Victas CURL P3aV is a high-quality long-pimples table tennis rubber, ITTF-approved, manufactured in Japan, and designed for modern defensive players seeking maximum control and dangerous spin variations. This rubber, part of the Victas CURL series, features thin and slightly shorter long pimples that ensure safe and precise ball return both at the table and from a deeper distance. Like its sibling, the CURL P1V, the CURL P3aV is engineered for disruptive spin variations, but thanks to its soft sponge (~55° on the Japanese scale, equivalent to ~35° on the European scale), it offers even greater control and forgiveness. The rubber is ideal for defensive players who emphasize chopping, precise blocking, and spin variations, as well as all-round players looking for stability and the ability to pressure opponents with unexpected shots. It is most commonly used on the backhand side but can also be adapted for forehand defensive play.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Long Pimples

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~35° on the European scale, labeled as 55° on the Japanese scale)

• Sponge Thickness: OX (no sponge), 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm

• Speed: 55/100 (~6.9/20 on the universal scale)

• Control: 89/100 (~11.1/20 on the universal scale)

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

• Top Sheet Characteristics: Thin, slightly shorter long pimples, high spin variation potential, optimized for defense and precise returns

• Technologies: Soft sponge, high spin disturbance effect, balanced control

• Color: Red, black (top sheet)

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Defensive chopping, precise table blocks, spin variations, dangerous serves and receives, play at the table and from mid-distance

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

The Victas CURL P3aV is a modern long-pimples rubber designed for defensive players who prioritize maximum control and disruptive spin variations. Its thin, slightly shorter long pimples create a high spin disturbance effect, generating unpredictable spin changes that disrupt opponents. The soft (~35°) sponge (available in various thicknesses or OX version without sponge) provides exceptional control and forgiveness, making it suitable for chopping, blocking, and counter-attacking both close to and away from the table. Compared to the CURL P1V, which is slightly harder and faster, the CURL P3aV offers superior control, making it ideal for defensive players seeking stability and spin variation.

Top Sheet Composition:

The CURL P3aV's top sheet features thin, slightly shorter long pimples that enhance spin disturbance. The pimples are flexible enough to generate unexpected spin changes, particularly during chops and table blocks. This surface allows players to easily neutralize an opponent's spin, making it highly effective in counter-spin rallies and passive returns. The top sheet also facilitates precise serves and receives, enabling players to pressure opponents with unpredictable spin variations.

Sponge:

The soft (~35°) sponge (available in OX, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 1.5 mm thickness) provides excellent control and a gentle feel upon impact. The OX version (no sponge) maximizes spin disturbance and control, making it ideal for classic defensive play from mid-distance. Thicker sponges (1.0 mm and 1.5 mm) add slight speed and catapult effect, suiting all-round players who combine defense with table attacks. Compared to the Victas Spectol S1 (~35° sponge, ~12.1/20 speed, ~11.8/20 control, ~11.3/20 spin), the CURL P3aV offers significantly lower speed (~6.9/20) but similar control (~11.1/20) and reduced spin (~9.9/20) due to its long-pimple structure. Against the Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~6.5/20 speed, ~11.5/20 control), the CURL P3aV provides slightly higher speed and lower spin but comparable control.

Spin and Trajectory:

The CURL P3aV excels in spin disturbance (~9.9/20), particularly during chops and varied serves. Its long-pimple structure generates unpredictable spin shifts that disrupt an opponent's rhythm. The trajectory is low and controlled (6.5/10), making it suitable for defensive chops from mid-distance and precise blocks at the table. The rubber effectively reverses an opponent's spin, making it ideal for counter-spin rallies.

Control:

The CURL P3aV delivers high control (~11.1/20), especially during chops, table blocks, precise receives, and serves. Compared to the TSP Super Spinpips (~10.5/20 control), it offers superior control and greater spin disturbance, appealing to players who prioritize stability and defensive capabilities.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (55/100, ~6.9/20): Low speed, ideal for defensive chops and precise returns. Slightly faster than the Dr. Neubauer A-B-S (~6.5/20).

• Control (89/100, ~11.1/20): High control, particularly for chops, blocks, receives, and serves. Comparable to the Butterfly Feint Long III (~11.0/20).

• Spin (79/100, ~9.9/20): Strong spin disruption, especially during chops and varied serves. Slightly lower than the DHS Cloud & Fog III (~10.5/20) but with better control.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Shots: 6.5/10 – Limited topspin potential but suitable for "lift-loop" strokes at the table with thinner sponges.

• Backspin Shots: 9.3/10 – Highly effective chops from mid-distance, generating heavy backspin and spin variations.

• Blocking: 9.0/10 – Efficient table blocks, especially against topspin.

• Push Shots: 8.8/10 – Precise pushes with strong spin variation, particularly on backspin balls.

• Chopping: 9.5/10 – Excellent backspin generation, especially with OX or 0.5 mm sponge.

• Counter-Hitting: 7.5/10 – Stable counter-attacks at the table with thicker sponges (1.0 mm, 1.5 mm).

• Smashing: 7.0/10 – Limited flat hits but viable with thicker sponges.

• Serves & Receives: 9.0/10 – Highly effective for varied serves and precise receives (passive receive 9.1/10, active receive 8.9/10).

• Flick Shots: 7.8/10 – Effective banana flicks at the table with decent spin and control.

Blade Compatibility:

The Victas CURL P3aV pairs well with all-round and defensive blades that complement its control, spin disturbance, and forgiveness:

• Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive (~10.0/20 speed, DEF): Enhances control and chopping potential, ideal for classic defensive play.

• Butterfly Hadraw Shield (~10.5/20 speed, DEF): Balances control and spin variation, suitable for mid-distance play.

• Donic Defplay Senso (~10.0/20 speed, DEF): Complements control and forgiveness, ideal for stability seekers.

• Yasaka Sweden Defensive (~10.8/20 speed, DEF): Great for players wanting high control and spin potential.

• Nittaku Barwell Fleet (~11.0/20 speed, ALL): Amplifies spin disturbance, suited for all-rounders mixing defense and attack.

For classic defensive play, the OX or 0.5 mm sponge is recommended on defensive blades (e.g., Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive). For all-round setups, 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm sponge works well on blades like the Yasaka Sweden Defensive to maintain racket balance and maximize control/spin potential.

Additional Information:

The Victas CURL P3aV is a modern long-pimple rubber combining high control (~11.1/20), spin disturbance (~9.9/20), and low speed (~6.9/20), making it ideal for defensive players. Compared to the Victas Spectol S1 (~12.1/20 speed, ~11.8/20 control, ~11.3/20 spin), it offers much lower speed but similar control and reduced spin, focusing on disruption. Against the Butterfly Feint Long III (~6.5/20 speed, ~11.0/20 control, ~10.0/20 spin), it provides slightly higher speed and comparable control. Users praise its "excellent control," "dangerous spin variations," "precise blocks," and "stability in chops." It is particularly suited for players seeking stability and spin disruption, especially from mid-distance. Regular cleaning with a dedicated rubber cleaner (e.g., Victas Rubber Cleaner) and protective film use is recommended to prevent damage.

Who Should Use the Victas CURL P3aV?

This rubber is designed for players who value control, spin variation, and stability in defensive or all-round play:

• Beginner to Intermediate Defensive Players (1–10 years of experience): Seeking an easy-to-control long-pimple rubber with high forgiveness.

• Modern Defenders: Emphasizing chops, precise blocks, dangerous serves, and spin variation.

• All-Round Players: Combining defense with table counter-attacks.

• Close-to-Table and Mid-Distance Play: Effective for chops, blocks, serves, and receives.

• Spin Disruption Seekers: Ideal for players who want to unsettle opponents with unpredictable spin changes.

Victas CURL P3aV Advantages:

• Speed (6.9/20): Low speed, ideal for defensive chops and precise returns.

• Control (11.1/20): High control for chops, blocks, receives, and serves.

• Spin (9.9/20): Strong spin disruption, especially in chops and varied serves.

• Trajectory (6.5/10): Low, controlled trajectory for chops and precise blocks.

• Soft Sponge: Provides excellent feel and forgiveness.

• Thin, Slightly Shorter Long Pimples: Ensures dangerous spin variations and control.

• Durability: High-quality top sheet ensures longevity with proper care.

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

• Premium Quality: ITTF-approved, tournament-ready.

The Victas CURL P3aV is a controlled long-pimple rubber that blends high control, spin disturbance, and stability, enabling players to disrupt opponents with unexpected shots. Its soft sponge, thin long pimples, and superb feel make it an outstanding choice for modern defensive and all-round players seeking control, spin variation, and ease of use!

Victas CURL P3aV

Victas CURL P3aV

Victas CURL P3aV