Nittaku Fastarc G-1

Nittaku Fastarc G-1 – is one of the most popular table tennis rubbers worldwide, made by the Japanese manufacturer Nittaku. Designed for aggressive attacking players (OFF+), it offers high speed, strong spin, and excellent control, especially suitable for topspin strokes and loop drives. With a highly grippy topsheet, medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium+), and high throw, Fastarc G-1 ensures safety, consistency, and durability, making it the best-selling rubber from 2019 to 2021. Approved by ITTF and JTTA, made in Japan, it is an ideal choice for players seeking powerful spin attacks.

Main features:

• Rubber type: Inverted

• Speed: 109/120 (~9.0/10)

• Spin: 108/120 (~9.0/10)

• Control: 89/120 (~7.4/10)

• High tension: Tension (non-tensor)

• Tackiness: Very grippy

• Strategy: OFF+

• Surface: Spin-elastic topsheet

• Sponge hardness: Medium-hard (~47.5°, Medium+)

• Sponge thickness: 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max

• Colors: Red, black

• Country of origin: Japan

• Approvals: ITTF, JTTA approved

Nittaku Fastarc G-1 features a design optimized for offense:

• Sponge (medium-hard): Fine-pored, medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium+), harder than Fastarc C-1 (~37.5°, Medium-), but softer than Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~50°). Provides strong catapult effect, suitable for powerful topspin and counterattacks, while maintaining control. Sponge thickness options: 1.4 mm (ALL+), 1.8 mm (OFF-), 2.0 mm, Max (OFF+), fitting various attacking styles. Compared to Fastarc C-1, the sponge is harder, giving more speed.

• Topsheet: Highly grippy, spin-elastic topsheet with narrow, medium-length pimples, ensuring maximum spin and grip. Grip stronger than Fastarc C-1 or Nittaku Express (7.0/10), close to Tenergy 05 but less aggressive. The topsheet allows “biting” the ball, generating strong topspin and backspin. Durability: ~150–200 hours with regular maintenance, one of the most durable in its class.

• Tension technology: Although not classified as a tensor rubber, the G-1 uses Nittaku’s “Tension Sponge” technology that mimics the effect of speed glues, providing speed and spin dynamics. Compared to the Nittaku Factive (tensor), G-1 is faster but less forgiving on errors.

• High throw: G-1 produces a high ball trajectory, ideal for topspin strokes, loop drives, and lifting backspin. The trajectory is higher than Yasaka Rakza 7 or Donic Baracuda, but similar to Andro Rasanter R47. High throw gives safety but requires technique to avoid overshooting shots.

• Spin sensitivity: Moderately sensitive to opponent’s spin due to the tacky topsheet, allowing easy blocking of topspin strokes but requires a closed racket angle to maximize spin generation.

The rubber weighs about ~49 g (2.0 mm, trimmed), similar in weight to Andro Rasanter R47 (~49 g), lighter than Yasaka Rakza Z (~53 g). Available in red and black colors, compliant with ITTF rules. Recommended water-based glues (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) and protective film.

Nittaku Fastarc G-1 technical specs:

• Speed: 109/120 (~9.0/10, OFF+). High speed, suitable for topspin strokes, loop drives, and counterattacks. Faster than Fastarc C-1 (102/120), but slower than Tenergy 05 (~115/120). Some sources rate it 9/10.

• Spin: 108/120 (~9.0/10). High spin, suitable for topspin, loop drives, and serves. Stronger than Fastarc C-1 (105/120), but weaker than DHS Hurricane 3 NEO (~110/120). Some sources rate it 9/10.

• Control: 89/120 (~7.4/10). Good control, especially for topspin and blocking. Lower than Fastarc C-1 (110/120) but sufficient for OFF+ players. Some sources rate it 7+/10.

• Sponge hardness: ~47.5° (Medium+), harder than Fastarc C-1 (~37.5°).

Trajectory: High arc, suitable for topspin strokes, loop drives, and lifting backspin. Users praise spin, consistency, and safety, but note the high arc can cause overshooting.

Comparison with other rubbers:

• Nittaku Fastarc C-1: Speed (102/120), Spin (105/120), Control (110/120). C-1 is slower, softer (~37.5°), with higher control, suitable for OFF- players.

• Yasaka Rakza 7: Speed (~100), Spin (~105), Control (~90). Rakza 7 is slower, lower arc, suitable for OFF players.

• Andro Rasanter R47: Speed (~110), Spin (~105), Control (~85). R47 is similar speed, lower control, suitable for OFF+ players.

• Butterfly Tenergy 05: Speed (~115), Spin (~110), Control (~80). Tenergy 05 is faster, more spinny, less controlled, suitable for OFF++ players.

G-1 stands out with its high arc, spin, and durability, suitable for loop drive playing style.

Nittaku Fastarc G-1 pairs well with offensive blades:

• Nittaku Violin: Maximizes spin, suitable for OFF players.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Provides speed, suitable for OFF+ players.

• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Balances spin, suitable for OFF+ players.

• Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro: Balances speed, suitable for OFF players.

• Nittaku Acoustic Carbon: Emphasizes topspin strokes, suitable for OFF+ players.

The rubber works best with OFF and OFF+ blades because the harder sponge utilizes the blade’s dynamics. Ideal for forehand, also suitable for backhand for intermediate and advanced players.

Nittaku Fastarc G-1 is for players seeking spin and consistency:

• Attacking players (OFF+), all levels forehand and intermediate/advanced backhand.

• Loop drive style, good for forehand (topspin, loop drive) and backhand (blocking, counterattacks).

• Play close to the table and mid-distance: effective topspin, loop drive, lifting backspin, and third ball attacks.

• Serve return: Tackiness helps easily return spinny serves with pushes or flicks.

• Blocking: Stable but high arc requires adjustments.

• Topspin strokes: Outstanding loop drive, easy to lift backspin and counterattack.

Performance ratings (out of 10): topspin (9.5), serves (9.2), serve returns (9.0), blocking (8.8), smashes (8.5), chop strokes (8.0) limited by high arc. Users highlight spin, safety, and durability.

Summary:

• Speed (109/120, ~9.0/10), high, good for topspin strokes.

• Spin (108/120, ~9.0/10), high, effective loop drive and serves.

• Control (89/120, ~7.4/10), good, especially for topspin strokes.

• Topsheet: Very tacky, strong spin and long dwell time.

• Sponge: Medium-hard (~47.5°), strong catapult effect.

• Tension technology: Dynamic, suited for OFF+ play.

• Durability: ~150–200 hours, one of the most durable (~50 €).

• High arc: Safety in loop drives and backspin lifting.

• Speed/spin: Lower than Tenergy, Dignics, or MX-P.

• High arc: Easy to overshoot the ball.

• Technique needed: Requires closed racket angle and thin contact.

• Not suitable for hit-loopers (vertical strokes).

Approved by ITTF and JTTA, suitable for competition. Popular among all levels of attacking players for spin, consistency, and durability. Effective against 40+ plastic balls, offers stability in topspin strokes, serves, and third ball attacks. Ideal for forehand, also good for backhand intermediate/advanced players.

User feedback:

• “Perfect loop drive, easy to lift backspin, but requires adjustments in blocking.”

• “Durable, great value for price, suits forehand.”

• “Safe rubber, but I overshoot the ball if I don’t make thin contact.”

Nittaku Fastarc G-1 is a globally popular rubber offering high spin, speed, and consistency with exceptional durability. Perfect for attacking players seeking powerful spinny loop drives, it provides safety and dynamics. An excellent choice, Fastarc G-1 is the champion of spin and consistency!