Nittaku Fastarc S-1

Rubber description:

The Nittaku Fastarc S-1 is a highly regarded table tennis rubber known for its impressive balance of speed, spin, and control, making it a popular choice among players of varying skill levels. With a remarkable speed rating of 99 and spin at 97, the Fastarc S-1 stands out as a versatile rubber that caters particularly well to aggressive loopers and offensive players. Its lightweight construction, weighing only 43 grams when cut, enhances its maneuverability, allowing players to react quickly during fast-paced rallies.

When it comes to tackiness, the Fastarc S-1 has a relatively low rating of 1.9, which indicates that it does not have excessive grip, making it suitable for players who favor a more direct, powerful touch on their shots. The rubber also features a medium-hard sponge with a rating of 4.3, giving it a balance suitable for both offensive shots and controlled returns. Despite its fantastic performance, some players have noted a decrease in spin during opening loops, suggesting that while it excels in certain areas, it may not be ideal for those who rely heavily on spin variation.

In terms of durability, the Fastarc S-1 impresses with a score of 8, indicating a solid lifespan even with regular use. However, players should be cautious of its topsheet, which may show wear more quickly than some competing products. Alternatives to the Fastarc S-1 include the popular Tenergy line, but many players have found the S-1 to deliver a more controlled experience at a more affordable price, making it a great value choice for competitive players.

Recent Reviews

#1 — February 2023

Nittaku Fastarc S1

Nittaku Fastarc S1 is by far the best FH rubber I have tried for the Yinhe T11+ blade. It is great for topspins and mid distance looping. Flat hits are powerful, and services are good, short, and spinny (except for Hurricane Neo3, which was great for service). The best part is that I can open any ball with forehand, including heavily underspin balls.

#2 — January 2022

Time for me to come home, to my S1. As a coach, I’ve tried almost every rubber and blade imaginable, with countless combinations of players’ bats. I’m finally done searching for the mythical “it rubber” that will supposedly obliterate your opponents. Don’t fall for this nonsense anymore. Fancy equipment won’t magically make you the player you aspire to be.

The S1 is a well-rounded, controlled rubber that I keep returning to. One of its key features is its lightness, allowing players to hit through the ball with greater speed, generating ample spin. Trust me as a coach: don’t waste your money on expensive high-end rubbers. Say goodbye to those fancy options and get yourself some S1.

#3 — September 2020

Out of curiosity, I decided to pair my Nittaku Violin blade with the Nittaku S-1 1.8mm on both sides, replacing my T05fx.

Initially, some people mentioned that the S-1 was not as fast as the T05fx. However, I found the S-1 to be noticeably faster. My opponents, accustomed to blocking my slower but spinny topspins, struggled with the increased pace.

The S-1 is incredibly lightweight, which is a definite advantage. However, the main downside for me was the reduced spin potential. Aggressive topspins were only slightly affected, but opening loops lacked the spin I was accustomed to. The ball did not soak into the sponge as deeply and shot away comparatively quickly.

If you rely on variation and a wide range of sidespin and topspin on your over-the-table balls, the Nittaku S-1 may not be the ideal choice.

On the other hand, long pushes were fast and effective, giving my opponents difficulty if their movement was imperfect. However, pushing short was extremely challenging, and this, combined with the reduced over-the-table spin, prompted me to remove the S-1 from my backhand after a few weeks of use.

Blocking was relatively easy with the S-1, and receiving serves was not significantly impacted by the opponent’s spin. Overall, the rubber provided a relatively forgiving experience, but ultimately it did not meet my specific playing style.