Nittaku Hayate 44

Nittaku Hayate 44 – is a high-quality short pips-out table tennis rubber, designed and manufactured in Japan, specially adapted for play with the larger 44 mm ball, but also effective with the standard 40 mm and 40+ plastic balls. Approved by ITTF and JTTA, the main highlight of this rubber is the ultra-fast "Blue Sponge" sponge, delivering high speed (16/20) and excellent spin (13.5/20). Utilizing Nittaku's ACTIVE CHARGE technology, Hayate 44 offers an exceptional balance of speed and spin, making it ideal for aggressive attackers who play close to the table and emphasize fast, flat hits (smashes) and spin-based shots. The very soft sponge (22.5°) and unique pimple design make this rubber stand out in terms of speed, control, and unpredictability, especially for topspin and banana flick shots.

Main features:

• Rubber type: Short pimples-out, adapted for large ball
• Speed: 16/20
• Spin: 13.5/20
• Sponge hardness: 22.5° (very soft, approximately 27° on the ESN scale)
• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm, MAX
• Colors: Red, Black
• Country of origin: Japan
• Approvals: ITTF and JTTA approved
• Weight: ~42 g (uncut, 180x170 mm), ~29 g (cut, 157x150 mm)
• Technologies: ACTIVE CHARGE system, "Blue Sponge" sponge

Nittaku Hayate 44 features a modern construction optimized for extremely fast, aggressive close-to-the-table play, with strong spin potential:

Sponge (22.5°):
The ultra-soft "Blue Sponge" sponge (22.5° on Nittaku scale, approx. 27° ESN) is one of the softest among short pips rubbers, providing strong catapult effect and excellent ball rebound. Its fine-pore structure absorbs incoming energy and converts it into speed and spin, giving a lively yet controlled feel. Compared to Nittaku Moristo 44 (25°) and Jewel Large (20°), Hayate 44’s sponge is slightly harder than Jewel Large but softer than Moristo 44, offering a great balance of speed and control in blocking, short play, and attacks.

Top sheet and pimple geometry:
Hayate 44 has short, vertically aligned pimples with a textured surface on a thin, elastic top sheet. This design enables high spin generation (13.5/20) for a short pips rubber, close to inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (61/100). The pimples are small, flexible, and optimized for fast flat hits, topspin strokes, and spin pushes. Compared to Moristo 44 (spin 12.5/20), Hayate 44 offers more spin, and significantly more than Moristo SP AX (8.5/20). The top sheet is slightly tacky, reducing sensitivity to incoming spin, making blocking and counter-attacks easier.

ACTIVE CHARGE technology:
Nittaku’s ACTIVE CHARGE system enhances the elasticity of the top sheet and sponge, providing additional speed and spin without external boosters. This technology ensures a “crisp” feeling on impact, allowing players to precisely regulate stroke power and spin, especially during fast close-to-the-table shots. Compared to Moristo 44, Hayate 44 feels faster and more lively due to the "Blue Sponge" sponge.

Lightweight:
Hayate 44 is a very light rubber (~29 g cut), lighter than Moristo SP (~31 g) or Yasaka Rakza PO (~35 g). This lightness allows pairing with heavier blades, such as the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC, without losing racket balance.

The rubber is offered in two thicknesses: 2.0 mm is suitable for balanced play, while MAX is for aggressive offensive shots, especially flat hits and topspin attacks. Colors – red and black – meet ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glues, such as Nittaku Fine Zip, when assembling the rubber.

Technical specifications and playing characteristics:

Speed (16/20):
Hayate 44 is one of the fastest short pips rubbers, suitable for flat hits, backhand and forehand attacks, and third-ball attacks. Compared to Moristo 44 (15/20), Hayate 44 is faster, close to Nittaku Royal Large (15/20). The "Blue Sponge" provides a strong catapult effect, especially on flat hits, but requires precision to prevent overshooting.

Spin (13.5/20):
Due to the vertical pimple structure and ACTIVE CHARGE technology, Hayate 44 generates high spin for a short pips rubber, effective in topspin shots, serves, pushes, and banana flicks. Compared to Moristo 44 (12.5/20), spin is higher, and much higher than Moristo SP AX (8.5/20). The rubber is less sensitive to incoming spin, making it excellent for blocking and countering.

Control:
The soft sponge (22.5°) and flexible pimples ensure high control in blocking, short pushes, and precise shots. Compared to Moristo SP, Hayate 44 is more forgiving due to the softer sponge, making it suitable for a wider range of players, including intermediate players transitioning to short pips.

Trajectory:
Low, flat, and somewhat unpredictable – ideal for flat hits, blocks, and fast attacks at the table. The trajectory is straighter than with inverted rubbers (e.g., Tenergy 05, arc 63/100), making it less suitable for mid-distance play, but excellent for aggressive close-to-the-table strikes.

Gameplay aspects:

Flat hits (smashing):
Hayate 44 is extremely effective for flat hits (9.6/10), especially with the 44 mm ball, generating powerful, unpredictable trajectories. The soft "Blue Sponge" and ACTIVE CHARGE tech make shots fast and precise, suitable for both forehand and backhand.

Drives (attacking):
The rubber is very fast for both backhand and forehand drives (9.5/10), offering excellent speed and strong spin. The trajectory is flat with high spin, putting pressure on the opponent. Compared to Moristo 44, Hayate 44 is faster with more spin.

Blocking:
Blocks against topspin are fast, flat, and stable (9.3/10). The soft sponge reduces sensitivity to incoming spin, making the rubber forgiving even against strong topspin shots. Compared to Moristo SP, Hayate 44 offers more spin and speed, but slightly less disruption effect.

Pushes (pushing):
Long pushes are controlled (9.0/10) with strong spin, but due to speed and elasticity, require precise touch. Short pushes and touch shots are high quality (9.2/10), as the rubber becomes "deader" on low-impact shots, ensuring stability in short play.

Flicks:
Hayate 44 is excellent for banana flicks (9.4/10), especially when attacking backspin, due to strong spin and speed. Shots are effective if performed precisely at the top of the ball’s bounce.

Compatibility with blades:

Nittaku Hayate 44 is compatible with various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and feel:

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