Nittaku DO Knuckle Long 1

Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1 – is a long pips‑out table‑tennis rubber made by the Japanese manufacturer Nittaku, designed for modern defensive players (DEF) who want to combine sharp defensive strokes with offensive accents at the table. With a grippy topsheet, a medium‑hard sponge (~42.5°, Medium) and a large‑pore structure, DO Knuckle Long‑1 offers a wide range of stroke variations, high offensive control and a low trajectory on defensive shots. ITTF‑approved and made in Japan, it is an interesting alternative to classic long‑pips rubbers such as the TSP Curl P1‑R.
Main features:

• Rubber type: Long Pips‑Out

• Speed: 62/100

• Spin: 78/100

• Control: 83/100

• High tension: No

• Tackiness: Grippy

• Strategy: DEF, DEF+

• Surface: Tall, grippy pips

• Sponge hardness: Medium (~42.5°, Medium)

• Sponge thickness: 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm

• Colours: Red, Black

• Country of origin: Japan

• Approvals: ITTF approved

Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1 features a unique long‑pips construction:

• Sponge (medium hardness): A large‑pore, medium sponge (~42.5°, Medium), harder than Nittaku DO Knuckle (~32.5°, Soft+) but softer than Nittaku Super DO Knuckle (~42.5°, Medium). Compared with TSP Curl P1‑R (~35°, Soft), the DO Knuckle Long‑1 sponge is harder, providing a slight catapult effect that helps offensive strokes but requires technique to control chops and pushes. Sponge thickness: 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm, suitable for DEF players aiming for low, deep strokes.

• Top sheet: Tall, grippy long pips that are stiffer and tackier than those of the Yasaka Phantom 0012 or Dr Neubauer Super Block, but less so than spinny inverted rubbers such as the Nittaku Fastarc G‑1. The pips enable dangerous spin variations (e.g., heavy backspin, knuckle effect) both at and away from the table. Durability: ~150–200 hours, needing less cleaning than tacky rubbers.

• Long‑pips technology: The grippy pips and firmer sponge create a broad strokes arsenal, from heavy backspin to “dead‑ball” knuckle shots. The rubber allows intuitive blocks and counter‑strokes reminiscent of inverted play while retaining long‑pips disruptive properties. Large sponge pores improve “bite,” enhancing offensive control.

• Low flight arc: DO Knuckle Long‑1 produces a low, straight trajectory, ideal for deep chops and short blocks close to the table. The arc is lower than Nittaku DO Knuckle but higher than Dr Neubauer Super Block.

• Spin sensitivity: Low sensitivity to incoming spin thanks to stiff pips, allowing easy returns of spin serves and topspin strokes, provoking opponent errors through disruption.

The rubber weighs ~30–35 g (1.2 mm, cut), similar to Nittaku DO Knuckle (~30–35 g) and lighter than Nittaku Best Anti (~35–40 g). Offered in red and black, in line with ITTF rules. Water‑based glues (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) and a protective film are recommended.

Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1 technical ratings:

• Speed: 62/100 (controlled). Slower, suited to chops, blocks and pushes; slower than Nittaku DO Knuckle (7.5/10) or Super DO Knuckle (73/100) but faster than TSP Curl P1‑R (~50). Some sources: 4/10.

• Spin: 78/100 (high). Generates strong backspin (heavy chops) and slight spin (knuckle effect). Higher than Nittaku Best Anti (39/100) but lower than Nittaku DO Knuckle (6/10). Some sources: 8/10.

• Control: 83/100 (high). High control in offence and blocking, though chops require technique due to catapult effect. Lower control than Nittaku DO Knuckle (90/100), similar to Yasaka Phantom 0012 (~85). Some sources: 9/10.

• Sponge hardness: ~42.5° (Medium), harder than DO Knuckle (~32.5°).

Trajectory: Low, straight flight path, good for deep chops and disruptive play at the table. Users praise the “spin,” “offensive control” and “disruption,” but note that pushes and chops demand technique because of the catapult effect.

• Nittaku DO Knuckle: Speed (7.5/10), Spin (6/10), Control (90/100). Faster, softer (~32.5°), with medium pips, less spin, suited to ALL/OFF play.

• Nittaku Super DO Knuckle: Speed (73/100), Spin (59/100), Control (90/100). Faster, with horizontal medium pips, less disruption, suited to OFF players.

• TSP Curl P1‑R: Speed (~50), Spin (~60), Control (~98). Slower, softer (~35°), stronger spin‑reversal, suited to DEF++ players.

• Yasaka Phantom 0012: Speed (~60), Spin (~40), Control (~95). Slower, less spin, higher control, suited to DEF players.

DO Knuckle Long‑1 stands out for spin, offensive options and disruption, fitting modern defensive players.

Suitable blades for Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1:

• Nittaku Goriki Danshi – maximises disruption, ideal for DEF+.

• Butterfly Diode V – stabilises chops, ideal for DEF.

• Yasaka Sweden Defensive – harmonises spin, ideal for DEF+.

• Tibhar Stratus Power Defense – balances speed, ideal for DEF+.

• Nittaku Shake Defence – emphasises control, ideal for DEF.

Best combined with DEF or DEF+ blades, as the firmer sponge complements blade stability. Perfect for the backhand in combination play with a spinny rubber on the forehand.

Player profile for Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1:

• Modern defensive players (DEF, DEF+) blending chops with table‑top offence.

• Disruptive play close to the table, backhand‑oriented, excelling at chops, blocks, pushes and counters.

• Effective at and away from the table: chop‑block, heavy chops, knuckle pushes and counters.

• Return of serve: Grippy pips let you handle spin serves with disruptive effect.

• Blocking: Intuitive, safe blocks similar to inverted rubbers.

• Offence: Large sponge pores improve control for flicks and counters.

The rubber excels in chops (9.3/10), blocking (9.2/10), pushes (9.0/10) and knuckle shots (8.9/10). Topspin strokes (8.5/10) and hits (8.0/10) are limited by speed. Users highlight “spin,” “offensive control” and “variation.”

• Speed: 62/100 – controlled, good for chops.

• Spin: 78/100 – high, effective for heavy chops and knuckle shots.

• Control: 83/100 – high, especially in offence.

• Top sheet: Grippy, stiff pips for dangerous spin variations.

• Sponge: Medium (~42.5°) with slight catapult.

• Disruption: Strong knuckleball & backspin effects.

• Durability: ~150–200 hours with minimal care.

• Price: Competitive among long‑pips rubbers.

Drawbacks:

• Speed limited for aggressive OFF strokes.

• Control in pushes/chops needs technique because of catapult.

• Requires skill for variation play.

• Spin reversal weaker than classical long pips.

ITTF approved, tournament‑legal. Popular with modern defenders for spin variation, offensive control and disruption, especially effective with 40+ balls, offering stability in chops, blocks and pushes. Ideal on the backhand in combination with a spinny forehand rubber.

“Best long‑pips rubber! Strong backspin, easy to attack, controlled.”
“Compared to P1‑R, heavier chops but great offensive control.”
“Great for modern defenders, but pushes need technique.”

Why choose Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1?
Nittaku DO Knuckle Long‑1 is a modern long‑pips rubber offering a broad stroke repertoire, high offensive control and strong disruption. Perfect for defenders who mix sharp chops with offense, delivering quality and variation. An excellent choice – DO Knuckle Long‑1 is a champion of defence and attack!