Nittaku Hammond Z2 Special Version

Nittaku Hammond Z2 Special Version – High-Performance Japanese Table Tennis Rubber

Nittaku Hammond Z2 Special Version is a high-quality pimples-in table tennis rubber, designed and manufactured in Japan to meet the demands of top-level players. This version is a softer variant of the regular Hammond Z2, offering extremely high speed (16/20) and strong spin (13/20). Approved by both the ITTF and JTTA, the Hammond Z2 Special Version stands out with its “Bulkhead Sponge” and “Natural Rich Sheet” surface, ensuring excellent energy transfer, strong ball grip, and outstanding rebound. This rubber is ideal for aggressive attackers aiming to dominate both at the table and from mid-distance with precise counterattacks and powerful topspin shots. Its softer sponge (35°) delivers a pleasant feel and added forgiveness, making it suitable for players seeking a balance of power, spin, and control. A tacky protective film is included for enhanced durability.

• Rubber type: Pimples-in

• Speed: 16/20

• Spin: 13/20

• Sponge hardness: 35° (soft, close to 40° on the ESN scale)

• Sponge thickness: MAX

• Colors: Red, black

• Made in: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF and JTTA approved

• Weight: ~46 g (uncut, 180x170 mm), ~33 g (cut, 157x150 mm)

• Technologies: Bulkhead Sponge, Natural Rich Sheet, tacky protective film

Modern Construction for Balanced Performance

The Hammond Z2 Special Version features a modern design combining Japanese sponge elasticity with a highly grippy topsheet, delivering a well-balanced blend of speed, spin, and control:

• Sponge (35°):
  The soft 35° Bulkhead Sponge (on the Nittaku scale, similar to 40° ESN) is designed to reduce energy loss and enhance rebound, creating a strong catapult effect. Compared to the regular Hammond Z2 (with a harder sponge), the Special Version offers more forgiveness and control, especially during topspin, blocking, and short play. It’s slightly softer than Tenergy 05 (36°), providing a more pleasant feel and better handling. The fine-pore sponge structure enhances feedback, offering a crisp touch ideal for aggressive shots.

• Top Sheet:
  The Natural Rich Sheet is extremely grippy, providing strong ball grip even with a thin surface, particularly effective for topspin shots, serves, and banana flicks. It delivers high spin (13/20), comparable to Tenergy 80 (61/100), and is less sensitive to incoming spin than Chinese tacky rubbers like Hurricane Pro 3 (15/20). Compared to Nittaku Magic Carbon (spin 9.25/20), the Hammond Z2 Special Version offers significantly more grip while being more forgiving—suitable for a broader range of players. It performs exceptionally well with the 40+ plastic ball, ensuring stable grip.

• Bulkhead Sponge Technology:
  This Japanese innovation reduces energy loss and increases sponge rebound and speed (16/20). It provides a dynamic hitting feel, allowing precise adjustment of power and spin, especially in powerful topspins and counterattacks. Compared to Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue, Hammond Z2 Special Version offers higher speed and lower sensitivity to incoming spin, making it easier to control.

• Weight:
  The rubber is medium-weight (~33 g cut), lighter than Tenergy 05 (~37 g) but heavier than Moristo SP (~31 g). This weight allows for good pairing with various blades, including heavier ones like the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC, without compromising racket balance.

MAX Thickness for Aggressive Play

Offered in MAX thickness, Hammond Z2 Special Version is ideal for offensive strokes, particularly topspin and flat hits, ensuring maximum speed and power. Available in red and black, it meets ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glues such as Nittaku Fine Zip for installation. A tacky protective film is included to preserve surface quality.

Performance Ratings & Playstyle Compatibility

• Speed (16/20):
  Exceptionally fast rubber for powerful topspin attacks, flat hits, and third-ball attacks. Faster than Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (15/20), comparable to Nittaku Hayate 44 (16/20). The Bulkhead Sponge provides a strong catapult effect for dominance both near and far from the table—though precise technique is needed to control trajectory.

• Spin (13/20):
  Thanks to the Natural Rich Sheet, the rubber generates strong spin, especially in topspins, serves, and banana flicks. While slightly less spin than Hurricane Pro 3 (15/20), it's close to Tenergy 80 (61/100). Less sensitive to incoming spin than tacky Chinese rubbers, making blocking and counterattacks easier while maintaining high spin potential.

• Control:
  The soft 35° sponge and grippy surface offer high control for technical players—especially in topspin, blocking, and short play. Compared to regular Hammond Z2, the Special Version is more forgiving, making it suitable for a wider range of players, including intermediate players seeking speed-spin balance. Compared to Moristo DF, it’s less forgiving but offers more speed and power.

• Trajectory:
  Curved, high arc in topspin shots—ideal for offensive and spin-heavy techniques. The trajectory is straighter when blocking, suitable for stable in-table defense. Compared to short-pip rubbers like Hayate 44, the Hammond Z2 Special Version offers a looped arc trajectory suitable for play close to or mid-distance from the table.

• Driving (attacks):
  Extremely effective for topspin attacks (9.5/10), especially on the forehand, producing powerful shots with heavy spin. Great for third-ball attacks and counterattacks due to the elastic Bulkhead Sponge.

• Blocking:
  Blocks against topspin are stable and precise (9.2/10) thanks to reduced sensitivity to incoming spin. Allows for both passive and active fast blocks, particularly strong on the forehand side. Easier to control than tacky Chinese rubbers like Hurricane Pro 3.

• Pushing:
  Long pushes (9.0/10) are grippy, generating strong backspin that challenges the opponent. Short pushes (9.2/10) are very precise, well-suited for short table play thanks to the soft sponge.

• Flicks:
  Banana flicks (9.3/10) are effective, especially when flicking topspin over backspin due to the rubber's grip and speed.

• Serves & Receive:
  Serves (9.3/10) are strong, especially backspin and sidespin, generating high spin. Passive receives (9.1/10) are stable due to lower spin sensitivity, while active receive (like flicks) is highly effective.

Recommended Blades for Pairing

Nittaku Hammond Z2 Special Version pairs well with various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and power:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Offers feel and control, ideal for technical players.

• Nittaku Violin: Balanced in speed and touch, suitable for topspin play.

• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed and power—ideal for aggressive attackers.

• Butterfly Viscaria: Provides stability, good for counterattacking.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Adds extra speed—great for powerful strokes.