Nittaku Fastarc S-1

Nittaku Fastarc S-1 is a table tennis rubber with inverted pips, manufactured by Japanese brand Nittaku in Germany. It is the softest rubber in the Fastarc series, and along with Fastarc P-1, one of the fastest. Designed for all-round and attacking players (ALL+, OFF-), from beginners to top-level players. Featuring a grippy topsheet, a soft sponge (~44°, Soft), and a strong catapult effect, the S-1 offers high speed, good spin, and excellent control, especially for soft topspin strokes. Approved by ITTF and JTTA, it is a versatile choice for players seeking a balance of speed and control.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Inverted

• Speed: 15.50/20 (~8.7/10)

• Spin: 11.75/15 (~8.6/10)

• Control: 9.0/10

• High tension: Tension (non-tensor)

• Tackiness: Grippy

• Strategy: ALL+, OFF-

• Surface: Spin-elastic topsheet

• Sponge hardness: Soft (~44°)

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

• Colors: Red, black

• Country of origin: Germany (Nittaku Japan)

• Certifications: ITTF, JTTA approved

Design focused on speed and control:

• Sponge (soft): Fine-pored, soft sponge (~44°, Soft), softer than Fastarc C-1 (~37.5°, Medium-) or Fastarc G-1 (~47.5°, Medium+). Compared to Nittaku Factive (~45°), S-1 sponge is softer, providing a strong catapult effect suitable for fast strokes but slightly harder to control in fast rallies. Available in thicknesses 1.4 mm (ALL), 1.8 mm (ALL+), and 2.0 mm (OFF-), suitable for various playing styles. The soft sponge ensures longer ball dwell time, improving control on soft strokes.

• Topsheet: Grippy, spin-elastic topsheet with medium-length pips spaced apart, ensuring strong spin and tackiness. Tackiness is less than Fastarc G-1 or P-1 but stronger than Nittaku Express (7.0/10). The topsheet easily generates spin on soft topspin shots but offers less control on faster strokes. Durability is about 100–150 hours with regular care, requiring cleaning as tackiness decreases after about 2–3 months.

• Tension technology: Uses Nittaku’s "Tension Sponge" technology that mimics the effect of speed glue, providing strong catapult and dynamic feel. Compared to Nittaku Factive (tensor), S-1 is faster but less forgiving in fast rallies. The strong catapult effect increases momentum, suited for fast strokes.

• Flight trajectory: Produces a flat, low trajectory, ideal for fast topspin shots and smashes. The trajectory is lower than Fastarc G-1 (high throw) or Fastarc C-1 (medium-high throw), but higher than Nittaku Express. The flat trajectory suits fast close-to-the-table play.

• Spin sensitivity: Moderately sensitive to opponent’s spin due to the soft sponge, allowing easy blocking of topspin shots but requiring technique in fast rallies and returning spinny serves.

The rubber weighs approximately 40–45 g (2.0 mm, trimmed), lighter than Fastarc G-1 (~49 g) or Fastarc P-1 (~47–50 g), similar to Nittaku Factive (~40–45 g). Available in red and black in compliance with ITTF regulations. Recommended to use water-based glue (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) and protective film.

Technical specifications:

• Speed: 15.50/20 (~8.7/10, OFF-). High speed, one of the fastest in the Fastarc series, suitable for topspin shots, smashes, and counter-attacks. Faster than Fastarc C-1 (102/120), slightly slower than Fastarc P-1 (101/120). Some sources rate it 8+/10.

• Spin: 11.75/15 (~8.6/10). High spin, effective for soft topspin and serves, less than Fastarc P-1 (107/120) or G-1 (108/120), but stronger than Nittaku Express (7.0/10). Some sources rate it 8+/10.

• Control: 9.0/10. High control, especially on soft topspin shots and short play, higher than Fastarc G-1 (89/120), but lower than Fastarc C-1 (110/120). Control is limited in fast rallies due to the catapult effect. Some sources rate it 9-/10.

• Sponge hardness: ~44° (Soft), softer than Fastarc P-1 (~47.5°).

Trajectory: Flat, low flight path, suitable for fast topspin and smashes. Users praise speed, control on soft strokes, and catapult effect but note technique is required in fast rallies.

Comparison with related rubbers:

• Fastarc G-1: Speed (109/120), Spin (108/120), Control (89/120). G-1 is slower, harder (~47.5°), with higher trajectory, suited for OFF+ players.

• Fastarc P-1: Speed (101/120), Spin (107/120), Control (90/120). P-1 is similar speed, harder (~47.5°), with shorter dwell time, suited for OFF players.

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

• Xiom Vega Europe: Speed (~85), Spin (~80), Control (~90). Vega Europe is slower, with similar control, suited for ALL+ players.

The S-1 stands out for speed, softness, and catapult effect, suitable for versatile players.

Recommended blade pairings:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Maximizes control, suited for ALL+ players.

• Yasaka Sweden Extra: Provides stability, suited for ALL+ players.

• Butterfly Primorac: Harmonizes spin, suited for OFF- players.

• Tibhar Stratus Powerwood: Balances speed, suited for OFF- players.

• Nittaku Septear: Emphasizes topspin, suited for ALL+ players.

S-1 best complements ALL+ and OFF- blades, as the soft sponge enhances blade stability. Suitable for forehand or backhand sides, especially for beginners and intermediate players.

Player suitability:

• All-round and attacking players (ALL+, OFF-), from beginners to professionals.

• Fast, controlled play, suitable for forehand (topspin, smashes) or backhand (blocking, soft topspin).

• Close-to-the-table and mid-distance play: Effective for soft topspin, smashes, blocks, and flicks.

• Serve returns: Soft sponge allows precise returns of spinny serves with flicks or pushes.

• Blocking: High control, especially passive blocks, but fast rallies require technique.

• Topspin: Effective for soft topspin with strong catapult for fast shots.

Effectiveness ratings (out of 10):
Topspin shots (9.2), smashes (9.0), serve returns (8.9), blocking (8.8). Control limited in counter-attacks (8.5) and serves (8.7) during fast rallies. Users highlight speed, control, and versatility.

• Speed: 15.50/20 (~8.7/10), high, suitable for topspin and smashes.

• Spin: 11.75/15 (~8.6/10), high, effective for soft topspin.

• Control: 9.0/10, high, especially on soft shots.

• Surface: Grippy with strong spin and dwell time.

• Sponge: Soft (~44°), strong catapult effect.

• Tension tech: Dynamic, suitable for all skill levels.

• Durability: ~100–150 hours with care (~40 €).

• Versatility: Suitable from beginners to pros.

Notes:

• Control limited in fast rallies due to catapult effect.

• Spin is weaker than G-1 or P-1.

• Technique required for fast strokes.

• Tackiness decreases after ~2–3 months.

Approved by ITTF and JTTA, suitable for competitions. Popular among beginners and intermediate players for speed, control, and versatility. Effective against 40+ plastic balls, offers stability in soft topspin, smashes, and serve returns. Ideal for forehand or backhand, especially beginners seeking speed.

Quotes from users:

• "Great for beginners, fast and controllable on soft shots."

• "Faster than C-1 but harder to handle in fast rallies."

• "A versatile choice, good for forehand and backhand."

Summary:
Nittaku Fastarc S-1 is the softest and fastest rubber in the Fastarc series, offering high speed, good spin, and excellent control. Perfect for beginners and all-round players, it provides versatility and dynamic performance. An excellent choice, the Fastarc S-1 is a champion of speed and versatility!