Butterfly Tenergy 80 FX
Rubber description:
Tenergy 80 FX is a tensor rubber featuring the standard Tenergy 80 topsheet paired with a softer, more forgiving version of the Spring Sponge. It is designed to provide a more controlled, tactile experience compared to its non-FX counterpart. Because it engages the sponge more easily, it offers a distinct feel that some players find beneficial for consistency, while others may find it prone to unexpected catapult effects depending on their blade selection.
Performance Characteristics
- Speed and Spin: The rubber offers linear performance, providing moderate speed and decent spin levels. It lacks the extreme top-end speed and aggressive “pop” of stiffer Tenergy variants, making it better suited for players who prioritize shot placement over brute force.
- Control and Dwell: The softer sponge increases dwell time, which facilitates a variety of shots including blocks, flicks, and short-game adjustments. It is often described as a “jack of all trades,” providing a reliable, all-round performance that is less demanding than harder rubbers.
- Blade Dependency: This rubber is highly sensitive to the blade it is paired with. It tends to perform best on stiffer, composite, or 7-ply blades, as it can feel overly mushy or inconsistent on flexible, all-wood 5-ply blades.
- Throw Angle: Generally described as low to medium, though the arc can increase when used on more flexible blade setups.
Suitability
- Playstyle: It is frequently utilized as a backhand rubber due to its ease of use in passive play and blocking. While it can be used for looping, it requires a deliberate, high-quality stroke to generate significant spin and power, as it does not inherently provide the “magic arc” found in other tensors.
- Skill Level: While often marketed as a gateway into the Tenergy series, it is best suited for intermediate players who possess sound fundamental technique. Beginners may find it inconsistent if they have not yet mastered controlled contact, while advanced players looking for maximum speed or heavy spin might find it lacking compared to the original Tenergy 80 or 05.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2023
I tried this rubber for about 6 months but I could not get used to the soft sponge. I could compare Tenergy 80 to this FX version because that was what I was using at my FH at that time. I wrote my review of the Tenergy 80 so I would refer to that. For my playstyle, that rubber was way better than the FC version.
The FX is still fast and the short game is good, but I found less control in it than the regular one because the ball digs into the sponge far easier. The catapult effect of tenergy gets engaged with it easier which, for me, lead to balls sailing over the table. I found that the control on regular Tenergy 80 was far more consistent.
#2 — May 2017
Review of Tenergy 80 FX Table Tennis Rubber
Tenergy 80 FX rubber is slightly lacking in speed and spin compared to other modern rubbers, but it offers exceptional control. Initially, I found it unsatisfactory on my backhand, as passive hits were weak, and harder hits tended to go out of bounds. However, after adjusting my footwork and technique to use a circular looping stroke, I discovered its reliability.
The rubber excels in blocking, and with practice, I could also perform solid flicks and power loops. However, it does not excel in any particular area. Tenergy 80 FX has fewer gears, spin, and speed than T80. I recommend playing it only on a hard 7-ply blade, as it feels mushy on a 5-ply all-wood blade.
Tenergy 80 FX serves a unique purpose as a deliberately weaker but less demanding option within the Tenergy series. It is suitable for players who are unsure of their backhand rubber preferences or as a gateway to the Tenergy series due to its ease of transition. However, if possible, it is advisable to stick to Sriver or Mark V rubbers until one is ready for the more advanced Tenergy rubbers.
Additional Information:
- Uncut sheet weight: 65g
- Cut sheet weight (normal Stiga head size): 43g
- Tested on a 7-ply Carbon (5+2) blade - Stiga Super Carbon WRB
- Playstyle: Backhand-dominated two-winged shakehand looper
#3 — November 2015
Backhand Rubber:
- Good rubber for backhand play.
- Not particularly exceptional.
Mid-Range Play:
- Suitable for mid-range play.
- Requires high sensitivity for short play.
Block and Active Block:
- Effective for blocking and active blocking.
Spin:
- Not highly spinny.
Control:
- FX version offers better control.
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