Nittaku Fastarc P-1

Nittaku Fastarc P-1 – is a table tennis rubber with inverted (smooth) pimples, made by the Japanese manufacturer Nittaku in collaboration with the German company ESN. Designed for aggressive attacking players (OFF, OFF+), it offers high speed, strong spin, and good control, especially suitable for fast topspin shots with the new polymer ball (polyball). With a highly grippy topsheet, medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium), and long dwell time (ball contact), Fastarc P-1 ensures dynamics, spin, and accuracy. Softer than the Fastarc G-1, it maintains powerful speed. ITTF and JTTA approved, made in Germany, it is an excellent choice for players aiming for powerful spin attacks.

Key features:

• Rubber type: Inverted

• Speed: 101/120 (~8.4/10)

• Spin: 107/120 (~8.9/10)

• Control: 90/120 (~7.5/10)

• High tension: ESN Tension

• Tackiness: Highly grippy

• Playing style: OFF, OFF+

• Surface: Spin-elastic topsheet

• Sponge hardness: Medium (~47.5°, Medium)

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

• Colors: Red, Black

• Origin: Germany (Nittaku Japan / ESN)

• Approvals: ITTF, JTTA approved

Nittaku Fastarc P-1 features a design optimized for speed and spin:

• Sponge (medium hardness): Fine-pored, medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium), same hardness as Fastarc G-1 (~47.5°), but feels softer due to ESN “Strong Sponge” technology. Compared to Fastarc C-1 (~37.5°, Medium-), P-1 sponge is harder, providing a stronger catapult effect, suitable for fast topspin and counter-hits. Sponge thicknesses: 1.4 mm (ALL+), 1.8 mm (OFF-), 2.0 mm (OFF+), fitting various attacking styles. Long dwell time improves control and spin.

• Topsheet: Highly grippy, spin-elastic topsheet with narrow, medium-length pimples ensures maximum spin and grip. Tackiness is similar to Fastarc G-1, stronger than Fastarc C-1, but less than Butterfly Dignics 05. The rubber “bites” the ball, generating strong topspin and backspin, especially effective with polyball. Durability: ~100–150 hours with regular maintenance; cleaning is necessary as tackiness decreases after ~2–3 months.

• ESN Tension technology: P-1 uses ESN tension tech that enhances speed and dynamics, mimicking the effect of fast glue. Compared to Fastarc G-1, P-1 has longer dwell time, allowing more precise spin control. Unlike Nittaku Factive (tensor), P-1 is more dynamic but less forgiving of mistakes.

• High flight arc: P-1 produces a medium-high trajectory suitable for fast topspin and loop drives. The arc is lower than Fastarc G-1 (high throw), but higher than Yasaka Rakza 7, balancing power and safety.

• Spin sensitivity: Moderately sensitive to opponent’s spin due to the grippy topsheet, enabling easy blocking of topspin shots but requiring a closed racket angle for maximum spin generation.

Rubber weight: Approximately 47–50 g (2.0 mm, trimmed), similar to Fastarc G-1 (~49 g), lighter than Yasaka Rakza Z (~53 g). Available in red and black colors complying with ITTF rules. Recommended water-based glues (e.g., Nittaku Fine Glue) and protective film.

Nittaku Fastarc P-1 technical specs:

• Speed: 101/120 (~8.4/10, OFF). High speed, suitable for topspin, loop drives, and counter-hits, slightly slower than Fastarc G-1 (109/120) but faster than Fastarc C-1 (102/120). Some sources rate it 8+/10.

• Spin: 107/120 (~8.9/10). High spin suitable for topspin, loop, and serves, slightly lower than Fastarc G-1 (108/120) but higher than Fastarc C-1 (105/120). Some sources rate it 9-/10.

• Control: 90/120 (~7.5/10). Good control, especially in topspin and blocking, higher than Fastarc G-1 (89/120) but less than Fastarc C-1 (110/120). Some sources rate it 7+/10.

• Sponge hardness: ~47.5° (Medium), same as Fastarc G-1, but softer in feel.

• Trajectory: Medium-high flight arc suitable for fast topspin and loop drives. Users praise speed, spin, and dwell time but note control requires technique, especially in short game.

Comparisons:

• Nittaku Fastarc G-1: Speed (109/120), Spin (108/120), Control (89/120). G-1 is faster with higher arc but less control, suited for OFF+ players.

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

• Andro Rasanter R47: Speed (~110), Spin (~105), Control (~85). R47 is faster, less controlled, suited for OFF+ players.

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

P-1 stands out with speed, spin, and long dwell time, suitable for fast topspin play.

Nittaku Fastarc P-1 suits attacking blades:

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

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Adds speed, suited for OFF+ players.

• Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC: Harmonizes spin, suited for OFF+ players.

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

• Nittaku Acoustic Carbon: Highlights topspin, suited for OFF+ players.

The rubber pairs best with OFF, OFF+ blades as the sponge exploits the blade’s dynamics. Ideally suited for forehand side but also fits advanced backhand players.

Target players and play styles:

• Offensive players (OFF, OFF+) especially those performing fast topspin shots.

• Fast topspin play, suitable for forehand (loop drive, topspin) and backhand (blocking, counter-hits).

• Close-to-the-table and mid-distance play: Effective for fast topspins, loop drives, third-ball attacks, and flicks.

• Serve returns: Grippy topsheet allows precise returns of spinny serves with pushes or flicks.

• Blocking: Stable but requires technique due to speed.

• Topspin shots: Exceptional loop drive, fast and spinny shots with polyball.

Performance ratings:

• Topspin shots: 9.4/10

• Serves: 9.1/10

• Serve returns: 9.0/10

• Counter-hits: 8.9/10

• Smashes: 8.7/10

• Blocking: 8.5/10 (limited control)

Users emphasize speed, spin, and dynamics.

• Speed: 101/120 (~8.4/10), high, suitable for topspin.

• Spin: 107/120 (~8.9/10), high, effective for loop drives and serves.

• Control: 90/120 (~7.5/10), good, especially for topspin.

• Topsheet: Highly grippy, strong spin, and long dwell time.

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

• ESN Tension tech: Dynamic, suitable for polyball.

• Durability: ~100–150 hours with care (~50 €).

• Dwell time: Long contact, improves spin and control.

• Control is lower than Fastarc C-1, requiring technique.

• Speed/spin lower than Tenergy, Dignics.

• Technique demand: Closed racket angle and precise contact required.

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

ITTF and JTTA approved, suitable for competition. Nittaku Fastarc P-1 is popular among advanced attacking players for speed, spin, and effectiveness with polyball. Effective against 40+ plastic balls, offers stability in topspin, serves, and third-ball attacks. Ideal for forehand, also fits advanced backhand players.

User comments:

• "Powerful rubber, great for fast topspin, but requires technique."

• "Compared to G-1, easier to block but slightly less spin."

• "Dynamic, fits polyball, long dwell time helps spin."

Summary:

Nittaku Fastarc P-1 is a powerful Fastarc series rubber offering high speed, strong spin, and long dwell time, optimized for polyball. Perfect for aggressive topspin players, it ensures dynamic play and accuracy. A top choice, Fastarc P-1 is a speed and spin champion!