Nittaku Hammond FA (VA)

Nittaku Hammond FA (VA) is a high-quality short pips-out table tennis rubber, developed and made in Japan, designed for a controlled offensive playing style close to the table. Approved by the ITTF and JTTA, its main standout feature is the soft “VA” sponge (35°, close to 40° on the ESN scale), which ensures easier handling, especially when playing with the plastic 40+ ball. Hammond FA (VA) offers balanced speed (12/20), control (14.5/20), and limited but effective spin (7.5/20) for the short pips category, making it ideal for players who emphasize flat hits (smashes), fast attacks, active blocks, and precise strokes. The soft sponge provides a clear, “crisp” impact feel and a distinctive sound, while its light construction (~27 g cut) makes the rubber suitable for players of all ages, including children and seniors. The rubber also exhibits a certain deceptive effect, making it difficult for the opponent to respond—especially during blocks and short pushes.

• Rubber type: Short pips-out

• Speed: 12/20

• Spin: 7.5/20

• Control: 14.5/20 (approx., based on Nittaku scale)

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

• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm

• Colors: Red, black

• Country of origin: Japan

• Certifications: Approved by ITTF and JTTA

• Weight: ~41 g (uncut, 180x170 mm), ~27 g (cut, 157x150 mm)

• Technologies: Soft “VA” sponge, lightweight construction

• Category: Offensive-controlling (OF/DEF)

Nittaku Hammond FA (VA) features a construction combining a soft, forgiving sponge and short pips optimized for controlled offensive play close to the table:

• Sponge (35°): The soft “VA” sponge (35° on the Nittaku scale, close to 40° ESN) is designed for easier control, especially with plastic balls. Compared to Nittaku Hammond FA Speed (a harder sponge with “Integrated Energy” technology), Hammond FA (VA)’s sponge is more forgiving, offering more control and less of a “catapult effect,” ideal for precise strokes and short play. Compared to Nittaku Hayate 44 (22.5°), the sponge is harder but offers more stability in blocking and flat hitting. The fine-pored sponge structure provides a “crisp” hit feel and a distinctive sound, enhancing player confidence when executing strokes.

• Top sheet and pips geometry: Hammond FA (VA) features short, vertically arranged pips with a grippy surface on a thin, elastic top sheet. This structure provides limited but effective spin (7.5/20) for a short pips rubber, suitable for light topspins, pushes, and serves. Compared to Nittaku Hayate 44 (spin 13.5/20), the spin is lower, but the top sheet is less sensitive to incoming spin, making it ideal for blocking and counter-attacking. Compared to Nittaku Moristo SP (spin 8.5/20), Hammond FA (VA) offers slightly less spin but more control and a clearer feel. The top sheet is optimized for the plastic 40+ ball, ensuring stable grip and deceptive effects.

• “VA” sponge technology: The soft “VA” sponge increases rubber forgiveness, reducing energy loss on impact and providing controlled speed (12/20). Compared to Nittaku Hammond FA Speed, which uses “Integrated Energy” technology for increased speed, Hammond FA (VA) focuses on control and precision, making it suitable for players seeking stability and easy handling. The system provides a “crisp” hit feel, allowing the player to precisely adjust stroke power, especially during flat hits and blocks.

• Lightweight: Hammond FA (VA) is extremely light (~27 g cut), lighter than Nittaku Hammond FA Speed (~29 g) or Moristo SP (~31 g). This lightness makes it suitable for children, senior players, or those who prefer a fast-feeling racket combined with heavier blades like the Butterfly Viscaria, without losing racket balance.

The rubber is offered in 2.0 mm thickness, suitable for balanced offensive play, providing speed and control in flat hits, blocks, and short play. Color options—red and black—meet ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glues, such as Nittaku Fine Zip, when mounting the rubber.

• Speed (12/20): Hammond FA (VA) is a fast rubber suitable for flat hits, backhand and forehand attacks, and third-ball attacks. Compared to Nittaku Hammond FA Speed (12.75/20), the speed is slightly lower but offers more control and stability. Compared to Nittaku Moristo SP (11/20), Hammond FA (VA) is faster, close to Yasaka Rakza PO (12.5/20). The soft “VA” sponge provides a controlled “catapult effect,” ideal for fast hits close to the table.

• Spin (7.5/20): Due to its short pips construction, Hammond FA (VA) generates limited but effective spin for a short pips rubber, suitable for light topspins, pushes, and serves. Compared to Nittaku Hayate 44 (13.5/20), the spin is significantly lower, but the rubber is less sensitive to incoming spin, making it excellent for blocking and counter-attacking. Spin is close to Moristo SP (8.5/20) but more control-focused.

• Control (14.5/20): The soft “VA” sponge (35°) and flexible pips ensure high control, especially when blocking, performing short pushes, and executing precise strokes. Compared to Hammond FA Speed, Hammond FA (VA) is more forgiving, thus suitable for a wider range of players, including beginners transitioning to short pips, children, and senior players. Compared to Nittaku Moristo DF, it offers less spin but more speed and stability.

• Trajectory: Low, flat, and slightly unpredictable trajectory, ideal for flat hits, blocks, and fast attacks close to the table. Compared to inverted rubbers like Nittaku Hammond Z2 (arc 63/100), Hammond FA (VA) offers a straighter trajectory, making it unsuitable for mid-distance play but perfect for aggressive close-to-the-table strokes.

• Flat hits (smashing): Hammond FA (VA) is extremely effective for flat hits (9.3/10), generating fast, unpredictable trajectories suitable for both forehand and backhand. The soft sponge provides a clear hit feel and distinctive sound, boosting player confidence.

• Driving (attacks): The rubber suits fast backhand and forehand attacks (9.1/10), offering high speed and sufficient spin. The trajectory is flat, putting pressure on the opponent. Compared to Hammond FA Speed, the attacks are slightly slower but easier to control.

• Blocking: Blocks against topspin are fast, flat, and stable (9.4/10). The soft sponge reduces sensitivity to incoming spin, making the rubber forgiving even against strong topspins. Compared to Hayate 44, Hammond FA (VA) offers more control and a deceptive effect.

Short pushes and touch shots offer high precision (9.2/10), thanks to the soft sponge and elastic topsheet. The reduced sensitivity to incoming spin allows players to keep the ball low and short with deceptive placement. Compared to Moristo SP, Hammond FA (VA) is slightly more forgiving and offers a more controlled short game.

Service & Receive: On serves, the grippy pimples and responsive topsheet allow for controlled spin generation (8.4/10), especially for short and fast serves. While it doesn't reach the spin potential of inverted rubbers, it's enough to disrupt opponents when paired with deception. On receive, the lower sensitivity to spin aids with effective passive and active returns (9.0/10), especially against heavy topspin or sidespin serves.

Deception: Due to the combination of short, vertically aligned pips and soft sponge, Hammond FA (VA) has a slight disruptive effect, especially in blocks and passive play (8.8/10). It does not produce strong wobble effects like long pips but can catch opponents off guard with fast, flat shots and sudden changes in pace and placement.

Summary – Nittaku Hammond FA (VA):

A high-quality short pips rubber made in Japan, Hammond FA (VA) is tailored for close-to-the-table attackers seeking a balance of speed, control, and slight disruptive effect. The soft VA sponge (35°) provides a crisp and confidence-inspiring feeling on impact, while the light weight (~27 g cut) makes it suitable for a wide range of players, including juniors, veterans, and those using heavier blades.

This rubber is ideal for players who emphasize:

• Flat hits and smashes

• Fast and precise backhand/forehand drives

• Active and passive blocking

• Controlled short game with deception

While it offers less spin than some other pips-out rubbers like Moristo SP or Hayate 44, it excels in stability, control, and ease of use. It is especially suited for modern plastic 40+ balls and is ITTF- and JTTA-approved.

Recommended Use:

• Use with water-based glue (e.g., Nittaku Fine Zip)

• Best paired with faster, stiffer blades for optimal power and control balance

• Suitable for both backhand and forehand, depending on player style