Yasaka Anti Power (Anti-spin)

Probably the best anti to start with coming from normal inverted. Slightly “grippy” anti topsheet with elastic sponge so thicker the sponge, the faster it plays. Not to be confused with dampening sponges found on frictionless-type anti where thicker = slower. Reversal is decent if you don’t engage the sponge; use fast-cutting type strokes. Go to frictionless anti if you want the most reversal possible.

I have tried YAP in 1.5 & 2.0, both in red. 1.5 being slower is more controllable, so it can be used quite effectively and consistently for classical defense. Chopping from a distance can add some backspin to the reversed topspin; you will enjoy returning back hard loops rather easily. At the very least, it’s good training practice for a stronger looper to play against.

2.0 is more suitable closer to the table for an offensive style and can be used to set the tempo of a rally before using your attacking side to finish the point. Attack strongly any backspin given. No difficulty against no-spin balls with placement key to success and a longer rally. Be careful of the sponge sometimes engaging on passive shots and unexpectedly launching it just long off the table; experience eventually resolves.

For reference, I enjoy playing with 2.0 more as it is more versatile: great attacking + blocking at the table with possibilities to play cut defense if needed. As of writing, 2.0 is still attached to my Dr N. Hercules blade.

Make no mistake: grippy anti is for fun and enjoyment, adding variety to the dominant copypasta all-out topspin strategy. Don’t expect to be winning many high-level matches against this archetype; for that, you would need to transition to frictionless anti/twiddling close to the table or LP/SP/inverted for chopping away from the table.

The first time I used it, I was shocked at how it could effortlessly return serve. It is best for that, however, you better keep it low as it doesn’t generate much spin.

Super easy to control, it helped my game considerably when I switched from conventional. But ultimately, I stopped using it because it doesn’t generate enough spin with chops (but can certainly generate some). For me, the trade-off between being insensitive to opponents’ spin vs. not generating much spin is too extreme. I prefer short pips as the trade-off is lesser.

After using Transformer, I tried this rubber. In comparison to Transformer, this rubber is faster. The switch from a normal rubber to this anti rubber is less noticeable than the transition from normal rubber to Transformer.

This rubber is faster and easier to handle compared to Transformer. However, the spin reversal is lesser, making it easier for my second block to be spun again. This rubber excels in fast attack and change in tempo. The change in tempo can be achieved by switching to a lighter grip. Highly recommended.

Fast and quite difficult to learn. It is deceptive but only in offensive strokes. Not recommended for passive play, you have to take the initiative to get the best of this rubber. In proper hands, it could become a dangerous weapon.

I was given one that was 2 or 3 years old from a friend - it plays like new!

There is almost no throw angle - it is great for blocking. I feel it has a better reversal than some others think. There is no doubt about how durable this rubber is. A fantastic anti, definitely worth the price (especially if you get it for free like I did)!

Review of 2mm Red Table Tennis Rubber

I’m reviewing the 2mm version in red. I used it on a stiff all-around blade.

Despite poor technique, chopping is very controlled, but spin variation is almost nonexistent. It’s fast enough for smashing. Drop shots are difficult to execute – I can only do it occasionally, but with practice, I believe it’s possible. The rubber is tacky enough to topspin a no-spin ball. Low to medium spin gets killed on a flat hit, while heavy spin gets some reversal. Service receive is very forgiving.

The rubber excels in control and speed. It’s less suitable for deception and changes in pace.

The best commercial Anti in the world, but much more difficult to use.

Pros: disturbs the opponent’s rhythm, creates inversion, provides good speed, offers control.

Cons: requires adjustment to the reduced speed, provides no grip.

Muy buena goma antispin, realmente efectiva. Yo también la uso para mi derecha, mientras que para puntos largos prefiero el revés.

It’s a very good rubber. It’s best if used with an offensive rubber.

I play with this rubber. It is not difficult to block with it. You can hit the ball fast if it’s even a little high as the rubber inverts the spin. It is good to play against offensive players. The rubber lasts a really long time!

No specific sound when you hit the ball.

It is slower than Butterfly Super Anti.