Nittaku Fastarc C-1

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 – is a table tennis rubber with inverted pimples, manufactured by Japanese brand Nittaku, designed for offensive and all-round players (OFF-, OFF). Softer than Fastarc G-1 but firmer than Fastarc S-1, it offers a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control, ideal for powerful all-round play and attacks. With a spin-elastic topsheet, medium-soft sponge (~37.5°, Medium-), and high control level, the C-1 ensures precision in short play, good placement in the mid-zone, and power in strong shots. ITTF and JTTA approved, made in Japan, it is an excellent choice for players seeking a versatile rubber.

Key features:

• Rubber type: Inverted

• Speed: 102/120 (~8.5/10)

• Spin: 105/120 (~8.8/10)

• Control: 110/120 (~9.2/10)

• High tension: Tension (non-tensor)

• Tackiness: Grippy

• Playing style: OFF-, OFF

• Surface: Spin-elastic topsheet

• Sponge hardness: Medium-soft (~37.5°, Medium-)

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

• Colors: Red, Blue

• Country of origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF, JTTA approved

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 is characterized by a spin and control-oriented construction:

• Sponge (medium-soft): Fine-pored, medium-soft sponge (~37.5°, Medium-), softer than Fastarc G-1 (~47.5°, Medium+), but firmer than Fastarc S-1 (~35°, Soft). Compared to Nittaku Factive (~45° EUR), the C-1 sponge is softer, providing longer dwell time and a slight catapult effect, suitable for controlled topspin shots and blocking. Available sponge thicknesses: 1.4 mm (ALL+), 1.8 mm (OFF-), 2.0 mm (OFF), fitting various playing styles.

• Topsheet: Spin-elastic, tacky topsheet, identical to Fastarc G-1, with narrow, medium-length pimples ensuring high spin and grip. The tackiness is stronger than Nittaku Express (7.0/10), but weaker than Butterfly Tenergy 05. The topsheet allows the ball to "bite," enhancing control and spin. Durability: ~100–150 hours with regular maintenance; cleaning is necessary as tackiness declines after ~2–3 months.

• Fastarc technology: Although not a tensor rubber, C-1 uses Nittaku’s "Tension Sponge" technology, mimicking the effect of speed glue, providing speed variations and dynamics without a strong catapult effect. Compared to Nittaku Factive (tensor), C-1 is more stable in short play and less sensitive to opponent’s spin.

• High flight arc: C-1 generates a medium-high flight trajectory, suitable for topspin, loop drives, and backspin shots. The arc is higher than Nittaku Express but lower than Fastarc S-1.

• Spin sensitivity: Low sensitivity to opponent’s spin due to the soft sponge, allowing easy blocking of topspin shots and returning spinny serves, while maintaining high control.

The rubber weighs approximately 45–50 g (2.0 mm, trimmed), heavier than Nittaku Factive (~40–45 g) but lighter than Fastarc G-1 (~50–55 g). Offered in red and blue colors compliant with ITTF rules. Recommended water-based glues (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) and protective films.

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 technical ratings:

• Speed: 102/120 (~8.5/10, OFF-). Medium-high speed, suitable for topspin, blocking, and counter-attacks; faster than Nittaku Factive (14.75/20), but slower than Fastarc G-1 (~110/120). Some sources rate it 8+/10.

• Spin: 105/120 (~8.8/10). High spin, suitable for topspin, loop drives, and backspin, stronger than Nittaku Express (7.0/10), but weaker than Fastarc G-1 (~108/120). Some sources rate it 9-/10.

• Control: 110/120 (~9.2/10). Very high control, especially in short play and blocking, higher than Fastarc G-1 (~90/120), similar to Nittaku Factive (9.1/10). Some sources rate it 9+/10.

• Sponge hardness: ~37.5° (Medium-), softer than Fastarc G-1 (~47.5°).

Trajectory: Medium-high flight arc, suitable for topspin and loop drives. Users praise the control, spin, and stability in short play but note limited speed for aggressive shots far from the table.

Comparison with related rubbers:

• Nittaku Fastarc G-1: Speed (~110), Spin (~108), Control (~90). G-1 is faster, harder (~47.5°), with less control, suited for OFF players.

• Nittaku Fastarc S-1: Speed (~95), Spin (~100), Control (~115). S-1 is slower, softer (~35°), with higher control, suited for ALL+ players.

• Nittaku Factive: Speed (14.75/20), Spin (11.75/15), Control (9.1/10). Factive is slower, tensor rubber, suited for ALL+ players.

• Butterfly Rozena: Speed (~90), Spin (~85), Control (~80). Rozena is faster, with less control, suited for OFF players.

C-1 stands out for control, spin, and versatility, suitable for powerful all-round play.

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 fits offensive and all-round blades:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Maximizes control, suitable for OFF- players.

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

• Butterfly Korbel: Harmonizes spin, suitable for OFF- players.

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

• Nittaku Septear: Emphasizes topspin, suitable for OFF- players.

Best matched with OFF-, OFF blades, as the soft sponge utilizes blade elasticity. Suitable for forehand or backhand, especially backhand due to high control.

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 is for players seeking spin and control:

• Offensive and all-round players (OFF-, OFF), especially those valuing control and versatility.

• Controlled offense, suitable for forehand or backhand, especially topspin, blocking, and counter-attacks.

• Close-to-table and mid-distance play: Effective for topspin, loop drives, blocks, and backspin.

• Serve returns: Low sensitivity to spinny serves, allowing precise returns.

• Blocking: Very high control, ideal for passive and active blocks.

• Topspin: Strong spin, good for loop drives and powerful topspins.

The rubber excels in blocking (9.6/10), topspin (9.3/10), serve return (9.2/10), counter-attacks (9.0/10). Smashes (8.5/10) and serves (8.8/10) are limited by speed. Users emphasize control, spin, and versatility.

• Speed (102/120, ~8.5/10), medium-high, suitable for topspin.

• Spin (105/120, ~8.8/10), high, effective for loop drives and topspin.

• Control (110/120, ~9.2/10), very high, especially in short play.

• Surface: Spin-elastic, tacky, strong spin, and long dwell time.

• Sponge: Medium-soft (~37.5°), slight catapult effect, excellent feedback.

• Tension technology: Dynamic without strong catapult, suitable for versatile play.

• Durability: ~100–150 hours with maintenance.

• Price: Competitive (~45 €).

• Speed: Limited for aggressive OFF+ shots far from the table.

• Spin: Weaker than top-tier rubbers like Tenergy 05.

• Technique required: Skilled technique needed to maximize speed.

• Durability: Tackiness decreases after ~2–3 months.

ITTF and JTTA approved, competition-legal. Popular among intermediate and advanced players for control, spin, and versatility. Effective against 40+ plastic balls, offers stability in blocking, topspin, and serve returns. Ideal for backhand in combination play with spin rubber on forehand, also suitable for forehand in all-round players.

• "Great for backhand, perfect balance between control and spin."

• "Compared to G-1, easier to block with, but less power in shots."

• "Versatile choice, good for both forehand and backhand."

Nittaku Fastarc C-1 is the versatile Fastarc series rubber, offering high control, strong spin, and balanced speed. Perfect for offensive and all-round players, it delivers stability and precision. An excellent choice, Fastarc C-1 is the champion of control and versatility!