Boost Table Tennis Rubber Like the Pros
Falco Tempo Long Booster and Glue Kit
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Chinese table tennis rubbers are popular for their tackiness and spin potential, but many players choose to boost them to enhance speed, elasticity, and overall performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively boost your Chinese table tennis rubber.
What is Boosting?
Boosting involves applying a special liquid, called a booster, to the sponge of a table tennis rubber to make it softer and more elastic. This process increases the catapult effect, providing more speed and power without sacrificing control.
Important: Boosting is illegal in professional tournaments governed by ITTF regulations. Ensure you understand the rules of your competitions before boosting.
Materials Needed
Chinese table tennis rubber (e.g., DHS Hurricane, Friendship 729)
Table tennis booster (e.g., Haifu Seamoon, Falco Long Booster)
Rubber glue (water-based)
Clean workspace
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Rubber
Remove factory glue: If the rubber is new, apply booster directly. If the rubber is used, remove all old glue first.
Clean the sponge: Ensure the sponge is free from dust and debris.
2. Apply the Booster
Shake the booster bottle well.
Use a sponge or applicator brush to apply a thin, even layer of booster to the sponge.
Let the rubber sit for 12-24 hours to allow the booster to absorb fully and expand the sponge.
For more effect, apply a second or third layer, waiting 12-24 hours between applications.
3. Allow the Rubber to Settle
After the final layer, let the rubber rest for an additional 24-48 hours to stabilize the expansion.
4. Glue the Rubber to the Blade
Apply a thin, even layer of water-based glue to both the blade and the boosted rubber.
Wait until the glue becomes tacky (usually 10-15 minutes, but up to 45 minutes in high humidity).
Carefully attach the rubber to the blade, starting from one end near the handle and smoothing it down using a roller or flat object to avoid air bubbles.
5. Trim and Protect the Rubber
Trim the excess rubber around the blade using a sharp box cutter, scalpel or scissors.
Clean and then cover the rubber with a protective plastic film when not in use to maintain tackiness.
Tips for Best Results
Experiment with layers: Start by applying one or two layers of booster and adjust based on your desired performance. Remember to wait a minimum of 12 hours between each layer to prevent damage.
Maintain consistency: Boosting too often can damage the sponge or affect consistency. Reapply every 6-8 weeks for regular use as the booster’s effects will dissipate.
Store properly: Keep the booster and rubber in a cool, dry place.
Warnings
Over-boosting can damage the rubber and affect playability so do not over boost it.
Boosters emit strong odors; work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation.
Make sure to adhere to local or tournament rules if competing.
Boosting Chinese table tennis rubber can significantly improve your performance during casual games or practice. However, always prioritize safety and fairness when using this technique.
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