Boosters – Special Table Tennis Rubber Enhancers

Boosters are liquids designed for table tennis rubbers, intended to improve rubber characteristics, increasing speed, spin, and ball sensitivity. They are widely used by players seeking a more intense, aggressive playing experience and additional power in their strokes. Boosters are not adhesives – their primary function is to activate the porous sponge layer of the rubber, making it more elastic and faster.

What Boosters Are and How They Work

Modern boosters are liquids applied to the sponge surface of the rubber before it is glued to the blade. They work similarly to traditional speed glue but without volatile organic compounds (VOCs), providing a long-lasting speed and spin effect. Boosted rubber typically features increased speed, greater spin, and better ball feel during play.

Some boosters remain effective for several weeks or even months after a single application, allowing players to maintain enhanced rubber performance without the need to reapply frequently.

Benefits of Boosters for Table Tennis

Increased Rubber Speed and Power
Boosters enable the rubber to achieve higher speed and force on the ball, making topspin strokes and attacks more aggressive and harder for opponents to handle.

Enhanced Spin
Rubber treated with boosters delivers more spin, giving serves, topspins, and counter-topspins added rotation and allowing the player to control ball trajectory and complexity.

Improved Ball Feel and Contact
Using boosters can enhance the player’s feel for the ball, improving control over ball trajectory and reaction, especially during fast or aggressive shots.

How a Booster Is Used

Boosters are typically applied to the sponge surface of the rubber rather than the top sheet. After applying several layers, the sponge “expands” and becomes more elastic. Once the booster dries and the rubber is smooth, it is glued to the blade using water-based adhesives.

It is important to note that boosters are not adhesives themselves, so after application, appropriate water-based glue must be used to attach the rubber to the blade.

ITTF Regulation Context

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) regulates the use of rubbers without additional chemical or physical modification. According to the rules, rubbers should be used without chemical treatment, so boosters are considered an illegal method of enhancing rubber in official competitions.

However, this rule applies to professional tournaments; in many club-level and casual matches, players often use boosters to influence game dynamics.

Are Boosters Safe to Use?

Most modern boosters are VOC-free, meaning they do not contain the volatile organic compounds found in older speed glue formulas. This makes them less toxic and odorless, but it is still recommended to use them in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct inhalation over the liquid.

Popular Boosters Among Players

There are several well-known booster products popular for both performance and reliability:

Falco Tempo Booster – provides a speed glue effect without VOCs, typically effective for 2–4 weeks
Falco Tempo Long Booster – long-lasting effect, works for 8–12 weeks
Falco Platinium Booster – one of the fastest boosters, enhances both speed and spin
Haifu National Booster – popular among players for stronger effects and good spin

These products are generally designed for professional or advanced players who want to maximize the potential of their rubbers.

Who Should Use Boosters

Boosters are typically chosen by:

Advanced and aggressive players seeking higher speed and spin
Club players aiming to maximize their paddle and rubber combination during training
Players combining boosters with high-quality rubbers to create a personalized playing style
Players who want to soften hard sponge rubbers, often in the high-tack professional rubber category

Boosters are a powerful tool in the table tennis arsenal, providing additional speed, spin, and elasticity to rubbers. While ITTF rules prohibit chemical enhancement in official matches, many players worldwide use boosters in training or informal competitions to achieve better ball control, enhance game feel, and gain a competitive advantage.

Boosters

Boosters

Boosters