Victas VS > 401 Stiff is a high-quality universal table tennis rubber, developed in collaboration with German and Japanese material experts (GJ Tec), designed for players seeking the perfect balance between control and attacking power, especially for aggressive defenders and all-round players. ITTF-approved, this rubber features an exceptionally grippy natural rubber topsheet with High Energy Tension technology, paired with a slightly denser, medium-hard sponge (~42.5°) compared to the standard VS > 401, ensuring excellent control and slightly higher speed.

Victas VS > 401 Stiff is characterized by strong spin (111/100, ~13.9/20), medium speed (75/100, ~9.4/20), and high control (94/100, ~11.8/20), making it an ideal choice for players who emphasize backspin strokes, chops, and controlled attacking shots. The rubber was refined in collaboration with legendary defender Koji Matsushita, making it particularly suitable for aggressive defenders seeking strong backspin and precise control. It works well for both forehand and backhand sides, especially for all-round players and defenders using plastic balls. Victas VS > 401 Stiff offers control, spin, and balanced attacking play!

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples-In)

• Sponge Hardness: Medium-hard (~42.5°)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm

• Speed: 75/100 (~9.4/20 on a general scale)

• Control: 94/100 (~11.8/20 on a general scale)

• Spin: 111/100 (~13.9/20 on a general scale)

• Top Sheet Properties: Highly grippy natural rubber topsheet, medium arc trajectory, strong backspin and spin generation

• Technologies: High Energy Tension topsheet, slightly compact sponge

• Color: Red, Black (top sheet)

• Country of Origin: Japan/Germany (GJ Tec)

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Controlled topspin shots, loop drives, chops, blocking, backspin strokes, short play, close-to-table and mid-distance play

Victas VS > 401 Stiff stands out with its exceptionally grippy topsheet, slightly firmer sponge compared to the standard VS > 401, and a balanced trajectory, making it ideal for all-round players and aggressive defenders who prioritize control and spin:

• Top Sheet Composition: The highly grippy natural rubber topsheet with High Energy Tension technology ensures strong ball grip, allowing for intense backspin, loop drives, topspin shots, serves, and chops. The surface effectively "grabs" the ball, especially plastic balls, forcing opponents into errors due to heavy backspin. Compared to Victas TRIPLE Regular (~42.5° sponge, ~12.1/20 speed, ~14.5/20 spin), VS > 401 Stiff offers slightly lower speed (~9.4/20 vs. ~12.1/20), slightly less spin (~13.9/20 vs. ~14.5/20), and similar control (~11.8/20 vs. ~12.5/20).

• Sponge: The medium-hard (~42.5°) slightly compact sponge, a bit firmer than the standard VS > 401 (~40°), neutralizes opponent attacks while providing excellent control and elasticity, making it suitable for chops, blocks, and controlled offensive shots. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~50° sponge, ~15.5/20 spin), VS > 401 Stiff offers less spin but significantly easier handling and higher control (~11.8/20 vs. ~10.0/20). Compared to Victas TRIPLE Extra (~45° sponge, ~14.5/20 speed), VS > 401 Stiff is slower (~9.4/20) but more controllable.

• High Energy Tension Technology: The highly grippy topsheet with High Energy Tension technology and slightly compact sponge work synergistically to ensure strong spin and sufficient speed for controlled attacking shots. The medium arc trajectory (8.5/10) facilitates backspin shots, chops, and topspin shots, increasing shot success rates. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~45° sponge, ~10.9/20 speed), VS > 401 Stiff offers lower speed (~9.4/20 vs. ~10.9/20), higher spin (~13.9/20 vs. ~11.0/20), and better control (~11.8/20 vs. ~7.9/20).

• Spin and Trajectory: The highly grippy topsheet ensures a medium arc trajectory (8.5/10), facilitating backspin shots, chops, topspin shots, and opening shots against backspin balls. The rubber is highly effective in managing incoming spin, making it suitable for passive returns, blocks, and chops. Compared to Victas TRIPLE Regular (9.0/10 trajectory, ~14.5/20 spin), VS > 401 Stiff offers a slightly lower trajectory and spin (~13.9/20) but similar control (~11.8/20 vs. ~12.5/20).

• Control: Thanks to the grippy topsheet and slightly compact sponge, the rubber provides excellent control, especially for chops, blocks, short play, and serves. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), VS > 401 Stiff offers similar control (~11.8/20) but lower speed, making it more suitable for defensive and all-round styles.

Technical Indicators and Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (75/100, ~9.4/20): Victas VS > 401 Stiff is a medium-speed rubber suitable for controlled topspin shots, loop drives, chops, and blocks both close to and away from the table. The slightly firmer sponge ensures balanced speed while maintaining control. Compared to Victas TRIPLE Regular (~12.1/20 speed), VS > 401 Stiff is slower (~9.4/20) but more controllable. Compared to Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft (~10.9/20 speed), it is slower but offers higher control.

• Control (94/100, ~11.8/20): The highly grippy topsheet and slightly compact sponge ensure excellent control, especially for chops, blocks, short play, and serves. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (~8.4/20 control), VS > 401 Stiff offers higher control (~11.8/20). Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), control is very similar, but VS > 401 Stiff is better suited for defensive and all-round styles.

• Spin (111/100, ~13.9/20): The highly grippy topsheet generates strong spin, especially on backspin shots, chops, topspin shots, and serves, with a sharp trajectory. Compared to Victas VJ>07 Stiff (~13.0/20 spin), VS > 401 Stiff offers higher spin (~13.9/20). Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), spin is lower but handling is easier.

• Trajectory (8.5/10): The medium arc trajectory facilitates backspin shots, chops, and controlled topspin shots. Compared to Victas TRIPLE Regular (9.0/10 trajectory), VS > 401 Stiff offers a slightly lower trajectory but better control in blocking and chopping. The trajectory is stable, suitable for both passive and active strokes.

• Sponge Thickness: 1.5 mm suits players seeking maximum control, 1.8 mm offers a balanced speed-control blend, and 2.0 mm enhances power for attacking shots.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Shots (9.2/10): Effective for controlled topspin and loop shots, especially on the backhand, due to the grippy topsheet's spin potential and the slightly compact sponge's stability. Suitable for opening shots and controlled rallies.

• Blocking (9.6/10): Highly effective in blocking topspin shots close to the table, thanks to the slightly compact sponge's ability to neutralize opponent attacks and the topsheet's precision.

• Push Shots (9.4/10): Allows precise pushes on backspin or no-spin balls, especially due to the grippy topsheet's spin potential.

• Chopping (9.7/10): Extremely effective for chops, particularly due to the highly grippy topsheet's strong backspin generation and high control, making it ideal for aggressive defenders like Koji Matsushita.

• Counter-Hitting (9.1/10): Effective for quick counter-attacks close to the table, especially due to the High Energy Tension technology's elasticity.

• Smashing (9.0/10): Effective for flat hits, generating precise trajectories with sufficient power.

• Serves & Receives (9.5/10): Allows precise serve control (9.5/10) and is effective in passive receives (9.6/10) and active receives (9.4/10) due to strong spin and control.

• Flick Shots (9.3/10): Banana flicks are easily executed thanks to the grippy topsheet and medium-hard sponge, ensuring accuracy and spin.

Compatibility with Blades:
Victas VS > 401 Stiff pairs well with all-round and control-oriented blades that complement its control, spin, and elasticity:

• Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances the rubber's control and spin, ideal for backhand use by all-round players.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~10.5/20 speed, ALL): Provides an excellent balance of control and spin, suitable for backhand or forehand.

• Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Boosts control, suitable for beginners and all-round players.

• Yasaka Sweden Extra (~10.0/20 speed, ALL): Ideal for players emphasizing control and chops.

• DHS Power G7 (~11.0/20 speed, OFF-): Suitable for players seeking slightly faster blades with spin and control.

It is recommended to use VS > 401 Stiff in 1.5 mm or 1.8 mm thickness on the backhand with all-round blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent) or 2.0 mm on the forehand with control-oriented blades (e.g., Yasaka Sweden Extra) to maintain racket balance and maximize control and spin potential. Due to its high control and grippy topsheet, the rubber suits both all-round and defensive players, especially those emphasizing backspin and chops.

Additional Information:
Victas VS > 401 Stiff is a universal rubber developed in collaboration with German and Japanese experts, using High Energy Tension technology that combines an exceptionally grippy natural rubber topsheet with a slightly firmer, compact sponge, ensuring high control and spin. Compared to the standard Victas VS > 401 (~40° sponge), VS > 401 Stiff offers slightly higher hardness (~42.5°), providing more stability and elasticity while maintaining similar speed (~9.4/20) and control (~11.8/20). Compared to Victas TRIPLE Regular (~42.5° sponge, ~12.1/20 speed, ~14.5/20 spin), VS > 401 Stiff offers lower speed (~9.4/20), slightly less spin (~13.9/20), and similar control (~11.8/20 vs. ~12.5/20), making it more suitable for defensive and all-round styles. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~50° sponge, ~15.5/20 spin), VS > 401 Stiff offers less spin but higher control and easier handling, making it a great alternative for players seeking a balanced Chinese-style rubber.

Users praise the rubber's "excellent control," "strong backspin," "blocking stability," and "durability," though some note it may be too slow for highly aggressive attacking shots. The rubber is long-lasting, offers great value for money, and is easy to handle, making it suitable for various playing styles, especially for all-round players and aggressive defenders like Koji Matsushita. It is recommended to clean the surface regularly with a specialized cleaner (e.g., Victas Rubber Cleaner) and use a protective film to prevent damage. ITTF-approved, Victas VS > 401 Stiff is suitable for competitions and ideal for players seeking a balanced rubber with high control and spin.

Who is Victas VS > 401 Stiff For?
Victas VS > 401 Stiff is designed for players seeking control, spin, and versatility:

• Beginners, intermediate, and advanced players (0–15+ years of experience): Those looking for an easy-to-handle rubber with strong backspin and high control, especially on the backhand.

• All-round players and aggressive defenders: Those emphasizing controlled topspin shots, loop drives, chops, blocks, and backspin strokes.

• Players seeking a Chinese-style rubber feel: Suitable for those who want a grippy topsheet with easier handling than traditional Chinese rubbers.

• Close-to-table and mid-distance play: Effective for chops, blocks, topspin shots, serves, and passive returns.

• Serves & Receives: Allows precise serve control (9.5/10) and is effective in passive (9.6/10) and active (9.4/10) receives.

• Players prioritizing control and spin: Optimized for those relying on backspin and varied strokes.

Advantages of Victas VS > 401 Stiff:

• Speed (9.4/20): Medium speed, suitable for controlled topspin shots, loop drives, chops, and blocks.

• Control (11.8/20): Excellent control, especially for chops, blocks, short play, and serves.

• Spin (13.9/20): Strong spin, especially on backspin shots, chops, topspin shots, and serves, with a sharp trajectory.

• Trajectory (8.5/10): Medium arc, facilitating backspin shots and chops.

• High Energy Tension Technology: Ensures strong spin and ball grip, especially with plastic balls.

• Slightly Compact Sponge: Provides excellent control and neutralizes opponent attacks.

• Durability: The grippy topsheet ensures long lifespan if properly maintained.

• Value for Money: Affordable price for high quality and performance.

• High Quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.

Compared to the standard Victas VS > 401, VS > 401 Stiff offers a slightly firmer sponge, providing more stability and elasticity while maintaining similar speed and control. Compared to Victas TRIPLE Regular, VS > 401 Stiff offers lower speed but similar control and strong spin, making it better suited for defensive and all-round styles. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, it offers less spin but higher control and easier handling, making it a great alternative for players seeking a balanced Chinese-style rubber.

Victas VS > 401 Stiff is ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions, and ideal for players emphasizing control, backspin, and versatility. Its High Energy Tension topsheet and slightly compact sponge ensure exceptional performance and feel. Victas VS > 401 Stiff – Control, Spin, and Balanced Attack!

Victas VS>401

Victas VS>401

Victas VS>401