The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, manufactured in Germany, designed for all-round, slightly defensive (ALL-) players seeking a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control at an affordable price. This rubber features a soft to medium-soft sponge (~37.5–42.5°) and an elastic, tacky topsheet, delivering excellent control (~9.6/20), good spin (~11.6/20), and medium speed (~9.8/20).

The VARI VOLCANO+ is a versatile rubber that provides players with sufficient energy reserves for controlled attacking strokes, precise backspin chops, and disruptive serves. Its tacky surface ensures strong grip, generating heavy spin, while the soft sponge enhances control, making it suitable for players who blend defensive play with controlled attacks.

The rubber is available in red and black (ITTF-compliant colors) and four sponge thicknesses (1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX), allowing customization for various all-round playing styles.

Compared to the Tibhar VARI SPIN (~10.0/20 speed, ~9.7/20 control, ~12.5/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers slightly lower speed and spin but similar control, making it ideal for players seeking stability and affordability. Player feedback highlights that the rubber is "highly controllable on backspin chops," "generates good spin on topspin strokes," and "offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio," making it well-suited for beginners and intermediate players.

Key Features

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth)

• Sponge Hardness: Soft to Medium-Soft (~37.5–42.5°)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX

• Speed: 78/100 (~9.8/20 on general scale)

• Control: 96/100 (~9.6/20 on general scale)

• Spin: 93/100 (~11.6/20 on general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 7.9/10

• Topsheet Properties: Elastic and tacky surface, optimized for spin, control, and energy retention

• Technologies: SPI-System (Speed-Glue-Effect Inside System), designed for all-round players

• Colors: Red, Black

• Origin: Germany

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: All-round to slightly defensive play, topspin strokes, backspin chops, disruptive serves, blocking, controlled attacks

Unique Characteristics & Playing Style

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ is a versatile rubber designed for players seeking a balanced combination of speed (~9.8/20), spin (~11.6/20), and control (~9.6/20) at an affordable price. Its soft-to-medium sponge (~37.5–42.5°) and elastic, tacky topsheet allow for effective spin generation, particularly on topspin loops, backspin chops, and disruptive serves.

The rubber is easy to handle, making it ideal for players who value stability and reliability in both attack and defense. The VARI VOLCANO+ sponge provides enough energy reserves for controlled attacking strokes, while the tacky surface ensures strong grip, facilitating spin and precise ball placement.

Its medium-high trajectory (7.9/10) ensures a stable and controllable flight path, aiding accuracy in both close-to-table and mid-distance play. The rubber is available in multiple sponge thicknesses:

• 1.6 mm – Best for defensive play and maximum control

• 1.8 mm & 2.0 mm – Balanced for all-round offensive and defensive play

• MAX – Optimized for controlled attacking play

Player reviews emphasize that the rubber is "highly controllable on backspin chops," "produces good spin on topspin strokes," and "delivers outstanding value for money," making it a reliable and affordable choice for all-round playing styles.

Topsheet Composition

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ features an elastic and tacky topsheet, optimized for spin, control, and energy retention using the SPI-System technology. The inverted pimples ensure strong ball contact, enabling good spin generation (~11.6/20), particularly on topspin loops, backspin chops, and disruptive serves.

Compared to the Tibhar VARI SPIN (~12.5/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers slightly less spin but similar control, making it a cost-effective alternative for players prioritizing stability and affordability.

The SPI-System enhances the rubber’s reactivity, providing extra energy for attacking strokes, while the tacky surface ensures consistent grip and durability. Players note that the topsheet is "effective in generating spin on topspin strokes," "stable on backspin chops," and "maintains its properties at an affordable price," making it ideal for players who value reliability and cost-efficiency.

The rubber is less sensitive to opponent’s spin compared to harder rubbers like the Tibhar SINUS, facilitating serve reception and short-game play.

Sponge Properties

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ uses a soft-to-medium sponge (~37.5–42.5°) that balances medium speed (~9.8/20), good spin (~11.6/20), and excellent control (~9.6/20), delivering a "soft yet energetic feel."

Available sponge thicknesses allow customization for different playing styles:

• 1.6 mm – Best for defensive play and maximum control

• 1.8 mm & 2.0 mm – Balanced for all-round play

• MAX – Optimized for controlled attacking play

Compared to the Tibhar VARI SPIN (~38°, ~10.0/20 speed, ~9.7/20 control, ~12.5/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers slightly lower speed and spin but similar control.

Compared to the Yasaka Mark V (~8.5/20 speed, ~8.5/20 control, ~8.5/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ provides higher speed, spin, and control.

Players highlight that the sponge "provides a controlled rebound" and "helps precisely guide the ball," especially on backspin chops and topspin strokes.

Spin & Trajectory

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ delivers good spin potential (~11.6/20), particularly on topspin loops, backspin chops, and disruptive serves. The tacky surface and soft sponge prolong ball contact, enabling strong spin generation that disrupts opponents, especially on chops and serves.

The rubber’s medium-high trajectory (7.9/10) ensures a stable and controllable ball flight, aiding precision in both offensive and defensive play. Players note that the rubber is "excellent for generating spin on backspin chops," "stable in blocking," and "has a controllable trajectory," making it ideal for all-round to slightly defensive players.

Compared to the Donic Baracuda (~9.0/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers higher spin, making it better suited for players seeking spin and stability.

Control

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ provides excellent control (~9.6/20) in its category, particularly on topspin strokes, backspin chops, blocks, serve reception, and disruptive pushes. The soft sponge absorbs ball energy, making strokes easy to control, even for beginners.

Compared to the Tibhar VARI SPIN (~9.7/20 control), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers very similar control, making it forgiving on off-center hits.

Compared to the Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 control), the VARI VOLCANO+ provides significantly higher control, making it ideal for players seeking reliability.

Players highlight that the rubber is "highly manageable" and "forgiving on mishits," especially in passive play, blocking, and serve reception.

Technical Ratings

• Speed (78/100, ~9.8/20): Medium speed, suitable for controlled topspin loops, backspin chops, and counterattacks. Compared to the Tibhar VARI SPIN (~10.0/20 speed), the VARI VOLCANO+ is slightly slower but more controllable.

• Control (96/100, ~9.6/20): Excellent control, especially on topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception. Compared to the Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 control), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers higher control.

• Spin (93/100, ~11.6/20): Good spin potential, ideal for topspin loops, backspin chops, and disruptive serves. Compared to the Donic Baracuda (~9.0/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ provides more spin.

Playing Aspects

• Topspin Strokes: 8.3/10 – Effective topspin loops, especially on forehand and backhand, with good spin and control.

• Backspin Chops: 8.9/10 – Effective chopping with heavy backspin, easy to control.

• Blocking: 9.2/10 – Highly effective in blocking topspin strokes due to the tacky surface and soft sponge.

• Push Shots: 8.8/10 – Precise short-game pushes with disruptive spin.

• Chopping: 8.9/10 – Effective backspin strokes, suitable for all-round to defensive play.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.4/10 – Stable counter-hits at the table, with a good speed-control balance.

• Smashing: 7.9/10 – Effective attacking smashes, especially with 2.0 mm and MAX sponge.

• Serves & Receive: 8.8/10 – Effective serve reception and spin generation, easy to control.

• Flick Shots: 8.6/10 – Stable banana flicks in short play, with good spin.

Blade Compatibility

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ pairs well with all-round and defensive blades that complement its spin, control, and stability:

• Tibhar Stratus Power Wood (~9.5/20 speed, ALL+) – Enhances speed, ideal for controlled attacking play.

• Butterfly Primorac (~9.0/20 speed, ALL) – Complements spin and control, great for technique development.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~8.5/20 speed, ALL) – Best for players seeking maximum control.

• Stiga Allround Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-) – Ideal for all-round players prioritizing stability.

• Yasaka Sweden Classic (~8.0/20 speed, ALL-) – Suitable for players blending control with light attacks.

Recommended setup:

• For maximum control & spin: Use on an all-round blade (e.g., Donic Appelgren Allplay).

• For controlled attacking play: Use on a slightly faster blade (e.g., Tibhar Stratus Power Wood).

Additional Information

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ is a versatile rubber that combines medium speed (~9.8/20), good spin (~11.6/20), and excellent control (~9.6/20), making it ideal for players seeking stability and affordability.

Compared to the Tibhar VARI SPIN (~10.0/20 speed, ~9.7/20 control, ~12.5/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ offers slightly lower speed and spin but similar control, making it a budget-friendly alternative.

Compared to the Butterfly Sriver (~8.0/20 speed, ~8.0/20 control, ~8.0/20 spin), the VARI VOLCANO+ provides higher speed, spin, and control, making it better suited for modern all-round to defensive play.

Players highlight that the rubber is "highly controllable on backspin chops," "generates good spin on topspin strokes," and "offers outstanding value for money," especially with 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm sponge. Some note that 2.0 mm and MAX are better for controlled attacking play.

The rubber uses SPI-System technology, enhancing spin and durability. Additionally, the VARI VOLCANO+ is lighter than many comparable rubbers (e.g., ~41.5g with 1.8 mm sponge), making it suitable for players seeking a lighter racket.

Maintenance tip: Clean with a rubber cleaner (e.g., Tibhar Rubber Cleaner) and use protective film to prevent damage.

Thanks to its versatility, stability, and excellent price-to-performance ratio, the Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve technique and build a solid foundation for all-round to defensive play!

Who Should Use Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+?

This rubber is designed for all-round to slightly defensive players:

• Beginners & intermediate players (0–5 years experience) – Seeking an easy-to-control rubber with great spin and control at an affordable price.

• All-round to defensive players – Ideal for those blending topspin, backspin, blocking, and defensive play.

• Spin-oriented players – Best for players who want heavy spin on loops and serves.

• Forehand & backhand use – Great for both sides, especially backhand due to high control.

• Junior players – Excellent for kids and youth transitioning to all-round/defensive play.

Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ Advantages

• Speed (9.8/20): Medium speed, ideal for controlled topspin loops, backspin chops, and counterattacks.

• Control (9.6/20): Excellent control, especially on topspin, backspin, blocks, and serve reception.

• Spin (11.6/20): Good spin potential, great for topspin loops, backspin chops, and disruptive serves.

• Trajectory (7.9/10): Medium-high arc for stability and precision.

• Soft sponge: Provides controlled rebound and good spin.

• Tacky topsheet: Maximizes spin and facilitates precise technique.

• Low sensitivity to opponent’s spin: Improves serve reception and short-game play.

• Durability: High-quality construction with long lifespan if maintained properly.

• Price-to-performance ratio: Outstanding value for high-quality performance.

• ITTF-approved: Suitable for tournament play.

Final Verdict

The Tibhar VARI VOLCANO+ is a versatile rubber that combines medium speed, good spin, and excellent control at an affordable price, enabling players to execute a diverse playing style with high stability. Its SPI-System technology, tacky topsheet, and soft sponge make it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve technique and build a strong foundation for all-round to defensive play!

Tibhar VOLCANO+

Tibhar VOLCANO+

Tibhar VOLCANO+