Victas V > 01

This rubber exhibited poor durability despite limited use, a common characteristic of German-made rubbers. After a few months, it developed a fully plastic sensation.

Despite these shortcomings, the rubber possesses unique qualities. The sponge compresses significantly upon contact and then rapidly rebounds, creating a trampoline-like effect with an elongated trajectory. This attribute provides an exceptional feel, deviating from its advertised 47.5 hardness towards a softer 45 hardness.

The rubber is remarkably user-friendly and relatively insensitive to spin. Open-ups are easily executed, and all strokes can be performed effectively. It shares similarities with T64, enabling effective counters from mid-distance and powerful off-the-bounce shots, particularly when new.

The primary drawback is its grip. High-level players may notice a noticeable reduction in spin on serves, short games, and handling of half-long balls. Despite this, the rubber offers superior grip and durability compared to the Etika.

Overall, the rubber resembles T64 in terms of characteristics, offering less grip but a distinctive sponge feel. Its performance is linear and user-friendly, with an arc that falls between T64 and Etika. As is typical of ESN rubbers, durability is lacking.

While the rubber excels in generating effortless loop kills, it does not produce significant spin. As a result, players may experience a trade-off, sacrificing shot quality for increased ball control. An alternative option, T64, is available at a higher cost. However, considering the affordability of the V>01, it may be more cost-effective to replace it regularly, based on individual preference.

So this one wore out quite quickly despite not too much use. Generally, its durability is poor like a lot of German-made rubbers, and it ends up giving a full plastic feeling after a month or two.

That being said, it’s a unique rubber. Victas weren’t lying when they described the sponge technology. The sponge feels like it compresses a lot at contact and then springs out really fast with a long trajectory like a trampoline. This gives a really unique feel. It doesn’t feel like a 47.5, more like a 45 hardness tbh.

Generally, it’s a really easy-to-use rubber. It’s not very sensitive to spin. Open-ups are really easy. All strokes can be performed well. It behaves a bit like T64 in that you can counter well from mid-distance but punch off-the-bounce too (when new).

The main problem is the grip. When Xia (table tennis navi) reviewed this rubber, he identified that high-level players would complain about this. He’s not wrong. There’s been a noticeable reduction of spin on the serve, short game, and picking up half-longs. People have commented about this too when playing me. It’s a shame really, but still more grip and durability than the Etika I was using.

In summary, I’d describe it as quite similar to T64 in its characteristics, with less grip but a very unique sponge feel. It is quite linear in gears and very user-friendly. The arc is between a T64 and an Etika. And like most ESN rubbers, durability is poor. This rubber is great for easy loop kills, but doesn’t produce tons of spin, so you will get more balls on the table but compromise on the shot quality a bit. You could buy T64 instead, but this is much cheaper at ¼ of the price, so it might be more cost-effective to keep replacing the V>01. Up to you.

I use it on BH (with V>15 on FH) and it’s a very good match. It has great control and blocking abilities. I also appreciate its light weight.

It’s also a perfect rubber for beginners, very easy to play with: linear, and forgiving. Since it’s inexpensive, I recommend it to all my beginner friends and they are always satisfied.