Nittaku Factive

Nittaku Factive – Lightweight Tensor Rubber for Developing Players
Nittaku Factive is a lightweight, beginner-friendly inverted table tennis rubber with Tensor technology, produced in Germany by the Japanese brand Nittaku. Designed for modern all-round (ALL+) and offensive (OFF-) players, it offers excellent control, strong spin, and balanced speed—particularly suitable for controlled topspin shots, blocks, and counterattacks. With a flexible, grippy topsheet, medium-hard sponge (~45° EUR, ~35° German scale), and low catapult effect, Factive provides long dwell time, allowing precise shot placement and technique development. Approved by ITTF and JTTA, it’s an ideal choice for young players and all-rounders who prioritize control.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Inverted

• Speed: 14.75/20 (~8.5/10)

• Spin: 11.75/15 (~8.6/10)

• Control: 9.1/10

• High tension: Tensor

• Grip: Grippy, slightly tacky

• Playing style: ALL+, OFF-

• Top sheet: Grippy and flexible

• Sponge hardness: Medium (~45° EUR, ~35° German)

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

• Colors: Red, Black

• Origin: Germany (Nittaku Japan)

• Approvals: ITTF, JTTA certified

Nittaku Factive Features:

• Sponge (Medium-Hard): Lightweight, fine-pored, purple sponge (~45° EUR, ~35° German), softer than Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~47.5°) but harder than Xiom Vega Intro (~42.5°). Its low-catapult effect allows deep ball penetration and excellent feedback. Available in 1.4 mm (ALL), 1.8 mm (ALL+), and 2.0 mm (OFF-) for various playing styles. The sponge absorbs opponent’s energy, helping regulate speed.

• Topsheet: Flexible, grippy topsheet with long, thin, widely spaced pimples that provide high spin and elasticity. Comparable grip to Nittaku Fastarc G-1, but softer and less aggressive than Butterfly Tenergy 05. Low resistance to pressure lets the ball sink into the rubber for better control. Durability: ~150–200 hours with proper care.

• Tensor Technology: Built-in speed glue effect offers mild catapult for gear variation and OFF- level dynamics. Softer than Andro GTT 45 or Donic Desto F4—ideal for beginners and intermediate players seeking control.

• Throw Angle: Medium-high, perfect for topspin and loop drives. Higher than Nittaku Express but lower than Butterfly Rozena.

• Spin Sensitivity: Low sensitivity to incoming spin due to soft topsheet and sponge. Allows for easier blocking and serve returns while maintaining stability.

The rubber weighs ~40–45 g (2.0 mm cut), lighter than Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~50–55 g), and similar in weight to Xiom Vega Europe (~45 g). Available in ITTF-compliant red and black. Water-based glue (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) and protective film recommended.

Technical Ratings for Nittaku Factive:

• Speed: 14.75/20 (~8.5/10, OFF-) – Medium speed, ideal for controlled topspin, blocks, and counters. Faster than Nittaku DO Knuckle Long-1 (62/100), slower than Nittaku Express (~8.5/10). Some sources list as 8/10.

• Spin: 11.75/15 (~8.6/10) – High spin, great for loops and topspin. Stronger than Nittaku Express (7.0/10), weaker than Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~9.5/10). Some sources: 8+/10.

• Control: 9.1/10 – Excellent control, especially in blocks and topspins. Similar to Xiom Vega Intro (~90/100), higher than Nittaku Super DO Knuckle (~90/100). Some sources: 9+/10.

• Sponge Hardness: ~45° EUR / ~35° German – Medium hardness, softer than Nittaku Fastarc C-1 (~45°).

Trajectory: Medium-high arc, ideal for topspin and loops. Users praise control, spin, and stability, but note speed is limited for aggressive shots far from the table.

Comparison Table:

• Xiom Vega Intro: Speed (~80), Spin (~80), Control (~90) – Similar speed, less spin, more control. Good for ALL players.

• Andro GTT 45: Speed (~85), Spin (~80), Control (~85) – Faster, less spin, suitable for OFF- players.

• Donic Desto F4: Speed (~80), Spin (~80), Control (~85) – Similar speed, less spin. Suitable for ALL+ players.

• Butterfly Rozena: Speed (~90), Spin (~85), Control (~80) – Faster, spinnier, less control. Good for OFF players.

Factive stands out with its control, spin, and soft catapult, making it perfect for beginners and intermediates.

Compatible Blade Pairings for Nittaku Factive:

• Nittaku Acoustic – Maximizes control, great for ALL+

• Yasaka Sweden Extra – Offers stability, good for ALL

• Butterfly Primorac – Enhances spin, ideal for OFF-

• Tibhar Stratus Powerwood – Balances speed, great for OFF-

• Nittaku Septear – Highlights topspin, suitable for ALL+

Best paired with ALL, ALL+, and OFF- blades, the soft sponge complements blade stability. Recommended for backhand (blocks, topspin) or beginner forehand.

Who Is Nittaku Factive For?

• All-round and offensive players (ALL+, OFF-), especially beginners and young players developing technique

• Controlled play: backhand (blocks, topspin) or forehand (loop drive, counter)

• Play close to the table and mid-distance: great for topspins, blocks, counters, and returns

• Serve return: Low sensitivity to spin, allows accurate returns

• Blocking: High control, great for passive and active blocks

• Topspin: Strong spin, ideal for loops and controlled topspins

Performance Summary:

• Blocking: 9.5/10

• Topspin: 9.2/10

• Serve Return: 9.0/10

• Counterattacks: 8.9/10

• Smashes: 8.0/10 (limited by speed)

• Serves: 8.5/10 (limited by speed)

Players highlight its control, spin, and light weight.

• Speed: 14.75/20 (~8.5/10) – Medium, good for controlled shots

• Spin: 11.75/15 (~8.6/10) – High, effective for topspins

• Control: 9.1/10 – Excellent, especially for blocks and topspins

• Topsheet: Grippy, flexible, strong spin and long dwell time

• Sponge: Medium (~45°), low catapult, great feedback

• Tensor tech: Mild speed-glue effect