Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question:

Hi I have a question about equipment. Being a Jpen player, I’m a bit of a minority and there aren’t too many blades available, let alone information/reviews! After having wanted a the classic Cypress-S throughout my childhood, I managed to find a Cypress V-S on a trip overseas a few years ago. I paired it with Tenergy 80 and love it. I am wanting to get another Jpen blade, just to have as a spare (in case it breaks), but also to use to test rubbers on it. Unfortunately unlike shakehand or even Cpen, there isn’t a secondary surface to put another rubber and make comparisons easily. My question is – What is the difference between the Cypress G-max S, JP I-S, V-Max S, T-Max S in terms of performance given that the specifications are all fairly similar? Also, how do these compare to the Cypress JP V-S? Also, I’m also looking to go for a rubber with a bit more kick. I have tried Tenergy 64 in the past (not sure why I chose that one given that it isn’t that common) on a different blade and it didn’t really suit me. Per chance, I purchased the my Cypress JP V-S with T80 and really liked it. I’m just looking for something which can give me a bit more pace on my loops and also blocks and also a bit more spin for pushes and serves. A few of the people I play with have given Dignics a go and really like it. How does Dignics 80 compare to T80 given that I am already quite happy with this for a start?

Answer: 

This Ask the Experts question was answered by Min Kim. She is the coach at MK Georgia Table Tennis in Duluth, Georgia. Coach Kim’s response is below:

Hi J,  First of all, they are all the same wood, but the material qualities are different: G-Max (best), V-Max (middle), T-Max (lowest, but still good).  Cypress G-Max S : (Advance Player or For those who want to upgrade their skills with better equipment)

• Best One-Ply Kiso Hinoki Style
• Devastating penhold power fueled by the 1 ply, 10mm thick Cypress
• Our highest class Cypress blade; the finest grade

 Cypress V-Max S : (Intermediate to advance players )

• High End One-Ply Kiso Hinoki Style:
• High-grade Cypress model
• Luxurious Kiso wood sliced 10mm thick producing wonderful power
• Recommended for intermediate to advance players looking for more powerful top-spin drives

 Cypress T-Max S : (Beginner to intermediate players )

• One-Ply Kiso Hinoki Recommended For A Wide Range Of Players Style
• Devastating penhold power fueled by the 1 ply, 10mm thick Cypress
• Recommended for players trying Cypress for the first time.

 Cypress JP I-S is a little different.

• It’s the same wood (Kiso Hinoki), but it has a low vibration and light weight.
• Recommended for Intermediate players to advance players or those who prefer light blade.

 In conclusion, I would recommended if you want more spin -> Cypress G-Max S Blade + Rubber Tenergy 05 or Dignics 05. Since you said you like Tenergy 80, it would be a good idea to try the Dignics 80 this time. The Dignics series are upgrade rubber from the Tenergy series. Best regards, Min Kim