Nittaku Specialist X

Nittaku Specialist X – Short Pimple Table Tennis Rubber

Nittaku Specialist X is a popular short pimple (pimples-out) rubber designed for aggressive players who prefer fast, direct shots with less emphasis on spin. This rubber is specifically tailored for play with the 44 mm ball but also performs excellently with the standard 40 mm ball, including 40+ plastic balls. Nittaku rubbers are known for their high quality and durability, and the Specialist X is no exception—when properly maintained, it retains its performance characteristics for a long time. Made in Japan and approved by both the ITTF and JTTA, this rubber offers a balanced blend of speed, control, and ball feel, making it ideal for offensive play close to the table.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Short pimples (pimples-out), adapted for large ball

• Speed: 14.75/20

• Spin: 13/20

• Sponge Hardness: 25° (soft)

• Sponge Thickness: Thick (1.7–1.9 mm), Super Thick (1.9–2.1 mm), MAX (2.1 mm+)

• Colors: Red, Black

• Origin: Japan

• Approvals: ITTF and JTTA approved

• Technology: ACTIVE CHARGE

Construction Details:

Sponge (25°):

The soft sponge (25° on the Nittaku scale) offers excellent bounce and a pleasant impact feel. Its structure absorbs incoming ball energy and releases it as additional speed, creating a subtle “catapult effect.” Compared to other short pimple rubbers like Butterfly Orthodox (which has a harder sponge), the Specialist X sponge is softer, providing better control during blocks and short strokes. The sponge also contributes to a distinctively sharp hitting sound, enhancing the playing experience.

Top Sheet:

The top sheet is slightly grippy and optimized for fast, flat hits with minimal spin. It grips the ball effectively, reducing the risk of slipping, but generates less spin than inverted rubbers (e.g., Tenergy 80 FX). Compared to other short pimples like Yasaka Rakza PO, the Specialist X top sheet is less tacky but more durable and requires minimal maintenance to preserve its properties.

Pimple Geometry:

The pimples are optimally arranged to ensure speed (14.75/20) and spin (13/20). The design reduces sensitivity to incoming spin, making the rubber forgiving when blocking and countering. Compared to Butterfly Orthodox, the Specialist X pimples are more modern and adapted for the larger ball, while still retaining a classic short pimple feel, ideal for flat hits and fast attacks.

ACTIVE CHARGE Technology:

This Nittaku technology enhances elasticity, delivering extra speed and liveliness without booster additives. ACTIVE CHARGE provides a balanced impact feel, allowing precise control over power, especially during fast strokes and blocks. Compared to other short pimple rubbers, Specialist X offers higher speed and more stable bounce.

Large Ball Adaptation:

Specialist X is specially designed for the 44 mm ball but performs equally well with 40 mm and 40+ plastic balls. Thanks to this versatile construction, it suits various playing styles—especially those focused on speed and direct hits.

Sponge Thickness Options:

• Thick (1.7–1.9 mm): For maximum control and backhand play

• Super Thick (1.9–2.1 mm): Balanced performance

• MAX (2.1 mm+): For aggressive forehand attacks

The rubber weighs approximately 45–48 g (cut), making it lighter than most inverted rubbers (e.g., Hurricane 3 NEO ~53 g). The available colors (red and black) meet ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends water-based adhesives like Nittaku Fine Zip for mounting.

Performance Characteristics:

• Speed (14.75/20):
  Specialist X is a very fast short pimple rubber, suitable for flat hits, close-to-table shots, and third-ball attacks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza PO (~15/20 speed), it is slightly slower but offers more control and stability. Against Butterfly Orthodox (~12/20 speed), Specialist X is significantly faster, ideal for aggressive rallies.

• Spin (13/20):
  Due to the short pimple structure, spin is limited but sufficient for serves and light topspin. Compared to inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (spin 61/100), Specialist X generates less spin but is also less sensitive to incoming spin—making it great for blocking and countering. Compared to Rakza PO (~15/20 spin), it offers slightly less spin but more controllability.

• Control:
  While not explicitly rated, the soft 25° sponge and pimple design provide high control during blocks, short pushes, and quick attacks. Compared to harder short pimple rubbers, Specialist X is more forgiving and accessible to a wider range of players, including beginners transitioning to short pips.

• Trajectory:
  The trajectory is low and flat—ideal for flat hits and blocks at the table. It’s lower than that of inverted rubbers (e.g., Tenergy 80 FX, arc 63/100), making it excellent for quick shots and blocks but requiring precise motion when executing topspins.

Blade Compatibility:

Nittaku Specialist X works well with various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and control:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Great feel and control—ideal for all-round players

• Nittaku Violin: Balanced speed and feel—good for quick attacks

• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed—suitable for attackers

• Butterfly Viscaria: Offers stability—great for blocks and counters

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Adds extra speed—great for aggressive shots

The rubber pairs particularly well with wooden blades like Nittaku Acoustic. The soft sponge adds forgiveness, while the ACTIVE CHARGE tech maximizes blade elasticity. Users recommend MAX thickness on forehand for max speed or Thick on backhand for greater control and short strokes.

Who Is Nittaku Specialist X For?

Nittaku Specialist X is ideal for players who prioritize speed and control with minimal spin:

• Beginner and intermediate attackers transitioning to short pips and learning techniques like fast hitting, blocking, and countering

• Advanced players seeking a fast, controllable rubber for forehand or backhand—especially for close-to-table play

• Aggressive players who favor flat hits, fast attacks, and blocks

• Close-to-table play: Excellent in fast rallies, blocks, counters, and third-ball attacks

• Serving and receiving: Provides light spin on serves and is less sensitive to incoming spin, making passive receive and blocking easier. Active receive requires precision due to speed

Performance Ratings (subjective):

• Blocking: 9.5/10 – Highly effective due to stability and low sensitivity to spin

• Flat hitting / Speed: 9.3/10 – Excellent speed and precision

• Short pushes: 8.5/10 – Controlled, great for fast pushes

• Serving: 7.5/10 – Generates light spin, consistent