Nittaku Wallest

Nittaku Wallest – Long Pips Rubber with Sponge for Defensive Play
Nittaku Wallest is a long pips table tennis rubber with sponge, made in Japan and developed in collaboration with top-level Japanese players. Designed for defensive (DEF) players seeking spin variation and added speed, Wallest features highly flexible, long pips, a grippy topsheet, and a medium-hard sponge (~35° JPN,  42–45° ESN). Compared to Wallest One (OX), it is faster but still maintains high control, suitable for classic defense as well as active play at the table or mid-distance. ITTF and JTTA approved, it's an excellent choice for defenders seeking a balance between spin and speed .

Key Construction Features:

• Sponge (Medium Hardness): Fine-pored medium sponge (~35° JPN, ~42–45° ESN), harder than Flyatt Soft (~30° JPN) but softer than Fastarc G-1 (~47.5° ESN). Offers moderate catapult effect, increasing speed compared to sponge-less Wallest One (OX). Sponge thickness: 1.0 mm (DEF) and 1.2 mm (DEF+/OFF-), ideal for defense and light attacking. Long dwell time enhances control and spin variation.
• Topsheet: Grippy topsheet with extremely flexible, long pips, co-developed with Japanese players. The pips allow for spin reversal (e.g., topspin to backspin) and disruptive effects. More grip than Wallest One due to the sponge, but less than tacky inverted rubbers (e.g., DHS Hurricane 3). Durability: ~120–150 hours with proper care; topsheet is abrasion-resistant. Pip geometry ensures stability and multiple spin options.
• Technology: A new rubber composition maximizes spin reversal and speed while maintaining high control. The sponge adds dynamism for quicker shots compared to Wallest One but retains defensive traits.
• Throw Angle: Wallest produces a medium throw angle—higher than Wallest One (low throw) but lower than Feint Long III (medium-high). Suitable for chopping, blocking, and light attacks. Offers more versatility than the OX version.
• Spin Sensitivity: Low sensitivity to incoming spin due to long pips and sponge, allowing easy reversal of topspin and return of no-spin balls. Great for players countering heavy topspins.

Weight: ~30–35 g when cut (1.2 mm), heavier than Wallest One (~20–25 g), but lighter than Fastarc G-1 (~49 g). Available in red and black, ITTF-compliant. Water-based glue and protective film recommended.

Nittaku Wallest Performance Ratings:

• Speed: 66/120 (~5.5/10, DEF+). Moderate speed suitable for defense and light attacks, faster than Wallest One (5.25/20), but slower than TSP Curl P-1R (~6.0/20). Some sources: 5.8/10.

• Spin: 58/120 (~7.5/10). High spin and strong spin reversal, effective in defensive shots, twiddling, and light attacks. Higher than Wallest One (5.75/15) due to the sponge, but less than Feint Long II (~8.0/15). Some sources: 7.8/10.

• Control: 92/120 (~8.0/10). Very high control, especially in chopping, blocking, and short play. Slightly less than Wallest One (7.5/10), but better than Curl P-4 (~7.0/10). Some sources: 8.2/10.

• Sponge Hardness: ~35° JPN (~42–45° ESN, Medium).

Trajectory: Medium arc, ideal for defense and light attack. Users praise its speed, spin variety, and control, but note limited attacking power compared to inverted rubbers.

Comparison with Similar Rubbers:

• Wallest One (OX): Speed (5.25/20), Spin (5.75/15), Control (7.5/10). Slower, more controllable, best for classic DEF, but less versatile.

• TSP Curl P-1R: Speed (~6.0/20), Spin (~8.0/15), Control (~7.0/10). Faster, spinnier, less controllable; suited for DEF+/OFF-.

• Butterfly Feint Long II: Speed (~6.5/20), Spin (~8.0/15), Control (~7.5/10). Faster, spinnier with similar control; suited for DEF+/OFF-.

• Donic Spike P2: Speed (~5.5/20), Spin (~7.5/15), Control (~8.0/10). Similar speed and control, softer topsheet; suited for DEF.

Wallest stands out for its speed, spin reversal, and versatile trajectory—perfect for defenders seeking attacking options.

Best Paired With Defensive or All-Round Blades:

• Nittaku Barwell Fleet: Defensive, max control, suited for DEF.

• Butterfly Joo Saehyuk: Defensive, excellent for chopping, DEF.

• Yasaka Sweden Defensive: Wood, high control, suited for DEF.

• Nittaku Latika: All-round, suited for DEF+/ALL+.

• Donic Defplay Senso: Defensive, enhances spin, suited for DEF.

This rubber is ideal for defensive rackets, especially on the backhand. For the forehand, an inverted rubber (e.g., Fastarc G-1 or Flyatt Spin) is recommended for offensive potential.

Nittaku Wallest – Ideal for Players Seeking Spin and Speed:

• For DEF/DEF+ players wanting speed and spin variety
• Classic defense: Effective in chopping, blocking, twiddling close or far from the table
• Active play: Suitable for push-blocks, flicks, and counterattacks at the table
• Serve return: Low spin sensitivity enables precise returns
• Blocking: High control for disruptive returns
• Attack: Light attacks like flicks and smashes possible thanks to the sponge

Performance Breakdown:

• Chopping: 9.3/10

• Blocking: 9.0/10

• Serve Return: 8.9/10

• Short Game: 8.7/10

• Attack: 7.5/10

• Topspin: Limited (6.0/10) due to long pips

Users highlight its speed, spin reversal, and versatility.

Summary:

• Speed: 66/120 (~5.5/10), moderate, good for defense/light attacks

• Spin: 58/120 (~7.5/10), high, strong reversal

• Control: 92/120 (~8.0/10), very high, especially in defense

• Topsheet: Grippy with flexible long pips for rich spin variety

• Sponge: Medium hardness (~35° JPN), moderate catapult effect

• Durability: ~120–150 hours, wear-resistant

• Price: Affordable (~$30–35 USD)

Limitations:

• Topspin attacks: Limited due to long pips design

• Attack potential: Lower than inverted rubbers

• Technique required: Proper technique needed for optimal spin

• Control: Slightly lower than Wallest One (OX)

Approved by ITTF and JTTA, suitable for official competition. Popular among defensive players seeking spin and speed variety. Effective against 40+ balls, providing stability in chopping, blocking, serve returns, and light attacks. Best suited for backhand, especially for players combining defense with offense.

“Faster than Wallest One, excellent for chopping and light attacks.”
“Spin reversal disrupts opponents, great control at the table.”
“Versatile choice for defenders looking for more speed.”

Nittaku Wallest – a long pips rubber with sponge that offers speed, spin variation, and controlled disruption.