Tibhar RAPID is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, manufactured in Germany, designed for all-around offensive (ALL+) players seeking a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control. This rubber stands out with its medium-firm sponge (~42.5°) and a highly elastic topsheet, which ensures good speed (~12.0/20), high spin (~11.9/20), and excellent control (~9.3/20). Tibhar RAPID is available in red and black colors, compliant with ITTF regulations, and comes in four sponge thicknesses (1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX), allowing customization for various playing styles. With the 2.0 mm and MAX sponge variants, RAPID becomes a powerful offensive rubber, suitable for players who rely on spin, counter-spin strokes, and strong attacking shots. With the 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm sponge variants, it becomes a versatile ALL/OFF rubber, offering high control and stability in blocking. Compared to Tibhar NIMBUS NORM (~6.9/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~8.1/20 spin), RAPID provides significantly higher speed and spin while maintaining a high level of control. Based on player reviews online (e.g., Revspin.net, TableTennisDB.com), Tibhar RAPID is praised for its "balanced performance," "excellent spin in topspin strokes," and "stability in blocking," making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players looking for a versatile rubber.
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth)
Sponge Hardness: Medium (~42.5° ± 3)
Sponge Thickness: 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX
Speed: 96/100 (~12.0/20 on a general scale)
Control: 93/100 (~9.3/20 on a general scale)
Spin: 95/100 (~11.9/20 on a general scale)
Trajectory Height: 7.5/10
Topsheet Properties: Highly elastic topsheet optimized for speed, spin, and control
Technologies: SPI-System (Speed-Glue-Effect Inside System), Optra-Technology (maximum spin)
Color: Red, Black
Country of Origin: Germany
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Suitability: All-around offensive play, topspin, counter-spin strokes, attacking shots, blocking, serves
Unique Characteristics and Playing Style:
Tibhar
RAPID is a classic offensive rubber designed for players seeking a
balanced combination of speed (~12.0/20), spin (~11.9/20), and control
(~9.3/20). Its highly elastic topsheet ensures strong ball grip,
enabling high spin generation, especially in topspin loops, backspin
chops, and disruptive serves. The medium-hard sponge (~42.5°) provides
sufficient power for shots while maintaining high control, making the
rubber suitable for both aggressive attacking strokes and precise
blocking and short play. With the 2.0 mm and MAX sponge variants, RAPID
is ideal for players who rely on powerful topspin strokes and
counter-spin shots, while the 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm variants offer
additional control, suitable for all-around players who combine offense
with defense. The rubber requires an intermediate skill level, making it
accessible to both beginners and advanced players. Based on online
sources (e.g., Tabletennis11.com, stalotenisui.lt), RAPID is praised for
its "balanced speed and control," "excellent spin," and "blocking
stability," making it suitable for players seeking an all-around playing
style. Players note that the rubber is "forgiving on imperfect strokes"
and "great for improving topspin technique," making it an excellent
choice for intermediate players transitioning to an offensive style.
Topsheet Composition:
The
Tibhar RAPID topsheet is highly elastic, designed for optimal speed,
spin, and control, utilizing SPI-System and Optra-Technology. The
inverted pips ensure strong ball contact, allowing easy spin generation
in topspin and backspin strokes. The topsheet is less tacky than
high-end rubbers like Tibhar QUANTUM X PRO (~14.4/20 spin) but grippy
enough to deliver high spin (~11.9/20), suitable for all-around players.
The SPI-System mimics the speed-glue effect, enhancing the topsheet's
responsiveness and stroke dynamics, while Optra-Technology boosts spin
potential. According to player feedback (e.g., Revspin.net), the
topsheet is "very reliable in topspin strokes" and "effective in
neutralizing opponent’s spin," making serve reception and short play
easier. The topsheet is also durable, retaining its properties even
under intense use if properly maintained.
Sponge:
Tibhar
RAPID uses a medium-hard sponge (~42.5°) that balances speed
(~12.0/20), spin (~11.9/20), and control (~9.3/20), providing a "springy
feel" and excellent ball control. The sponge thickness options allow
customization: 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm suit all-around players seeking maximum
control, while 2.0 mm and MAX cater to aggressive attackers needing
more speed and power. Compared to Tibhar NIMBUS NORM (~30–40°, ~6.9/20
speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~8.1/20 spin), RAPID offers significantly higher
speed and spin while maintaining high control. Compared to Yasaka Mark V
(~8.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~8.5/20 spin), RAPID has higher speed
and spin with slightly better control. Player reviews (e.g.,
TableTennisDaily.com) highlight that the sponge "provides a balanced
bounce" and "helps control the ball precisely," especially in topspin
strokes and blocking.
Spin and Trajectory:
Tibhar
RAPID excels in spin potential (~11.9/20), particularly in topspin
loops, backspin chops, and serves. The elastic topsheet facilitates easy
spin generation, especially in slow and medium-speed topspin strokes.
According to shop-ping.be, the rubber is "great for all-around attacking
strokes with spin variations," and its trajectory (7.5/10) is
medium-high, ensuring stable and easily controllable ball flight. The
rubber effectively neutralizes opponent spin, easing serve reception,
though handling heavy spin serves may require precise technique.
Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 spin), RAPID offers significantly
higher spin and better control, making it more suitable for modern
offensive play.
Control:
Tibhar
RAPID provides excellent control (~9.3/20) in its category, especially
in topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. The medium-hard
sponge and elastic topsheet absorb ball energy, making strokes easily
manageable even for beginners and intermediate players. Compared to
Tibhar NIMBUS NORM (~9.0/20 control), RAPID has slightly better control
while offering significantly higher speed and spin. Compared to Donic
Baracuda (~8.5/20 control), RAPID provides higher control and lower
speed, making it more suitable for all-around players. Player feedback
(e.g., stalotenisui.lt) emphasizes that the rubber is "very forgiving"
and "easy to control," especially in short play and blocking.
Technical Ratings:
Speed (96/100, ~12.0/20): High speed, suitable for attacking topspin strokes and counterattacks. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (~8.5/20 speed), RAPID is faster.
Control (93/100, ~9.3/20): Excellent control, especially in topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. Compared to Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 control), RAPID offers higher control.
Spin (95/100, ~11.9/20): High spin potential, ideal for improving topspin and backspin techniques. Compared to Donic Baracuda (~9.0/20 spin), RAPID provides more spin.
Playing Aspects:
Topspin Strokes: 8.8/10 – Effective topspin strokes, especially forehand and backhand, with good spin and speed.
Backspin Strokes: 8.5/10 – Suitable chops with intense backspin, easily controllable.
Blocking: 9.3/10 – Highly effective in blocking topspin strokes close to the table due to the elastic topsheet and sponge.
Push Shots: 8.7/10 – Precise pushes in short play, with disruptive spin.
Chopping: 8.3/10 – Effective backspin strokes, suitable for all-around defensive play.
Counter-Hitting: 8.7/10 – Stable counter-attacking strokes near the table with good speed-control balance.
Smashing: 8.5/10 – Powerful attacking shots, especially with 2.0 mm and MAX sponge.
Serves & Reception: 8.8/10 – Effective serve reception and spin generation, easily controllable.
Flick Shots: 8.5/10 – Stable banana flicks in short play, with good spin.
Blade Compatibility:
Tibhar RAPID pairs well with all-around and offensive blades that complement its speed, spin, and control:
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood (~9.5/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances speed and suits all-around attacking strokes.
Butterfly Primorac (~9.0/20 speed, ALL): Complements the rubber’s spin and control, ideal for technique refinement.
Donic Appelgren Allplay (~8.5/20 speed, ALL): Suitable for players seeking maximum control.
Stiga Allround Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-): Perfect for all-around players seeking stability.
Yasaka Sweden Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-): Suitable for players balancing control with light counterattacks.
It is recommended to use Tibhar RAPID on an all-around blade (e.g., Donic Appelgren Allplay) for players prioritizing control or on a slightly faster blade (e.g., Tibhar Stratus Power Wood) for players balancing control with aggressive attacks.
Additional Information:
Tibhar
RAPID is a classic offensive rubber combining high speed (~12.0/20),
high spin (~11.9/20), and excellent control (~9.3/20), making it ideal
for all-around attackers. Compared to Tibhar NIMBUS NORM (~6.9/20 speed,
~9.0/20 control, ~8.1/20 spin), RAPID offers significantly higher speed
and spin while maintaining high control. Compared to Butterfly Sriver
(~8.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~8.0/20 spin), RAPID has higher speed,
spin, and control, making it more suitable for modern play. Based on
online reviews (e.g., Revspin.net, Tabletennis11.com), players
appreciate the rubber for its "balanced performance," "excellent spin,"
and "blocking stability," especially in topspin strokes and short play.
Some players note that the rubber is "ideal for transitioning to an
offensive style" and "great for improving technique," though it may be
less effective against extremely spin-heavy serves due to its medium
speed. Additionally, RAPID is particularly suitable for players learning
spin variations and refining topspin technique, as its elastic topsheet
and medium-hard sponge allow easy ball control. The rubber uses
SPI-System and Optra-Technology to enhance stroke feel and spin. It is
recommended to clean the surface with a dedicated cleaner (e.g., Tibhar
Rubber Cleaner) and use a protective film to prevent damage. Due to its
versatility, price-performance ratio, and classic design, Tibhar RAPID
is an excellent choice for players seeking a balanced game with high
control and spin potential!
Who is Tibhar RAPID for?
Tibhar RAPID is designed for all-around offensive players:
Beginners and intermediate players (0–7 years of experience): Seeking a balanced rubber with speed, spin, and control.
All-around offensive players: Suitable for those combining topspin, backspin, blocking, and counterattacks.
Technique developers: Ideal for players looking to improve topspin and counter-spin techniques.
Forehand and backhand use: Suitable for both sides, especially backhand strokes requiring control.
Junior players: A great choice for children and youth transitioning to an offensive style.
Tibhar RAPID Advantages:
Speed (12.0/20): High speed, suitable for attacking topspin strokes and counterattacks.
Control (9.3/20): Excellent control, especially in topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception.
Spin (11.9/20): High spin potential, ideal for refining topspin and backspin techniques.
Trajectory (7.5/10): Medium-high trajectory, easily controllable for all-around players.
Medium-hard sponge: Provides balanced bounce and excellent control.
Elastic topsheet: Facilitates spin generation and precise play.
Durability: High-quality construction, long lifespan with proper care.
Price-performance ratio: Great value for high quality and versatility.
Premium quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.
Tibhar RAPID is a classic offensive rubber combining high speed, spin, and excellent control, enabling players to execute an all-around offensive game with precision. Its SPI-System and Optra-Technology, elastic topsheet, and medium-hard sponge make it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve technique and build a solid foundation for table tennis skills!