Nittaku Royal Large

Nittaku Royal Large – Elite Short Pips Rubber for Aggressive Play

Nittaku Royal Large is a high-end short pips-out table tennis rubber designed for aggressive attackers seeking high speed, spin, and a solid impact feel. Specially adapted for the 44 mm large ball but also performing excellently with the standard 40 mm and 40+ plastic balls, this rubber targets players who prefer a fast, attacking playstyle both at the table and from mid-distance. Made in Japan and approved by the ITTF and JTTA, Nittaku Royal Large incorporates ACTIVE CHARGE technology for outstanding speed (15/20) and spin (14/20), while maintaining excellent control. A top choice among elite players, it allows powerful shots with unpredictable trajectories and a firm bounce.

• Rubber type: Short pips (pimples-out), optimized for the large ball
• Speed: 15/20
• Spin: 14/20
• Sponge hardness: 20° (very soft)
• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm, MAX.
• Colors: Red, black
• Made in: Japan
• Certifications: ITTF & JTTA approved
• Technology: ACTIVE CHARGE
• Weight: ~45 g (uncut), ~30 g (cut, 157x150 mm)

Advanced Construction for High-Level Offensive Play

• Sponge (20°):
The very soft sponge (20° on the Nittaku scale, ~30–35° on the ESN scale) is one of the softest among short pips rubbers, offering outstanding rebound and a “catapult effect.” It absorbs incoming energy and releases it as extra speed, creating a lively yet controllable feel. Compared to Nittaku Sonic AR (32.5°), Royal Large is much softer, offering greater forgiveness, better touch in the short game, and superior blocking control. Its light weight (~30 g cut) makes it ideal for pairing with heavier blades.

• Top Sheet & Pips Geometry:
The vertically aligned short pips are engineered to generate high spin (14/20 for short pips). The slightly tacky top sheet is optimized for fast hits and spin generation, making it effective for topspins, serves, and pushes. Compared to Sonic AR (7.25/20 spin), Royal Large generates significantly more spin, approaching the level of Moristo SP AX (8.50/20). The pips are small, tall, and have a grippy texture, ensuring stability and low sensitivity to incoming spin—great for blocking and counter-attacking.

• ACTIVE CHARGE Technology:
This Nittaku technology enhances rubber elasticity, delivering extra speed and bounce without external boosters. It provides a firm strike feel and allows precise power and spin adjustment, especially on fast shots and mid-distance attacks. Among short pips, Royal Large stands out for its unique speed (15/20) and spin combination—ideal for aggressive attackers.

• Large Ball Adaptation:
While designed for the 44 mm ball, Royal Large also performs excellently with 40 mm and 40+ plastic balls, ensuring versatility for different playing styles. The rubber enables unpredictable trajectories that challenge opponents' reactions.

Sponge Thickness Guide:
• Thick (1.7–1.9 mm): Best for maximum control and backhand use
• Super Thick (1.9–2.1 mm): Balanced performance
• MAX (2.1 mm+): For aggressive forehand attacks

Available in red and black to meet ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glues such as Nittaku Fine Zip for mounting.

Performance Breakdown

• Speed (15/20):
Exceptionally fast for a short pips rubber—suitable for flat hits, quick shots at the table, third ball attacks, and mid-distance drives. Faster than Sonic AR (13.75/20) yet retains control thanks to the soft sponge. Comparable to Yasaka Rakza PO (~15/20) in speed, but with more spin and forgiveness.

• Spin (14/20):
Thanks to vertical pips and a slightly tacky top sheet, Royal Large produces remarkable spin for a short pips rubber—close to inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (61/100). Great for light topspins, serving, and pushing while remaining insensitive to incoming spin—excellent for blocking and counter-attacking. Far more spin than Sonic AR (7.25/20).

• Control:
The very soft sponge (20°) and flexible pips offer excellent control on blocks, short pushes, and precision shots. More forgiving than harder short pips like Butterfly Orthodox, making it suitable even for intermediate players transitioning to pips.

• Trajectory:
Low, straight, and slightly unpredictable—ideal for flat hits, blocks, and close-to-table attacks. Straighter than inverted rubbers like Tenergy 80 FX (arc 63/100), it's optimized for speed, though requires precision on topspins.

• Driving (Attack):
Lively and fast for both backhand and forehand attacks (9.4/10), delivering strong speed and a solid hit feel. The flat trajectory with minimal spin makes returns harder for opponents. Faster and spinnier than Sonic AR, while maintaining control.

• Hits Against Spin:
Extremely effective against backspin (9.6/10) with high stability and accuracy. Its speed and soft sponge help lift the ball easily over the net—ideal for third ball attacks.

• Blocking:
Blocks against topspin are fast, flat, and stable (9.2/10). The soft sponge reduces sensitivity to incoming spin, making it forgiving even against heavy topspins. More control than Sonic AR due to the softer sponge.

• Flat Hits (Smashing):
Excellent for smashing (9.0/10) with powerful, unpredictable trajectories. Suitable for both forehand and backhand, especially when combined with harder blades like the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC.

• Pushing:
Long pushes are controllable (8.5/10), though the rubber’s speed and elasticity require precision. Short pushes and touch shots are high-quality (9.0/10), as the rubber “deadens” on light contact, providing excellent short game stability.

• Flicks:
Royal Large excels at flicks (9.3/10), especially when attacking spin. Best when performed at the peak of the ball’s trajectory.

Blade Pairings:
Royal Large pairs well with various blades, especially those emphasizing speed and feel:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Offers feel and control—great for allround players
• Nittaku Violin: Balanced speed and touch—ideal for fast hits
• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed and precision for advanced play