Butterfly Feint Long II (~6.5/20).

• Control (91/100, ~11.4/20): Elite control for chops and backspin strokes. Near TSP Curl P1R (~11.8/20).

• Spin (79/100, ~9.9/20): High disruptive spin, ideal for chopping. Surpasses Feint Long II (~9.5/20) but trails Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~10.5/20).

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Strokes: 6.5/10 – Limited topspin capability, situational use.

• Backspin Strokes (Chopping): 9.5/10 – Exceptional chopping with disruptive backspin.

• Blocking: 8.5/10 – Stable against topspin due to pimples and soft sponge.

• Push Shots: 8.7/10 – Precise short pushes with deceptive spin.

• Counter-Hitting: 7.5/10 – Limited to specific scenarios.

• Smashing: 6.8/10 – Rarely effective; defensive focus.

• Serves & Reception: 9.0/10 – Reliable serve returns and spin variation.

• Flick Shots: 7.8/10 – Limited but controlled banana flicks.

Blade Compatibility:

Pairs best with defensive blades emphasizing control and low speed:

• Stiga Defensive Pro (DEF): Maximizes control for classical defense.

• Butterfly Joo Saehyuk (DEF): Enhances chopping and spin.

• Donic Defplay Senso (DEF): Ideal for maximum control.

• TSP Balsa DEF (DEF): Lightweight for maneuverability.

• Yasaka Masato Shiono (DEF): Balanced for chops and occasional counters.

Additional Information:

The Horizontal 20 is a high-end long pimple rubber for classical defenders prioritizing control (~11.4/20), spin (~9.9/20), and low speed (~7.1/20). Against Dr. Neubauer A-B-S, it trades spin for slightly higher speed. Compared to Butterfly Feint Long II, it improves spin and control. Players praise its "defensive mastery," "disruptive spin," and "superb ABS ball compatibility."

Lightweight (~35.0g with 1.0 mm sponge), it suits players seeking maneuverability. The horizontal pimples add unique unpredictability, particularly against topspin. Maintain with Stiga Rubber Cleaner and protective film.

Ideal For:

• Intermediate to advanced defenders (2–8 years experience): Seeking control and spin.

• Classical defenders: Reliant on chopping and backspin play.

• Backhand use: Optimal for defensive backhand play.

• Long-distance play: Tailored for far-from-table defense.

Advantages:

• Control (11.4/20): Elite precision for defensive shots.

• Spin (9.9/20): High disruptive spin potential.

• Trajectory (7.5/10): Low and stable for consistency.

• Pimple Design: Reduces spin sensitivity for easier chops.

• Ultra-Soft Sponge (~20°): Forgives mis-hits and absorbs power.

• Lightweight: Enhures racket maneuverability.

• Durability: Long-lasting with proper care.

• ITTF-Approved: Tournament legal.

STIGA Horizontal 20 is a top-tier long pimple rubber merging extreme control, disruptive spin, and defensive stability. Its horizontal pimples, ultra-soft sponge, and ABS optimization make it ideal for players refining classical defense and spin manipulation!

STIGA Horizontal 20

STIGA Horizontal 20

STIGA Horizontal 20