Nittaku Hammond Pro Beta

Rubber description:

Nittaku Hammond Pro Beta is acclaimed as one of the finest table tennis rubbers on the market, particularly favored for its exceptional control and versatility. Designed with a relatively soft sponge hardness of 3.3, this rubber offers players a balanced experience that is both forgiving and responsive, making it suitable for various playing styles. With a speed rating of 12 and a spin rating of 11, it excels in delivering powerful shots while maintaining a reliable trajectory. Players often note its effectiveness in both offensive and defensive plays, making it a favorite for those seeking to maximize their backhand performance.

In terms of tackiness, Hammond Pro Beta exhibits a low level (1.9), allowing for easier handling of incoming spins, which is especially advantageous during block and push strokes. This lower tackiness does not compromise its ability to generate spin; rather, players report a delightful balance that aids in executing controlled loops and smashes. Weighing in at a mere 2.2, this rubber is on the lighter side, contributing to an overall quicker maneuverability around the table.

Durability is another strong point for Nittaku Hammond Pro Beta, which is rated at 8.9. Many players have praised its longevity, often stating that it remains effective even after extensive use. For those considering alternatives, while the Butterfly Tenergy series remains a popular choice, they often fall short in terms of durability compared to the Hammond Pro Beta. Overall, this rubber’s blend of speed, spin, and control positions it as a top-tier choice for players aiming to enhance their backhand without sacrificing performance in other aspects of their game.

Recent Reviews

#1 — February 2018

Perfect backhand rubber if you are looking to keep the overall weight down. Low throw, which I love, great control and a really nice feel. An ideal partner to Tenergy 05 on forehand.

#2 — February 2017

Nittaku Hammondpro Beta is a solid backhand rubber. It features good speed and a low throw angle. The relatively soft sponge and long trajectory make it comparable to Tenergy 64 in those aspects, but it is more forgiving and easier to push with.

Despite relative insensitivity to incoming spin, you will need to adjust to the low throw.

This rubber performs adequately in most areas, but excels in blocking and open-ups. Power loops and drives/smashes tend to go long if you are not at least mid-distance from the table. It is recommended on a 7-ply OFF blade with a higher throw to complement the low throw of the rubber.

Hammondpro Beta improves upon its predecessor, Hammondpro Alpha, especially in spin. It is recommended for offensive players with a passive backhand who rely on open-ups, blocking, and counter-looping.

Notes:

An uncut sheet weighs 55g, while a cut sheet (normal sized Stiga head) weighs 38g.
The review was conducted on a 7-ply OFF blade - Stiga Super Carbon WRB.
The reviewer’s playstyle is backhand dominant two-winged shakehand looper.

#3 — December 2016

Amazing for my cpen backhand. It adds a lot of speed and spring to backhand flicks. Not too tacky, but very good at reverting spin and driving the ball over the net and on the table. It feels really easy to control. This is the best rubber I’ve tried for RPB. It uses more mechanical grip than tackiness, so be sure to get it in 1.9 or greater sponge thickness. Without the ball being able to sink into the rubber from sponge thickness, I couldn’t imagine this rubber being very good.