Nittaku Sonic AR

Nittaku Sonic AR – Short Pips Table Tennis Rubber

Nittaku Sonic AR is a high-speed short pips-out table tennis rubber designed for aggressive attackers who aim for fast, direct shots and unpredictable ball trajectories. Made in Japan and ITTF-approved, Sonic AR stands out for its lightweight design, excellent speed-control balance, and spin-generating pips, making it an ideal choice for spin-oriented short pips players. This rubber suits players who prefer a fast, attacking game near the table, especially on the backhand side, though it can also be used on the forehand with the right blade. Thanks to its vertically aligned pips, Sonic AR delivers exceptional spin potential among short pips rubbers, while maintaining high speed and control.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Short pips (pimples-out)
• Speed: 13.75/20
• Spin: 7.25/20
• Sponge Hardness: 32.5° (soft, comparable to ~40–42° ESN scale)
• Sponge Thickness: 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, MAX
• Colors: Red, Black
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Approval: ITTF approved
• Weight: ~40 g uncut (180x170 mm), ~28 g cut (157x150 mm)
• Technologies: Vertically aligned pips, soft sponge

Construction and Performance

Sponge (32.5°):
The soft 32.5° sponge is slightly firmer than that of Moristo SP (30°) or Moristo SP AX (30°), yet still considered soft. It provides great ball rebound and a “catapult effect.” It absorbs incoming energy and releases it as extra speed, delivering a lively but controlled feel. Compared to Moristo SP, Sonic AR’s sponge offers more power and speed while maintaining high control in short play and blocks. The sponge is creamy white, non-porous, and contributes to the rubber's low weight (~28 g when cut).

Top Sheet and Pip Geometry:
The vertically aligned short pips are small, tall, with a conical base and cylindrical tops featuring a textured surface. This design allows for unusually high spin (7.25/20) for short pips, close to Moristo SP AX (8.50/20). The topsheet is mildly grippy, optimized for fast hits and easy spin generation. Compared to Moristo SP, Sonic AR produces less spin but is faster and has a flatter trajectory. The pips are flexible but not overly springy, giving the rubber a sharp feel and precise feedback from the blade.

Lightweight:
Sonic AR is one of the lightest short pips rubbers available (~28 g cut), lighter than Moristo SP (~35 g) or Moristo SP AX (~38 g). This makes it a great match for heavier blades like the Nittaku Violin or Butterfly Timo Boll ALC without compromising balance.

Technologies:
The vertical pip alignment and soft sponge create a unique balance of speed (13.75/20) and spin (7.25/20). While Nittaku ACTIVE CHARGE technology isn’t explicitly mentioned, its influence may be present in the rubber’s elasticity and liveliness. This rubber is tuned for fast, unpredictable play—especially effective in flat hits and spin-through attacks.

Thickness Options:
• 1.4 mm – Maximum control, ideal for backhand
• 1.8 mm – Balanced play
• 2.0 mm – Fast hitting
• MAX – Aggressive forehand attacking

Available in red and black, compliant with ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends water-based glues, such as Nittaku Fine Zip, for installation.

Technical Specs & Play Characteristics

Speed (13.75/20):
Sonic AR is a fast rubber suitable for flat hits, backhand attacks, and third-ball kills. It’s faster than Moristo SP (12.50/20) and Moristo SP AX (13.00/20), though slightly slower than Spinlord Waran 2 (~14/20). It features a strong catapult effect on powerful shots, but requires precision to avoid overshooting.

Spin (7.25/20):
Its vertical pip alignment generates more spin than most short pips, nearing Moristo SP AX (8.50/20). Suitable for light topspins, serves, and pushes. However, it generates less spin than inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (61/100). Compared to Moristo SP (7.50/20), its spin is slightly lower but easier to control.

Control:
The soft sponge (32.5°) and flexible pips offer excellent control in blocking, short pushes, and precise hits. It’s less sensitive to incoming spin than inverted rubbers, making it suitable for quick play near the table. However, the strong catapult effect in hard shots may reduce control, making it less ideal for beginners.

Trajectory:
Low, flat, and slightly fluttery trajectory—great for flat hits and close-to-table blocks. It’s straighter than inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (arc 63/100), ideal for fast attacks and spin-through shots but requiring accuracy on topspins.

Game Play Breakdown

Driving (Attacking):
Sonic AR is fast and responsive for backhand attacks, with excellent speed and a sharp feel. The flat trajectory and low spin make shots hard to predict for opponents. Compared to Moristo SP, it’s faster but requires adjustment for longer strokes.

Spin-through Shots:
Extremely effective in backhand spin-through attacks against backspin (9.8/10), showing superb stability and precision. High speed and a flat trajectory help clear the net easily, boosting hit success rates.

Blocking:
Backhand blocks against topspin are fast, flat, and stable (9.0/10). However, the soft sponge and strong catapult effect can make blocking high-level topspins challenging. Best suited for players with good feel.

Flat Hits (Smashing):
Fast enough for flat smashes (8.8/10), but pairing it with a harder, faster blade (e.g., Butterfly Timo Boll ALC) enhances speed and aggressive trajectory.

Pushing:
Long backhand pushes are a weak point (7.5/10) due to the rubber’s speed and springiness, requiring good touch to avoid overshooting. Short pushes and touch shots perform well (8.7/10), as the rubber plays "dead" on light contact.

Flicks:
Excellent for backhand flicks (9.5/10), especially against spin, if timed well at the peak of the bounce.

Blade Compatibility

Nittaku Sonic AR pairs well with various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and feel:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Offers feel and control, great for all-round players
• Nittaku Violin: Balances speed and feel, ideal for fast hitting
• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed, perfect for attackers
• Butterfly Viscaria: Provides stability, ideal for blocks and counterattacks

Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Offers excellent control and precision, ideal for aggressive players seeking better placement.

Summary

Nittaku Sonic AR is a fast, lightweight short pips rubber made in Japan, ITTF approved, and designed for modern attacking players who prefer direct, disruptive strokes with a flatter trajectory. Its vertically aligned pips, soft sponge (32.5°), and high-quality build give it a sharp feel and allow for controlled offensive play, especially on the backhand side. Compared to Moristo SP and SP AX, Sonic AR is faster and lighter, with slightly less spin but greater ease of control and better balance with heavier blades.

Recommended for: Experienced players who favor close-to-table attacks, flat hits, and high-speed flicks, particularly on the backhand side. Also suitable for forehand use with fast, stiff blades. Not recommended for beginners due to the strong catapult effect and the need for precise technique.

Notable strengths:
• Very lightweight (~28 g cut)
• Sharp feel with high control
• Fast and disruptive, good for flicks and flat hits
• Enhanced spin potential for a short pips rubber

Potential limitations:
• Less spin than inverted rubbers
• Can be hard to control for beginners
• Demands blade compatibility and good touch

Overall, Nittaku Sonic AR is an excellent option for offensive short pips players looking for a fast, controlled, and unpredictable rubber with a modern feel. It stands out for its unique combination of speed, control, and playability, especially on the backhand side.