Nittaku Moristo SP AX

Nittaku Moristo SP AX – Modern High-Performance Short Pips-Out Rubber
The Nittaku Moristo SP AX is a modern, high-quality short pips-out table tennis rubber, developed in collaboration between Japanese manufacturer Nittaku and German sponge specialist ESN. It is a refined version of the popular Moristo SP, offering even greater speed and spin potential while maintaining excellent control. Designed for aggressive close-to-the-table attackers, Moristo SP AX features a horizontal pips structure that enables unusually high spin – approaching that of inverted rubbers. Made in Japan with a German-made sponge and ITTF-approved, Moristo SP AX is an excellent choice for players seeking speed, spin, and pressure through fast, spinny attacks.

• Rubber type: Short pips-out
• Speed: 13/20
• Spin: 8.5/20
• Sponge hardness: 30° (soft, close to 38–40° on ESN scale)
• Sponge thicknesses: 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX (2.2 mm)
• Colors: Red, Black
• Origin: Japan (sponge made in Germany)
• Approvals: ITTF approved
• Weight: ~42 g (uncut, 180x170 mm), ~30 g (cut, 157x150 mm)
• Technologies: Horizontal pips structure, tensioned topsheet, ESN sponge

Key Features and Construction

Sponge (30°):
A soft, highly dynamic sponge (30° on Nittaku's scale), manufactured in Germany using ESN technology. It has a fine-pored structure for excellent bounce and catapult effect. Compared to the standard Moristo SP (also 30°), the SP AX uses the same sponge hardness but pairs it with a new pips geometry for increased speed and spin. The sponge is white, poreless, and contributes to the rubber’s low weight (~30 g cut), making it well-suited for pairing with heavier blades without unbalancing the racket.

Top Sheet and Pips Geometry:
Moristo SP AX features a horizontal, low, conical pips structure with a textured surface on a thin, slightly tacky topsheet. Unlike the vertical pip layout of the original Moristo SP, this configuration generates unusually high spin (8.5/20) for a short pips rubber – approaching the performance of inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (61/100). Optimized for fast strokes, powerful serves, pushes, and banana flicks. Compared to Moristo SP (7.5/20 spin), SP AX generates more spin but has slightly less disruptive effect due to its higher speed.

Tensioned Topsheet:
Moristo SP AX uses a tensioned topsheet that increases elasticity and speed without added boosters. Paired with the soft ESN sponge, it provides a lively yet controllable feel, allowing precise adjustment of power and spin. The rubber feels sharp, transmitting strong feedback from the blade – ideal for precise close-to-the-table play.

Lightweight:
At around 30 g (cut), Moristo SP AX is lighter than most short pips rubbers, such as Yasaka Rakza PO (~35 g). This lightness allows it to be paired with heavier blades (e.g., Butterfly Timo Boll ALC) while maintaining a balanced racket weight.

Available Thicknesses and Use Cases

Offered in four sponge thicknesses:
• 1.4 mm – maximum control and ideal for backhand
• 1.8 mm – balanced play
• 2.0 mm – fast attacking shots
• MAX (2.2 mm) – aggressive forehand offense

Colors – red and black – meet ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glue like Nittaku Fine Zip when assembling the rubber.

Detailed Performance Characteristics

Speed (13/20):
An extremely fast short pips rubber suitable for flat hits, backhand attacks, and third-ball play. Even the 1.8 mm version, when paired with an All+ blade, delivers exceptional speed. Faster than the original Moristo SP (12.5/20), though slightly slower than Nittaku Royal Large (15/20). Strong catapult effect is especially noticeable on powerful hits, requiring precision to avoid overshooting.

Spin (8.5/20):
The horizontal pips structure enables surprisingly high spin for a short pips rubber, nearing that of inverted rubbers. Suitable for topspin strokes, serves, pushes, and banana flicks, producing strong and unexpected spin. Generates more spin than Moristo SP (7.5/20), though less than Royal Large (14/20). Less sensitive to incoming spin, making it ideal for blocking and counterattacking.

Control:
The soft 30° sponge and flexible pips offer excellent control for blocking, short pushes, and precise hits. However, due to its high speed, control is slightly lower than the original Moristo SP, making this rubber better suited for advanced players with refined touch. Compared to Royal Large (20° sponge), SP AX is slightly harder, offering more precision but less forgiveness.

Trajectory:
Low, flat, and slightly unpredictable trajectory – ideal for flat hits, blocks, and fast table-top attacks. Flatter than inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (arc 63/100), which supports fast shots but demands accuracy in topspin play.

Driving Attacks:
Exceptional for both backhand and forehand drives (9.3/10), offering great speed and a sharp feel. Trajectory is flat with high spin, making strokes unpredictable and pressure-inducing. Faster and spinnier than Moristo SP, though longer strokes may require adjustment.

Hits Against Spin:
Excellent for hitting against backspin (9.2/10), providing high stability and accuracy. The rubber’s speed and pips' grip help lift the ball easily over the net, with high success rates – especially effective in third-ball attacks.

Blocking:
Blocks against topspin are fast, flat, and stable (9.0/10). The soft sponge reduces sensitivity to incoming spin, making it forgiving even against strong topspins. Compared to Moristo SP, SP AX offers less disruptive effect but higher speed.

Flat Hits (Smashing):
Highly effective for flat hits (9.1/10), producing powerful and unpredictable trajectories. Works well on both forehand and backhand, especially when paired with harder blades like the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC.

Pushing:
Long pushes are controlled (8.7/10) but require precise touch due to the rubber’s speed and elasticity. Short pushes and delicate touch shots are of high quality (9.0/10), as the rubber “deadens” slightly on low-impact shots, ensuring stability in short play.

Flicks:
Outstanding for banana flicks (9.4/10), especially when attacking against spin, thanks to high spin generation and speed. Extremely effective if executed accurately at the peak of the ball’s bounce.