Tibhar Hybrid K3

Rubber description:

The Tibhar Hybrid K3 is a versatile table tennis rubber that blends speed, spin, and control, making it ideal for aggressive players. With a speed rating of 8 and an impressive spin of 9, the K3 is particularly well-suited for players who thrive on forehand attacks and precise loops. Its unique tensor technology enhances its dynamic capabilities, allowing for potent offensive strategies while providing an excellent feel during play. The overall control rating of 9 ensures that players can execute short pushes, counter-attacks, and blocks with remarkable accuracy, contributing to its popularity among advanced players.

When it comes to tackiness, the Tibhar Hybrid K3 has a moderate rating of 5, making it less tacky than traditional Chinese rubbers but sufficient for generating effective topspins. This rubber is designed with an 8.5 hardness sponge that offers a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, catering to players who enjoy a powerful stroke without sacrificing touch. Weighing in at a medium category, the K3 maintains an ideal balance in terms of heft and agility, making it easy to maneuver throughout the game.

While the K3 is praised for its speed and spin, durability can be a concern; with a rating of 5.6, this rubber may experience performance degradation after a couple of months of frequent use. However, many players utilize rubber cleaners or rejuvenators to extend its lifespan. If you are considering alternatives, the Tibhar K3 has been compared to other rubbers like the Victas V20 and Andro Rasanter series. Each offers varying characteristics, but the K3 stands out for its control and adaptability on outer carbon blades, making it highly recommended for serious competitors looking to enhance their game.

Recent Reviews

#1 — May 2023

Edit: I first left a review based on my initial impressions, saying I was quite disappointed because the sponge felt harder than expected and lacked control. The communication from Tibhar around this rubber isn’t clear. What kind of game is it for? What kind of blade pairs well?

From my findings, it’s a rubber for advanced players (below average control and spring), to be used at mid distance from the table (players with enough power can use it far from the table too). Not good for blocking, chopping or DEF game. It’s clearly an OFF rubber where you have to be active all the time.

I usually prefer having the same rubber on both sides but don’t find K3 optimal for BH. I like MX-D, MX-P or Quantum X Pro better for BH. K3 top sheet offers some tackiness but is not at all sticky like a Chinese rubber. Spin is excellent (based on grip rather than tack).

Pairing with the right blade isn’t easy. It should go on a fast blade offering some flex but not soft. I have first tried several blades (JRE, Nobilis, Gauzy SL) without getting satisfying results so I left the rubber aside for some time. Then my son wanted to try it in his Tibhar BS1 (7-ply all-wood) so he would have the same setup as BS, and he was satisfied although he said it lacked control.

Finally, following Tomigaya’s advice, I glued it in a VS Unlimited (outer ALC) and it’s wonderful. I get all the spin, speed and control one can hope. But, again, it’s only balanced if it’s paired with the right blade.

#2 — May 2023

I have been using this rubber since one month after using T05 in the forehand position. I’m not impressed with this rubber. It seems like a lower quality DHS Hurricane 3, but faster. I’m disappointed with the durability because the somewhat sticky appearance only lasts a few weeks before fading away. However, this rubber is easy to play, and the feeling is very hard, like the advertised 53 degrees. The amount of rotation is less than T05 or Rascanter. Buying a DHS Hurricane 3 or a Glazer 09C would be more advantageous.

#3 — October 2022

I am a Penhold player and use a Stiga Allround Wood NCT racket (nano composite technology), also Penhold. I switched to the K3 because I wanted something faster than the H3 Forehand. It is much less sticky than the H3.

The K3 is very fast, in my opinion, and has an incredible catapult effect for a Forehand. I thought it was good, but I still need to get used to it because the game was much faster and dangerous. The game control decreased, but the game became much faster and easier to miss. However, I believe that with time I will get used to it.

Overall, it’s a great rubber with H3-like effects and is not sticky. For those looking for speed and effect, this rubber is very good.

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