Nittaku Hammond CR

Nittaku Hammond CR is a high-end offensive table tennis rubber with inverted (pimple-in) topsheet, designed and manufactured in Japan according to the highest Japanese production standards. Approved by ITTF and JTTA, the key advantages of this rubber are balanced speed (13/20), spin (11/20), and exceptional control (14/20), ensured by the combination of modern “CR” sponge and the legendary “Hammond” topsheet.

Hammond CR is specially designed for the plastic 40+ ball, offering easy control and high speed potential, making it a popular choice among both amateur and professional players. The rubber features a medium-low trajectory, ideal for precise attacks, counterattacks, and ball placement. Due to its low tackiness (1.9/10), lightweight construction (~32 g trimmed), and durability (8/10), Hammond CR suits a fast playing style allowing smooth transitions between offense and defense. The softer “VA” sponge version (about 38° on the ESN scale) provides even more control and spin, making the rubber versatile and suitable for players of various levels.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Inverted (pimple-in)

• Speed: 13/20

• Spin: 11/20

• Control: 14/20 (approximate, according to Nittaku scale)

• Sponge hardness: ~38° (soft, “VA” version, ESN scale)

• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm

• Colors: Red, Black

• Country of origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF and JTTA approved

• Weight: ~45 g (untrimmed, 180x170 mm), ~32 g (trimmed, 157x150 mm)

• Technologies: “CR” sponge, legendary “Hammond” topsheet, low tackiness (1.9/10), durability (8/10)

• Category: Offensive-Universal (OFF/ALL+)

Construction and Performance:

The Nittaku Hammond CR combines a soft “VA” sponge and a hard, low-tack Hammond topsheet to balance speed, spin, and control:

• Sponge (~38°): The soft CR sponge in the VA version (about 38° on ESN scale) is designed for easy control and efficient energy transfer on impact. Compared to the Nittaku Hammond (40°), the Hammond CR sponge is softer, offering more forgiveness and control, especially on topspin shots, blocks, and short play. Compared to the Nittaku Hammond Z2 (medium-hard+, ~45°), it’s more forgiving and thus suitable for a wider range of players. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 80 (36°), the sponge is slightly firmer but provides a balanced “catapult effect,” suitable for fast shots and technical play. The fine-pored sponge structure gives a “soft” but lively impact feel, ideal for offensive play near the table.

• Topsheet: The hard, low-tack Hammond topsheet (tackiness 1.9/10) is optimized for the plastic 40+ ball, ensuring stable grip and fast responses against various spins. It generates strong spin (11/20), especially on topspin, serves, and banana flick shots. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (12/20), Hammond CR has slightly less spin but is less sensitive to incoming spin than sticky Chinese rubbers like Hurricane Pro 3 (15/20), making blocks and counterattacks easier. Compared to Donic Bluefire M1, Hammond CR offers a similar speed-control balance but with lower tackiness, enabling quicker reactions.

• CR Sponge Technology: The modern CR sponge, enhanced in the VA version, reduces energy loss on impact, increasing ball rebound and speed (13/20). This technology provides a dynamic shot feel, allowing players to precisely adjust shot power, especially in topspins, counterattacks, and flat hits. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2, Hammond CR offers less speed but more control and forgiveness.

• Lightweight and Durability: Hammond CR is lightweight (~32 g trimmed), lighter than Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~35 g) or Donic Bluefire M1 (~37 g). This lightness allows pairing with heavier blades like Butterfly Viscaria without losing racket balance. With a durability rating of 8/10, the rubber retains its properties even after intensive use, making it cost-effective.

Technical Ratings and Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (13/20): Hammond CR is a fast rubber suitable for topspin attacks, flat hits, and third-ball attacks. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2 (16.5/20), speed is lower but offers more control. Compared to Nittaku Hammond (12.5/20), speed is slightly higher due to modern CR sponge. The VA sponge provides a controlled “catapult effect,” ideal for fast shots near the table and short distances.

• Spin (11/20): The hard, low-tack topsheet (1.9/10) generates strong spin, especially on topspin strokes, serves, and banana flicks. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (12/20), spin is slightly less but close to Donic Bluefire M1 (11.5/20). Low tackiness facilitates quick reactions against various spins, making the rubber effective for blocking and counterattacking.

• Control (14/20): The soft VA sponge (~38°) and low-tack topsheet ensure high control for technical players, especially for topspins, blocks, and short play. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2 (11.8/20), Hammond CR is more forgiving, suitable for a wider range of players including intermediates. Compared to Donic Bluefire M1, it’s less “bouncy,” easier to handle on receives and short play at the net.

• Trajectory: Medium-low trajectory on topspin shots, ideal for precise attacks and counterattacks. Blocks have a straighter trajectory, suitable for stable blocking near the table. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2 (arc 63/100), Hammond CR offers a lower trajectory, fitting players seeking precise ball placement.

Play Aspects:

• Attacks (driving): Effective for topspin attacks (9.1/10) and counterattacks (9.2/10), especially forehand shots, producing precise shots with strong spin. Suitable for third-ball attacks and counterattacks on backspin balls, especially close to the table.

• Blocking: Stable and precise blocks against topspin (9.3/10) due to low tackiness (1.9/10) and reduced sensitivity to incoming spin. Enables fast passive and active blocks, especially on the forehand side, and easier to handle than sticky Chinese rubbers like Hurricane Pro 3.

• Pushing: Long pushes (9.0/10) generate strong backspin, making it difficult for opponents to respond. Short pushes (9.2/10) are very precise, suitable for short play near the table due to the soft VA sponge.

• Flick shots: Banana flicks (9.1/10) are effective, especially topspin flicks over backspin, due to the tacky topsheet and speed.

• Serves and receives: Serves (9.2/10) are strong, especially backspin and side-spin serves, generating high spin. Passive receive (9.3/10) is stable thanks to reduced sensitivity to incoming spin, while active receive such as flicks is effective.

• Flat hits (smashing): Suitable for flat hits (9.0/10), producing fast, precise trajectories, good for both forehand and backhand.

Compatibility with Blades:

Nittaku Hammond CR fits various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and control:

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

• Nittaku Violin: Balances speed and feel, suitable for topspin shots.

• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed, suitable for aggressive attackers.

• Butterfly Korbel: Provides stability, suitable for control and blocks.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Adds extra speed, good for flat hits.

Due to its light weight (~32 g trimmed), Hammond CR pairs well with heavier blades like Butterfly Viscaria or Mizutani Jun Super ZLC without losing racket balance. Users recommend using Hammond CR on forehand or backhand side with 2.0 mm sponge thickness for balanced speed, spin, and control.

Additional Information:

Nittaku Hammond CR stands out for its versatility, suitable for offensive and all-round players seeking balance in speed, spin, and control. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1, Hammond CR is less tacky, offering faster responses and easier handling against incoming spin. Compared to Donic Bluefire M1, it offers similar speed-control balance but with a lower trajectory for precise ball placement. The rubber is durable (8/10) and retains its properties even after intensive use, making it an economical choice. Users praise its “balance of control and speed,” “pleasant feel,” “precise trajectory,” and “Japanese quality,” especially for those who like fast yet controlled play.