On the world’s highest stage of competitive sports, every tiny detail of equipment choice can mean the difference between victory and defeat. For elite table tennis players, the combination of blade and rubber is far from a casual decision—it is the result of countless experiments, adjustments, and refinements, ultimately forming a personal “winning formula.” Some players prefer carbon-fiber blades for their explosive speed and penetrating power, designed to rip through an opponent’s defense with precision and aggression. Others stay loyal to the solid feel of classic five-ply all-wood blades, using the natural dwell time to generate heavy spin and precise control over the rhythm of play. The selection of rubbers adds another layer of complexity. On the forehand, the raw power of Hurricane rubbers exemplifies a kind of “aesthetic violence,” producing fierce topspin loops that dominate rallies. On the backhand, rubbers like Tenergy offer a delicate balance of grip and elasticity, allowing subtle touch shots and quick counters close to the table. Some players even turn to long pips for their unpredictable spin reversal, using deception as their tactical weapon.
Each of these combinations tells a story about the athlete’s playing philosophy and personal strengths. Ma Long’s setup, for instance, emphasizes stability and heavy spin, perfectly suited to his loop-driven attack system. Fan Zhendong’s configuration leans toward raw explosiveness and speed, matching his compact, high-intensity strokes. Harimoto Tomokazu’s equipment highlights lightning-fast reactions close to the table, while Timo Boll’s balanced setup blends control and adaptability, allowing him to transition smoothly between defense and offense. Behind every configuration lies an athlete’s deep understanding of their own technique, physical condition, and match strategy—a dialogue between human skill and material science.
For these players, equipment is not just a tool but an extension of their body and mind. The synergy between blade and rubber becomes a reflection of years of training, experimentation, and self-discovery. While amateurs may not replicate the exact parameters of professional setups—since top players often customize their gear in ways unavailable to the public—they can still draw inspiration from the principles behind these choices. The key is not to chase speed or spin blindly, but to find the right “weapon” that amplifies one’s natural strengths and complements one’s playing style.
Ultimately, the beauty of table tennis lies in this harmony between player and equipment. Every stroke, every rally, and every spin embodies a perfect resonance between human creativity and technological precision. In the hands of the world’s best, a racket is no longer just an object—it becomes an instrument of artistry, strategy, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Credits: Pixabay
Blades and rubbers used by top male table tennis players
Fan Zhendong
Blade: Butterfly Fan Zhendong Super ALC
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
Ma Long
Blade: DHS W968
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Orange Sponge National
Lin Shidong
Blade: Viscaria Golden
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
Wang Chuqin
Blade: DHS Q968
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Orange Sponge National
Liang Jingkun
Blade: DHS W968
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Orange Sponge National
Tomokazu Harimoto
Blade: Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC
Forehand: Butterfly D05
Backhand: Butterfly D05
Felix Lebrun
Blade: Tibhar Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon
Forehand: Tibhar K3
Backhand: Tibhar K3
Hugo Calderano
Blade: Xiom Hugo Hal
Forehand: Xiom Jekyll & Hyde C55
Backhand: Xiom Vega Asia H
Truls Möregårdh
Blade: Stiga Cybershape Carbon CWT Truls Edition
Forehand: Stiga DNA Platinum XH
Backhand: Stiga DNA Platinum XH
Qiu Dang
Blade: Butterfly Viscaria
Forehand: Butterfly D09C
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
Tim Boll
Blade: Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Forehand: Butterfly D05
Backhand: Butterfly D05
Blades and rubbers used by top female table tennis players
Sun Yingsha
Blade: DHS Hurricane Sun
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: DHS Hurricane-8-80
Wang Manyu
Blade: STIGA Inspira Carbon
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D05
Wang Yidi
Blade: DHS Hurricane Long5 W968
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
Chen Xingtong
Blade: DHS Hurricane Long5 W968
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
Hayata Hina
Blade: Nittaku
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
Miwa Harimoto
Blade: Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC
Forehand: Butterfly D05
Backhand: Butterfly D05
Mima Ito
Blade: Mima Ito Carbon
Forehand: Nittaku G-1
Backhand: Moristo SP
Shin Yu-bin
Blade: DHS Hurricane Long5 W968
Forehand: DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Blue Sponge National
Backhand: Butterfly D09C
The racket and rubber combinations used by the world’s top table tennis players are not mere assemblies of equipment, but a precise balance of power, speed, spin, and control—reflecting their deep understanding of technique, physique, and strategy.
