Nittaku Hammond CR (VA)

Nittaku Hammond CR (VA) is a top-tier offensive table tennis rubber with inverted pips (smooth surface), designed and manufactured in Japan according to the highest Japanese production standards. Approved by ITTF and JTTA, this rubber’s main strengths are balanced speed (13.5/20), strong spin (11.5/20), and exceptional control (14.5/20), achieved by the combination of a soft “VA” sponge (~37° on the ESN scale) and the legendary “Hammond” topsheet. The Hammond CR (VA) is specially made for the 40+ plastic ball, offering easy handling and high speed potential, making it a popular choice among both amateurs and professionals. The rubber features a medium-low trajectory ideal for precise attacks, counterattacks, and ball placement. The soft “VA” sponge treated with a special process increases power and spin potential while maintaining excellent control. With low tackiness (~2/10), lightweight construction (~31 g trimmed), and durability, the Hammond CR (VA) suits a fast playing style that smoothly transitions between offense and defense, making it versatile and suitable for players of various levels.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Inverted pips (smooth)

• Speed: 13.5/20

• Spin: 11.5/20

• Control: 14.5/20 (approximate, per Nittaku scale)

• Sponge hardness: ~37° (soft, “VA” version, ESN scale)

• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm

• Colors: Red, black

• Country of origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF and JTTA approved

• Weight: ~44 g (untrimmed, 180x170 mm), ~31 g (trimmed, 157x150 mm)

• Technologies: “CR” sponge with “VA” treatment, legendary “Hammond” topsheet, low tackiness (~2/10)

• Category: Offensive-Universal (OFF/ALL+)

Construction and Materials:

The Nittaku Hammond CR (VA) combines a soft, specially treated “VA” sponge and a hard, low-tack Hammond topsheet to deliver a balanced blend of speed, spin, and control:

• Sponge (~37°): The soft “CR” sponge in the “VA” version (~37° ESN scale) is treated with a special technology that increases elasticity and power while maintaining high control. Compared to the regular Nittaku Hammond CR (~38°), the Hammond CR (VA) sponge is softer, offering more forgiveness and control, especially for topspin shots, blocks, and short play. Compared to the medium-hard Nittaku Hammond Z2 (~45°), it is significantly softer, suitable for a wider range of players, including intermediate-level players. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 80 (36°), the sponge hardness is similar but offers a balanced “catapult effect” suitable for fast strokes and technical play. The fine-pored sponge structure gives a “soft” yet dynamic feel, ideal for offensive close-to-the-table play.

• Topsheet: The hard, low-tack Hammond topsheet (tackiness ~2/10) is optimized for the 40+ plastic ball, ensuring stable grip and quick response to various spins. The topsheet produces strong spin (11.5/20), especially on topspin strokes, serves, and banana flicks. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (spin 12/20), the Hammond CR (VA) offers slightly less spin but is less sensitive to incoming spin than tacky Chinese rubbers like Hurricane Pro 3 (15/20), making blocking and counterattacks easier. Compared to Donic Bluefire M1, the Hammond CR (VA) offers a similar speed-control balance but with a softer feel and higher spin potential.

• “CR” Sponge Technology with “VA” Treatment: The modern “CR” sponge reinforced with “VA” treatment reduces energy loss on impact, increasing ball rebound and speed (13.5/20). The special sponge treatment increases elasticity, giving the rubber additional power, especially on topspin and flat shots. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2, Hammond CR (VA) offers less speed but more control and spin, making it more versatile.

• Lightweight and Durable: The Hammond CR (VA) is lightweight (~31 g trimmed), lighter than Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~35 g) and Donic Bluefire M1 (~37 g). This lightness allows pairing with heavier blades like Butterfly Viscaria without losing racket balance. The rubber is durable and maintains its characteristics even after intensive use, making it economical.

Technical Specifications and Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (13.5/20): A fast rubber suitable for topspin attacks, flat hits, and third-ball attacks. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2 (16.5/20), speed is lower but with more control. Compared to the regular Hammond CR (~38°, 13/20), speed is slightly higher due to the specially treated “VA” sponge, providing a controllable “catapult effect” ideal for fast close-to-the-table strokes.

• Spin (11.5/20): The hard, low-tack topsheet (~2/10 tackiness) generates strong spin, especially on topspin strokes, serves, and banana flicks. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (12/20), spin is slightly lower but close to Donic Bluefire M1 (11.5/20). Low tackiness makes it easier to respond to various spins, effective in blocking and counterattacking.

• Control (14.5/20): The soft “VA” sponge (~37°) and low-tack topsheet provide high control for technical players, especially in topspin strokes, blocks, and short play. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2 (11.8/20), Hammond CR (VA) is more forgiving, suitable for a broader player base including intermediate players. Compared to Donic Bluefire M1, it is less “bouncy” and easier to handle for serve reception and short play near the net.

• Trajectory: Medium-low trajectory on topspin shots, ideal for precise attacks and counterattacks. When blocking, the trajectory is straighter, suitable for stable blocks close to the table. Compared to Nittaku Hammond Z2 (arc 63/100), Hammond CR (VA) offers a lower trajectory, fitting players seeking precise ball placement.

Gameplay Aspects:

• Attacks (Driving): Hammond CR (VA) excels in topspin attacks (9.2/10) and counterattacks (9.3/10), especially forehand strokes, producing precise hits with strong spin. Suitable for third-ball attacks and counterattacks on backspin balls, particularly close to the table.

• Blocking: Blocks against topspin are stable and precise (9.4/10) due to low tackiness (~2/10) and reduced sensitivity to incoming spin. Allows fast passive and active blocks, especially on the forehand side, and is easier to control than tacky Chinese rubbers like Hurricane Pro 3.

• Pushing: Long pushes (9.1/10) generate strong backspin making it difficult for opponents to respond. Short pushes (9.3/10) are very precise, suitable for short play near the table due to the soft “VA” sponge.

• Flick Shots: Banana flicks (9.2/10) are effective, especially when performing topspin strokes over backspin, thanks to the grippy topsheet and speed.

• Serving and Receiving: Serves (9.3/10) are strong, especially backspin and side-spin serves, generating high spin. Passive receiving (9.4/10) is stable due to reduced sensitivity to incoming spin; active receiving such as flicks is effective.

• Flat Hits (Smashing): Suitable for flat hits (9.1/10), producing fast, precise trajectories suitable for both forehand and backhand.

Compatibility with Blades:

Nittaku Hammond CR (VA) suits various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and control:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Provides feel and control, ideal for technical players.

• Nittaku Violin: Balances speed and feel, suitable for topspin strokes.

• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed, suitable for aggressive attackers.

• Butterfly Korbel: Offers stability, suitable for control and blocks.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Adds extra speed, suitable for flat hits.

Due to its light weight (~31 g trimmed), Hammond CR (VA) pairs well with heavier blades like Butterfly Viscaria or Mizutani Jun Super ZLC without losing racket balance. Users recommend using Hammond CR (VA) on the forehand or backhand side with 2.0 mm sponge thickness for a balanced combination of speed, spin, and control.

Additional Information:

Nittaku Hammond CR (VA) stands out for its versatility, suitable for both offensive and all-round players seeking a balance of speed, spin, and control. Compared to the regular Nittaku Hammond CR (~38°), the Hammond CR (VA) is softer and more forgiving, offering more spin and control, making it suitable for a wider range of players including beginners and intermediate players.