Yinhe Big Dipper

Rubber description:

Yinhe Big Dipper is a commendable table tennis rubber that strikes an impressive balance between modern and traditional play styles. Featuring a semi-tacky topsheet supported by a porous and dynamic sponge, this rubber provides significant advantages in both short strokes and dynamic play. The Big Dipper excels in generating spin, evidenced by its spin rating of 8.9, alongside a slightly above-average speed rating of 8.6, making it a versatile option for aggressive players. The rubber’s control rating stands firm at 8.5, allowing for reliable performance across a range of shots.

In terms of tackiness, the Big Dipper is moderately tacky at 5.1, providing just enough grip for effective serves and short game play. Players appreciate its ability to produce substantial spin on brush strokes, ensuring that loops and drives retain their effectiveness against various styles of play, although some users report that the tackiness diminishes with frequent use. Weighing in at a medium level with a weight score of 6.2, the rubber doesn’t overly burden the blade, allowing players to maintain speed and agility within their movements.

Durability is rated at 7.4, suggesting a respectable lifespan, particularly for a rubber in its price range, though it may require more attentive care to sustain its performance over time. For those seeking alternatives, options such as DHS Hurricane 3 Neo or Palio HK 1997 Gold have been highlighted, but the Big Dipper offers a noteworthy blend of European and Chinese characteristics, providing an effective choice for players transitioning between styles or looking for an affordable yet capable rubber.

Recent Reviews

#1 — April 2023

It was used in 38Â°, surprisingly good, delivery similar to tensor rubber, faster than most Chinese rubbers, slightly sticky, construction quality, medium high angle, spinny, easy topspin, good backspin. I recommend it as one of the best Chinese rubbers, you can feel the new technology.

Compare four rubbers: two-ply rubbers Falco Tempo Long, Thibar K1, Golden Tango PS, Big Dipper 38Â°, Jupiter 3 Asia 38Â°.

Speed: BD<J3A<K1<GTPS
Turn: J3A<BD=K1=GTPS
Bow: J3A<K1<BD<GTPS
Feeling: J3A<GTPS<K1=BD
Hardness: GTPS=BD<K1<J3A
Control: GTPS<J3A<K1<BD

#2 — April 2023

Absolutely high-quality rubber for such a price ($13). It came with factory-boosted + pre-glue + top sheet cover, which is amazing. As described, it’s a hybrid rubber with tensor + tackiness.

However, the tackiness seems to be gone after one training session; it becomes completely grippy with no tackiness at all (can’t stick the ball/pick up phones as normal tacky rubber at all).

Serves & short games are a bit worse than Chinese full tacky rubber, but other aspects, especially loops & pushes & block, are much better & safer.

Seems like a great bargain to me for such a low price.

#3 — April 2023

I’m using this 2.2mm H38 Red version on the forehand of a 729 V6 blade. I usually have a DHS Hurricane 3 Neo 2.2mm H39 on my forehand, but lately I’m starting to loop too long with this, perhaps more often when playing on hard wooden floors. So I tried this instead.

It’s almost as spinny as the H3N, so brush looping feels almost the same. The difference was that the ball didn’t go long so often anymore. The feeling when making slower strokes is better, with more balls on the table. It might even be a bit lighter than the H3N, so it’s a big plus for me using this rubber instead of the H3N. Flat hits and smashes are also better with Big Dipper.

Update 191104:
The DHS NEO Skyline TG2 (2.15mm, H38) is similar to this BD in many ways. Skyline is a bit faster, but Big Dipper has way more control in all strokes, which is great for brush looping away from and close to the table.

Weight cut:
H38: 45-53g
H40: 50g
H40 uncut with plastics on both sides: 71g
H38 uncut with plastics on both sides: 63g

There is a significant difference in behavior between H38 and H40. The H38 is better in all aspects so far. I have trained one session with the H40, but I am changing back to H38 for now.