Nittaku Hammond Z2
Rubber description
The Nittaku Hammond Z2 is a high-performance tensor rubber designed for advanced and power-oriented players. It is characterized by its high speed, significant power potential, and a firm sponge—generally perceived to be in the 48–50 degree range—which provides a direct and stable feel. While it features a grippy top sheet capable of generating heavy spin, it is notably less sensitive to incoming spin than many traditional high-tension alternatives, allowing for high control during serve returns and passive play.
Performance Characteristics
- Speed and Power: The rubber provides high levels of speed and a violent, “kicking” response when looping. It is highly effective for aggressive play, power loops, and flat hitting, though it requires precise technique to manage its high-speed output.
- Spin and Dwell: The top sheet offers excellent grip, enabling substantial spin generation on serves and loops. While it provides good dwell time, the overall feeling is relatively crisp and direct, with a trajectory that tends to be low to medium.
- Control and Versatility: It is described as a linear and predictable rubber, rewarding players with strong fundamentals. It performs reliably both close to the table and at mid-distance. Because it is not overly bouncy, many players find it easier to control during delicate short-game exchanges compared to softer, more catapult-heavy tensors.
Technical Considerations
- Durability and Construction: Users frequently note that while the playing characteristics are excellent, the edges of the rubber are prone to crumbling or cracking during installation or accidental contact with the table.
- Compatibility: The rubber is versatile regarding blade pairings, though it is often recommended for use on inner-carbon or all-wood blades to better manage its speed. It is available in various thicknesses, with thinner sponges (1.4mm–1.8mm) often selected by players looking to maximize control without sacrificing the rubber’s inherent speed.
Also Known As
- Chinese: 哈蒙德Z2
- Japanese: ハモンドZ2
Submit a Review
Recent Reviews
#1 — September 2026
I’ve been using Hammond Z2 on my backhand and, as an advanced player who generates a lot of my own power, I’ve found it to be an excellent match for my game.
For me, Z2 sits somewhere between Dignics 05 and Dignics 80 in overall feel and performance. It has good grip and spin potential, but feels more controlled and direct than D05, while retaining some of the speed and versatility associated with D80.
Where Z2 really stands out is blocking, punch shots, flat hitting and driving. The response is linear and predictable, with relatively little unnecessary catapult. It also has relatively low spin sensitivity, which gives me confidence when dealing with incoming spin.
The biggest advantage for me is that it doesn’t fight my power. I generate a lot of pace myself, and rather than the rubber adding an unpredictable burst of catapult, Z2 allows me to put my own power into the shot and responds progressively. The harder I accelerate, the more pace I get, while still maintaining a good level of control.
It also performs well on pushes and controlled counter-drives, with the firm feel giving a solid connection with the ball.
However, if your backhand game is primarily based around looping, I wouldn’t choose Z2. It can certainly produce topspin, but that’s not where the rubber excels. There are better options if you want maximum spin, high-arc looping and an easier topspin game.
For an advanced player who uses the backhand mainly for blocking, driving, punching, flat hitting and countering, Hammond Z2 is an excellent choice.
#2 — August 2026
Revspin’s most overrated rubber. Used MAX thickness on backhand for 1 year. Smash spot and punch-loops are absolutely fantastic. It falls short on looping topspin, however; the topsheet becomes very slippery unless you sink in and engage the sponge. The throw angle is very low, so it is quite easy to loop into the net, again unless the sponge is engaged on every shot. G1 is more controllable and only slightly slower in smashes, punch, and flat hitting.
#3 — February 2026
It is between Tenergy 05 and Dignics 05, in all dimensions (spin and explosive speed are less than TG05, but more than DN05).
Get Notified of New Equipment and Reviews
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ No spam or other useless stuff. We plan to send out some newsletters from time to time with the latest reviews and project updates. Feel free to unsubscribe at any time.