Butterfly Sriver

I used an older sheet, not very spinny and quite dull.

It is lovely for actively blocking heavy topspin. You can make your opponent quite angry when you show him all the corners of the table.

This rubber is good but only for beginners and intermediate players. Many years ago I had the chance to play with this rubber on both FH and BH on an all-wood blade, Mazunov. This combination doesn’t give the best speed or spin but it gives the proper amount of control for a beginner. I don’t know if you replaced the blade with a fast carbon one, you will get the speed you want or not, but it will give you the amount of control and speed you need if you are a beginner.

Another all-time classic rubber. I started using it as my backhand rubber when I first began playing.

This is a perfect beginner rubber from Butterfly. It is also one of the cheaper Butterfly rubbers and is soft and bouncy, which is good for starters or beginners.

Use it on the forehand (FH) only on a slightly flexible but fast blade. The new ball will get some heat on the table.

Maybe this rubber was good before I was born, but it has no chance today. It is the worst rubber I have tried yet.

I tried Mark V from Yasaka because someone said that it was one of two competitors for this rubber. Mark V had much more spin feeling and it actually held the line to a certain level even today.

When you see the manufacturer’s numbers, you won’t buy it:

Manufacturer Details
Speed 10 / 15
Spin 8.0 / 15!

Way, way far from the capabilities of that times Tenergy, I’m talking Yasaka Mark V here, with a Hans Ahlser blade, that is out now in three different versions and that can ONLY.

It’s still a good rubber, but in this price range, I would say many other rubbers play better than Sriver. Sriver is better for control and suits all-around style players.

My first rubber. This rubber is good but not good to return passive strokes, especially when countering backspin. The only best choice is to use backhand or forehand topspin. If you use chop or push, it is difficult to aim low and most of it will end with lob game.

This is a good choice for day 1 table tennis lesson, and still a good choice when you need faster rubber, just boost it.

Along with Mark V, for me if you prefer European style / or hitter, Sriver is best for it. But if you like Chinese style / brush, I suggest you switch to Mark V.

My first decent rubber was the Sriver, which I used on my BH with a thickness of 1.9mm.

However, I never really liked this rubber since I first glued it on my all-wood Primorac. It felt dead, lacked consistency in shots, and didn’t offer much speed or spin. Additionally, it lacked control.

For classic rubbers, I much prefer Yasaka’s Mark V. When compared to the Sriver, it’s truly much better in every aspect.

The Sriver is an outdated rubber, yet its price is still ridiculously high. Even if you’re a new player, I would advise you to stay away from this rubber.

Blade: Yasaka MEO

FH: Globe 999 Nat 39 Deg Black

BH: Sriver 1.9 Red

Coming from softer rubbers like Solcion or Sriver FX, I found Globe 999 Nat a highly controllable rubber for my BH. It enables me to perform opening loops against various opponent spins. While its speed is not sufficient for decisive finishes against strong opponents, the exceptional control allows for precise placement of the ball with moderate pace.

Unlike soft rubbers with high catapult, Globe 999 Nat exhibits a linear response. After using this rubber for two months with consistent practice, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my BH controlled loop. It has allowed me to consistently defeat opponents rated around USATT 1700.

I am a developing player who usually faces intermediate and occasional advanced players at my club. My first custom rubber was 2.1 mm Sriver on both FH and BH. I chose this rubber for its control.

Serves have good spin and control, and returning serves is generally good. However, against advanced players, returning serves becomes more challenging, likely due to my technique.

Close to the table, this rubber excels, particularly with FH or BH drives. It offers versatility, but at a slow pace, it requires significant effort to clear the net. Dropping a ball on the rubber results in minimal bounce, which took some adjustment from my previous premade racket.

BH flicks against backspin are decent, but require focus. The same applies to FH flicks close to the table, likely due to the medium-low throw angle. Blocking and looping away from the table are challenging, likely due to my technique.

Overall, while this rubber performs well close to the table, it becomes difficult to control away from the table. Despite this, I recommend it to players seeking their first custom rubber. However, I am now looking to upgrade to something faster.

Very good rubber for beginners (someone who has just started playing, is confident at rallying and wants to start looking at flicks and loops, etc.). It has great control, but strong players will find it too slow.

This rubber is a great choice for all players, offering excellent control. I’ve used it on my backhand, but it needs more speed. Despite this, it’s a classic rubber that performs well.

Sriver Rubber Review

Used in 2.1mm on a Waldner Allplay blade, the Sriver rubber provides unparalleled control. It enables players to execute low-spin topspins with moderate speed. Due to its low sensitivity to incoming spin, the rubber facilitates effortless service returns and precise ball placement.

While it performs adequately for chops and serves, its strengths lie in its exceptional ball placement capabilities, tempo variations, and consistent control in all situations. However, its drawbacks include a lack of spin generation and a recent price increase.

Speed glue rubber, a legendary rubber, has been used by top table tennis players for decades.

Its high speed, spin and control have made it a favorite among both professional and recreational players. However, with the advent of modern water-based glues, speed glue rubber has become less popular, as it is no longer necessary to use speed glue to achieve similar performance.

I cannot believe the glowing reviews this rubber received. I read these reviews and, due to the fact that it is supposedly a classic, I purchased a sheet of Sriver and Mark V MAX from ttnpp.com to try out these “classics”. Ultimately, I was disappointed with the Sriver.

Compared directly to the Mark V, I found that the Sriver had almost no throw and had a plastic feel. The dwell time was low compared to the Mark V and my loops would end up in the net or out. Consequently, I had no confidence that my attacks would land.

This rubber is not suitable for looping, especially brush looping. It suits the close-to-the-table “control” style of playing, consisting of pushing, blocking, and smashing or driving pop-ups.

A very good rubber for players who are starting to develop topspin shots and want to branch out into the world of rubbers. I used this myself at the same stage on my FH and one thing I noticed was that the control was very good. The Spin and Speed were nothing special but you could keep the ball on the table consistently.

I got it because it was fairly cheap and because I read reviews about it being the top rubber for many professional players. There are many rubbers that are faster and more spinny, however, for players starting off, you can’t go too far wrong with this.

Butterfly’s best-selling rubber worldwide. Fast with control. A very balanced top sheet that reacts well to spin. This rubber shines in countering and offers good ball feedback due to the 38-degree sponge. Not the fastest or spinniest from Butterfly but the most balanced for all-around offense. Great for all levels of players. Very easy to change speed and spin, so it has many gears. An all-time great rubber.

Update:

Having tried some high-performance tensors, I tried Sriver MAX on a Donic OFF carbon blade. I am a 1600-level player with hundreds of tournaments under my belt. Don’t believe Sriver is outdated—it performs brilliantly. It has very good speed and spin, but the main factor is its outstanding control at high-speed exchanges. Loops are like an eagle coming in for the kill. Low throw with lots of spin. My opponents ask if I’m using T05! When I show them my racket, they can’t believe it. Don’t buy high-priced tensors unless you are a pro. It’s still the number 1 selling rubber in the world for a reason, even in this age of tensors or glue-effect rubbers. For some that think unglued Sriver is too slow, put it on an OFF+ carbon blade and experience a lot of speed with control, something that is lacking in many tensor or glue-effect rubbers.

For Championship Play! A common choice in the past for beginner’s to intermediate levels, a Classic, a Legend!

If you compare Mark V to MV, the latter is much better in all aspects. Time and evolution have ended the reign of these rubbers, although they are still very good for intermediate players and the like.

It is a good old rubber with fantastic control. I changed my BH from Yasaka Mark V to Sriver and got immediate results. I was able to block better with it.

Recommended for those who want a rubber with good control but also want to open from the BH side.

Review

Back in the early 90s, when I was just starting out in table tennis, Sriver rubber was the must-have. Living in a small town, I had limited access to other rubbers, so Sriver became my go-to. With no internet to order from China, it was the best I could get.

As a 4th grader, I was thrilled to receive a new sheet of Sriver from my parents. It made me feel like the king of the world! However, our family wasn’t wealthy, so I was only able to experience this joy once a year or so.

Many years have passed since the 90s, and while I don’t use Sriver anymore, it still holds a special place in my heart.

Pros:

• Solid all-around performance

Cons:

• Bizarrely expensive ($25-30 per sheet) for a dated rubber

Recommendation:

While Sriver is often recommended as a good beginner’s rubber, I believe there are better options available for a fraction of the price, such as Yasaka Zap Bio or Palio CJ 8000 Bio. It’s important to note that newer rubbers and beginners have evolved since my time, so it’s essential to consider the most suitable rubber for your current needs.

Enjoy playing table tennis and stay happy!

I had it as Forehand since I was a kid (Sriver S), great for developing topspin variations.
Then recently used it as Backhand for 2 years (Sriver L), good control also on 2.1 mm thickness.
It lasts forever. My Sriver S red still can generate spin after 15 years!!.

Fast, consistent, and reliable rubber! A must-have for backhand (BH) for offensive players.

This is a very good rubber that has been used by players for ages. It has great spin and speed. I use it in 2.1 mm on both sides of my Primorac. Get this rubber, you won’t regret it.

Can’t go wrong with Sriver! It is very versatile and good for practicing.

A perfect classic for all-around players and beginners. This rubber lacks power for the ban glue era, but its spin, control, and quality are still very good. The main issue is the price! You can get a better rubber from XIOM (Vega Pro/Omega4 Pro) or Stiga for almost the same amount of money. If Butterfly would lower the price of this rubber to $15, I would recommend it as an entry-level rubber for any beginner or all-around player. However, if you are an offensive player, this rubber does not have the power you need.

I definitely hate this rubber. I would choose Mark V any day over this. It is so “mute”. Nothing sticks out as impressive or particular. It is probably perfect for control players of a certain level. I know many pros used it in the 80s, but I could bet no one really uses it now but for their first assembled racket.

Butterfly’s best-selling rubber worldwide after so many years. Medium speed to fast (but not very fast) with good control. This is a very balanced top sheet that reacts well to spin and is best used in countering + blocking. It offers good ball feedback due to its medium-hard sponge. This rubber may not be the fastest or spinniest by Butterfly standards, but IMO it is a balanced rubber for all-around play.

Good for beginners to intermediate-level players. I keep this in my back-up paddle as I played penhold.

Goma media en todos los aspectos.
Hay gomas tensor mejores que esta con el mismo precio.

I have been using this on my backhand for 30 years.
Love it.

This is just a steady control rubber that has the density to put balls away with enough effort. It does not excel at anything, but it also does not lack in gears and capabilities either. A safe choice for a steady backhand.

This was my first rubber, and it’s pretty good for a start. You can loop easily and with good effect. Actually, I use a Bryce, and I think that the Sriver is slower, but it’s also easier to use…

In today’s market, Sriver may not be the fastest or spinniest rubber, but it may be the most versatile. Great, long-lasting, and nowadays “cheap,” this Japanese rubber can do it all. Sriver is the reference by which other rubbers are judged.

Love this rubber! It’s a classic! I prefer it to any other rubber, with only two exceptions. Only while top spinning does it go a bit off, but otherwise it’s great!

Don’t like this rubber. It’s too fast and unspinny for me.

My chop and block tend to go over the table.

The best rubber I’ve ever played with using speed glue. It has great speed and spin without a high throw angle. There is no other rubber that can play like the glued Sriver, even Tenergy.

In Indonesia, Sriver is the number one serious beginner rubber. I have used a Mark V and I’d say that the Mark V has better speed, but the Sriver’s spin is better than the Mark V’s spin.

One of the all-time greats, along with the Mark V, fantastic all-rounder and even today, is a great rubber.

I tried a paddle with an old (and I mean old) Butterfly D13-soft, and a modern Sriver. The sponges are different (because the old style was banned, I believe), but the play was still exactly the same.

Great rubber. It’ll never let you down.

A truly average workhorse. I have played with this over the years to develop my techniques. As I advanced from beginner to intermediate, I started looking for new rubber that offers more spin and power. Check my review on Friendship 729 Cream Transcend which is slightly better than Sriver in most areas at a lower price.

I recently bought Sriver (1 month ago), as my coach recommended them. I find that it is a great rubber that does not require you to adapt to it; it naturally adapts to the user. It gives great control, and its price is very reasonable compared to other Butterfly rubbers, yet it has great characteristics.

However, I’m not sure why, but my rubbers rot very easily. I play around 10 hours a week, so I guess I may have gotten a bad batch.

Well, I still recommend this rubber for any players seeking to learn, improve their stroke, without sacrificing anything to adapt to this rubber. It’s also a good choice for all-around players who don’t mind that the rubber does not produce major spins or great speeds. Note that the rubber still has relatively high spin and speed.

It is the most popular rubber used here in Brunei Darussalam. It performs very well when used on the forehand or backhand. My students have won a lot of matches here in Brunei with it. Overall, it’s an excellent rubber if you are looking for a great game. Personally, I use it on my backhand when coaching my students.

This is a very good rubber, especially for beginners who lack consistency in form during basic strokes (FH & BH loops, drives, and chops). It is more affordable than higher-end rubbers (like the Tenergy rubbers) and is well-suited for a controlled game.

When paired with the Butterfly Primorac paddle, you will have one of the best quality beginner setups available.

I like this rubber when it’s on my opponent’s blade. It never causes me a problem because it may do most things okay, but it doesn’t do anything in the speed, spin, and excitement department!!!

Sriver- D13-L

A legendary table tennis rubber, the Sriver- D13-L is known for its exceptional control and spin. It is suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. The rubber has a medium-hard sponge that provides a good balance of speed and control. The topsheet is grippy and allows for a wide range of spin techniques. The Sriver- D13-L is a great choice for players who want to improve their control and spin without sacrificing speed.

Sriver, introduced in 1967, remains a popular choice in table tennis. This classic all-round offensive rubber excels in blocking, providing decent spin and speed with good control, making it suitable for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

Sriver demands precise stroke execution to harness its full potential, fostering the development of a decisive forehand. Its exceptional durability and value for money make it an attractive option for players seeking a reliable and cost-effective rubber.

A classic that everyone can play with from beginner to professional. It’s very durable. Today there are lots of faster alternatives. But this is a real do-it-all rubber. Fantastic!

I like it as an all-around rubber. I think it is faster but has a little less control than Mark V.

After having played with Flextra, I moved on to Sriver on my backhand. Ten years after I started playing with it, I still love the rubber. It lasted a long time and has become one of my favorites.

It is very consistent in every aspect, including spin, speed, and control. It is a perfect rubber for the intermediate player who wants to move up through the ranks.

If you’re a beginner who is moving up to the intermediate level, don’t hesitate to try Sriver. This rubber is very forgiving and will help you continue your growth. Even though the difference was slightly noticeable when moving away from Flextra, the transition was very smooth. Overall, it is a classic!

Tenergy is much more powerful and spinny. You should consider changing to Tenergy unless you are a beginner. Sriver is a great rubber for beginners.

This versatile rubber is suitable for various playing styles and is particularly beginner-friendly. It facilitates the learning of essential strokes and strategies. The rubber’s capabilities extend to all aspects of table tennis, excluding chopping. Notably, it offers excellent durability, providing long-lasting performance.

Sriver shares the spotlight with Mark V as the world’s best-selling rubber. Fast with good control, it is best suited for an all-around offensive game. Quick counters are great with Sriver, which is less affected by your opponent’s spin due to its balanced topsheet. The medium-hard sponge is 38 degrees. For loopers, consider Sriver EL or Sriver FX.

Not the fastest or spinniest rubber, but still a great choice for a wide range of players from beginner to pro.

Sriver Table Tennis Rubber Review

I’ve played with Sriver table tennis rubber for many months now. I got the rubber from Tees Sport at the start of the Northumberland Summer League, and it is still in great condition. I currently use it on my forehand with a 1.9 mm thickness, and it is fantastic. I play as an all-around player, and it performs well for drives, chops, pushes, serves, smashes, and much more. I would suggest this rubber to an all-around attacking player.

However, the only thing is that it is not very fast. That’s why I’ve bought Sriver G2 FX.

I have found a Sriver rubber on one of my old paddles from 20 years ago, and it still plays well. Though not exactly ideal for my lop and attack game, it may be good for the backhand side on my backup paddle.

I tested the Tenergy 25 this week. It is a good rubber but way overpriced. I am looking for an alternative.

Good for beginners or mid-level players. Not suitable for all-out looping and attacking due to requiring too much muscle work.

Durability is exceptional. I have a 20-year-old Sriver D13-L Tomasu CO. Tokio rubber that still spins the ball effectively.

This rubber is an excellent choice for beginners. It has a controlled speed and is easy to handle. It is also reasonably priced.

Its durability is impressive, making it a worthwhile investment for players looking to enhance their game and move away from recreational paddles.

I find that this rubber performs better for countering when unglued or untuned. It’s a very linear rubber, meaning the amount of speed and spin output is directly proportional to the amount of effort you put in.

The sponge is of medium hardness, with a hardness rating in the low 40s to high 30s. The topsheet is non-tacky and has a medium hardness.

While it is possible to loop with this rubber, it requires more effort compared to a sheet of Mark V. I have had a sheet of this rubber on my backhand since January, and it still shows minimal signs of wear.

Very good rubber, probably my favorite next to Mark V. My primary blade has Mark V on both sides, but I have Sriver on the backhand side of my backup blade (which is the same: Boll TriCarbon). Sriver is very similar to Mark V in most aspects: decent speed, controllable spin, many gears, and incredible control.

On the other hand, there are subtle but noticeable differences between the two rubbers. Sriver is slightly less tacky, especially when new. With a bit of wear down, they are almost identical in this aspect. Sriver has a very slightly harder topsheet with a comparably soft sponge to Mark V.

The one thing that I find Sriver excels at over Mark V is its durability. I have a friend that used Sriver long before I did, and it barely seemed to wear down at all.

All in all, I can see why Sriver is the most popular rubber out there. The only thing was, I think the top sheet is just ever so slightly too hard. Mark V seemed to be perfect for me, so maybe I’m just biased.

In today’s market, Sriver may not be the fastest or spinniest rubber, but it may be the most versatile. This is a great, long-lasting, and nowadays “cheap” Japanese rubber that can do it all. This is the reference by which other rubbers are judged.

I’m using Sriver with approximately 2.1 mm Kawatsuki sponge. This rubber is ideal for blocking, hitting, counter drives, and pushes. The spin is quite decent. In my opinion, the best features are its excellent durability and low price.

This rubber is fantastic for beginners and experienced players alike. Whether you choose to glue it or not, this rubber provides all the necessary gears for an attacking player.

You can play fresh-glue rubber, but you can play it without it, too.

Great rubber for all types of players. It’s a classic.

VERY RELIABLE RUBBER

This rubber offers excellent reliability, making it a trustworthy choice for table tennis players of all skill levels.

COST EFFECTIVE

In addition to its reliability, this rubber is also cost-effective, offering great value for money.

EASY AVAILABILITY

Availability is no issue with this rubber, as it is widely available, ensuring that you can easily find it at most table tennis retailers.

WONDERFUL RUBBER FOR PROS AND AMATEURS