STIGA Horizontal 55 is an ITTF-approved long pimple table tennis rubber manufactured in Japan and developed by Swedish manufacturer Stiga, specifically optimized for ABS balls and designed for classical defensive (DEF) style players who operate far from the table. Created 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 good control (~10.9/20), while offering slightly higher speed (~7.6/20) compared to the Horizontal 20 model. The firm 55° sponge enables more powerful strokes and effective counterattacks while maintaining maximum backspin potential in long-distance defensive play. Though more challenging to control than Horizontal 20, the Horizontal 55 provides technically skilled players with greater dynamism and versatility for active shot-making. The rubber is lightweight, optimized for ABS balls, and available in OX (no sponge) or 0.5 mm sponge versions, in ITTF-approved red and black colors.

Compared to Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~6.0/20 speed, ~12.0/20 control, ~10.5/20 spin), the Horizontal 55 offers higher speed and similar spin but slightly reduced control. Player feedback emphasizes that the rubber "delivers powerful yet controlled defense," "generates strong disruptive spin," and "excels for technical defensive players," making it ideal for advanced players seeking dynamic play and spin potential.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Long Pimples (Long Pimple)

• Sponge Hardness: Firm (~55°)

• Sponge Thickness: OX (no sponge), 0.5 mm

• Speed: 61/100 (~7.6/20 on general scale)

• Control: 87/100 (~10.9/20 on general scale)

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

• Trajectory Height: 7.8/10

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

• Technologies: Horizontal pimple structure

• Color: Red, Black

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

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

• Player Level: Advanced, Professional

Unique Characteristics & Playing Performance:

The STIGA Horizontal 55 is a high-end long pimple rubber designed for technically skilled classical defenders who prioritize control (~10.9/20), high spin (~9.9/20), and slightly elevated speed (~7.6/20). Its horizontally arranged pimples—co-developed with Masato Shiono—generate strong disruptive spin during chops and defensive strokes while enabling sharper counterattacks compared to softer long pimple rubbers like the Horizontal 20 (~11.4/20 control, ~7.1/20 speed). Optimized for ABS balls, it ensures stable ball contact and maximizes spin disruption against heavy topspin or backspin.

The horizontal pimple layout reduces sensitivity to opponent spin, simplifying serve reception and facilitating precise defensive shots. The trajectory (7.8/10) is slightly higher than the Horizontal 20, favoring stable ball flight for dynamic defensive play. While permitting limited inverted rubber techniques, its focus remains on defensive stability combined with counterattacking potential. Players praise its "powerful yet controlled defensive play," "ability to unsettle opponents with spin," and "suitability for technical defenders," making it ideal for advanced players seeking spin variation and tactical diversity.

Top Sheet Composition:

The Horizontal 55 top sheet employs horizontally aligned long pimples to optimize spin (~9.9/20) and dynamism. Compared to Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~10.5/20 spin), it matches spin output while increasing speed. Against TSP Curl P1R (~10.0/20 spin), it offers comparable spin with greater pace. The pimple alignment minimizes spin sensitivity, easing serve returns and enabling deceptive chops. Players note the top sheet "effectively produces disruptive spin," "stabilizes defensive strokes," and "offers impressive dynamism," ideal for spin-focused defenders who incorporate counterattacks.

Sponge:

The firm 55° sponge balances slightly higher speed (~7.6/20), high spin (~9.9/20), and good control (~10.9/20), delivering a "powerful yet controlled feel." Available in OX (maximizing control at ~11.2/20) or 0.5 mm sponge (boosting speed to ~8.0/20), it provides flexibility for player preference. Against Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~25° sponge), it trades minor spin for significantly higher speed. Players highlight the sponge’s "strong catapult effect" and "capacity to absorb power," particularly during deep chopping and counterattacks.

Spin & Trajectory:

With high spin potential (~9.9/20) for a long pimple rubber, the Horizontal 55 excels in chops and defensive strokes. The horizontal pimples and firm sponge create unpredictable spin variations, while the moderately high trajectory (7.8/10) ensures consistency in dynamic 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 yet offensive-capable trajectory."

Control:

The rubber provides good control (~10.9/20) for its category, particularly in chopping, backspin play, and counterattacks. The firm sponge (~55°) demands advanced technique compared to softer alternatives like Horizontal 20 (~11.4/20 control). While slightly below TSP Curl P1R (~11.8/20), it surpasses Butterfly Feint Long II (~11.0/20) in dynamic play. Players commend its "precision in chop-counter transitions" and "ability to neutralize attacks."

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (61/100, ~7.6/20): Moderate speed for defensive play with counterattacking options. Faster than Butterfly Feint Long II (~6.5/20).

• Control (87/100, ~10.9/20): Strong control for a dynamic long pimple rubber. Near Feint Long II (~11.0/20).

• Spin (79/100, ~9.9/20): High disruptive spin, ideal for chopping. Matches Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~10.5/20) in gameplay impact.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Strokes: 7.0/10 – Limited topspin capability, situational use.

• Backspin Strokes (Chopping): 9.6/10 – Exceptional chopping with disruptive backspin.

• Blocking: 8.7/10 – Stable against topspin due to pimples and firm sponge.

• Push Shots: 8.8/10 – Precise short pushes with deceptive spin.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.2/10 – Effective for technical players.

• Smashing: 7.5/10 – Rarely used; defensive focus.

• Serves & Reception: 9.1/10 – Reliable serve returns and spin variation.

• Flick Shots: 8.0/10 – Limited but controlled banana flicks.

Blade Compatibility:

Best paired with defensive blades emphasizing control and moderate speed:

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

• Butterfly Joo Saehyuk (DEF): Optimizes chopping and counterattacks.

• Donic Defplay Senso (DEF): Maximizes control.

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

• Yasaka Masato Shiono (DEF): Balances chops and counters.

Additional Information:

The Horizontal 55 is a premium long pimple rubber for advanced classical defenders seeking control (~10.9/20), spin (~9.9/20), and dynamic speed (~7.6/20). Compared to Horizontal 20, it increases speed and dynamism while slightly reducing control. Against Butterfly Feint Long II, it improves spin and speed. Players praise its "defensive power," "spin disruption," and "ABS ball optimization."

Lightweight (~32.0g in OX), it suits players prioritizing racket maneuverability. The horizontal pimples add unique unpredictability against topspin. Maintain with Stiga Rubber Cleaner and protective film.

Ideal For:

• Advanced to professional defenders (5–10 years experience): Seeking control with counterattacking options.

• Classical defenders: Combining chopping with tactical variety.

• Backhand play: Optimal for defensive backhand dominance.

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

Advantages:

• Control (10.9/20): Excellent for defensive shot-making.

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

• Trajectory (7.8/10): Balanced for stability and dynamism.

• Pimple Design: Reduces spin sensitivity for consistent chops.

• Firm Sponge (~55°): Enables powerful counterattacks.

• Lightweight: Enhances racket handling.

• Durability: Long-lasting with proper care.

• ITTF-Approved: Tournament legal.

STIGA Horizontal 55 is a top-tier long pimple rubber merging control, disruptive spin, and counterattacking potential. Its horizontal pimples, firm sponge, and ABS optimization make it ideal for advanced players refining classical defense with tactical aggression!

STIGA Horizontal 55

STIGA Horizontal 55

STIGA Horizontal 55