The brand that takes credit for friction long pips close to frictionless pips behavior is TTMaster, a brand from Switzerland. Just two weeks ago, TTMaster has come up with TTMaster Selection, a new long pips rubber. I have written reviews of TTMaster Fireproof, Fireproof II and Punto in my previous blogs. Please read those reviews before reading the review of TTMaster Selection.
I have been waiting for a hard long pips to come from TTMaster. The TSP Curl P-H long pips has become my favorite, and I was sure long pips similar to TSP Curl P-H can help players who prefer knuckle ball. There is a reason for that. When players talk about long pips that give spin reversal and deception, they forget the fact that such long pips can struggle against players who are smart. It is like you give your gun to someone to shoot you. This is where TSP Curl series shine well. The TSP Curl P-H generates variation of spin and knuckle ball that trouble even the smartest players in the world.
The TTMaster Selection is for advanced players who don’t want to give the control to their opponents, but take control of themselves. Why I say this is because the TTMaster Selection does not reverse the spin as other TTMaster long pimples rubbers. It generates knuckle ball - heavy and sinking.
I have tried TTMaster Selection on few blades - on Darker Speed 90, XIOM Aigis, TSP Yanagi, TSP Reflex 50 award defensive, Borko & Sons custom, SpinTech Klassic blade. The blade that suits TTMaster Selection is TSP Reflex Award Defensive.
Speed
Comparing with other TTMaster long pips, the Selection is slow. The OX (No Sponge) version that I have tested is low in speed compared to TSP Curl P-H. The TSP Curl P-H with a little bit of sponge adds more control and dampening. I don’t expect this out of TTMaster Selection. With some sponge, the TTMaster Selection would be faster.
Blocking
This is one area I have seen Selection’s ability to trouble the user. On a balsa blade, the Selection drives the ball forward low and in a low trajectory. This makes the opponent not to attack easily. Any hard top spin loops can be blocked easily. A hard push with an open blade while blocking generates very deceptive shots.
Chopping
The TTMaster does not have to offer much in chopping close to the table. The pips don’t grab the ball, so any active chop stroke wont generate any under spin of your own. Luckily, the push stroke against underspin makes the Selection one of its plus quality. The push stroke against underspin does not reverse the incoming spin, the ball keeps the rotation of the incoming spin with little less but low to trouble the user.
The TTMaster Fireproof and Fireproof II does the job of chopping better than TTMaster Selection. However I have found the TTMaster Selection cut the top spin well on an allround blade like SpinTech Klassic.
Hitting
The hitting is very excellent with TTMaster Selection. Unlike other TTMaster long pips Fireproof, Fireproof II and Punto, the Selection has excellent control while hitting. I was able to hit the ball successfully without error continuously. The Selection has less friction like other TTMaster long pips, but it’s high dampening effect helps hitting. The ball sinks on the table more while hitting. This reminds me of the banned Dr.Neubauer Monster long pips which was a favorite rubber of mine.
Reversal and Deception
The TTMaster Selection grades low in reversal. However, the level of deception increases with hard blocking. The deception level is low with soft and passive strokes. That heavy knuckle ball effect is the positive thing about this blade.
Suitable Blades
The TTMaster Selection with it’s lack of friction makes it difficult for active chopping. It is not fit for medium hard blades. There is no high reversal can’t be expected out of this rubber on a hard blade. The Selection works well with balsa blades well. It’s speed works well with the Selection rubber to keep the ball the low and deadly. The slower blades may not be suitable for TTMaster selection.
TTMaster Selection Long Pips
TTMaster Selection Long Pips
TTMaster Selection Long Pips
TTMaster Selection Long Pips
TTMaster Selection Long Pips
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Could you please tell more bout chopping and hitting?
Did you try it whith a thin sponge?
Thank you.