UPDATE 23rd January 2009
I've returned to using Tackiness Chop in my search for extra spin variation, and I've learned a few things that make it necessary for me to update my original review, which can be found on the next page.Player Level and Style
Combination bat player with long pips on the backhand - 2000+ USATT level. Used on a Butterfly Matsushita Pro Special blade, and a Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit blade.Rubber Reviewed
Butterfly Tackiness Chop inverted rubber, Red, with 1.0mm sponge.Further Thoughts
Firstly, unlike some rubbers that play great to start with and then get worse, I discovered that Tackiness Chop actually gets better once you have completed around 10 hours worth of play. That super slowness that I was complaining about in my original writeup goes away as the rubber loses a little grip and wears in, and after that all is well. The excellent control and heavy spin capability is still there, but I find that I can push the ball with more pace and without the ball sinking into the net. I'm on my second sheet of Tackiness Chop now, and it was the same for my new sheet - way too slow for the ball to reach the net until I'd worn off the initial extra grip.Secondly, I'm very much impressed with Tackiness Chop's ability to chop the hell out of the ball with good control when you really try to spin the ball as heavy as you can. I'm talking a fast swing, big wrist snap and trying to skim the ball as spinnily as possible. You can generate an incredible amount of backspin with surprisingly good control - something than I've never been able to do with any other rubber. Awesome stuff!
Thirdly, although the touch and feel for topspinning and blocking was a bit strange at first compared to my previous rubber, now that I'm used to it I don't have any problems blocking or looping the ball. In 1.0mm sponge thickness it's obviously not really a counterlooping rubber, but it's perfectly fine for opening loops and putting away blocked balls. Sure, it's not the fastest rubber around, but I've always depended on placement and heavy spin rather than pace, so this doesn't pose much of a problem for me anyway.
Conclusion
So in the end, I've changed my mind about this rubber - now that I've had the chance to thoroughly put it through its paces and get used to it, I'm becoming a big fan of Tackiness Chop. It's not the latest fad or the sexiest rubber out there, but once it's worn in, it does what it is supposed to do very well - chop with excellent spin variation and control, while still allowing you to take the attack when the chance arises.Interested in Purchasing Butterfly Tackiness Chop? Buy Direct
