The OOAK review site has just added a comprehensive robot guide called: Table tennis robots – The Ultimate Guide. It covers the robot basics, but also discussed the important features in detail, and it includes pictures, videos, and some very comprehensive reviews. So if you some need help choosing a table tennis robot, this may be well worth checking out.

The OOAK table tennis forum has recently had an upgrade of the forum software and graphics. The new forum has greatly improved new look, and thanks to the new software, it’s rich in new features too!

- There is now a coaches/ex-pro section, where you can ask these some top players/coaches questions directly and get your expert answers!

- Adham Sharara, the ITTF president, is there as a member, who has been kind enough to answer and discuss a wide range of questions relating to rules and ITTF issue.

- In the spirit of providing information and discussion on the less common equipment (like pimples, antispin, etc) and technique in table tennis,  a dedicated penhold grip section has been created, which is often excluded in most English speaking forums.

- The new video section has been reorganised and has really come alive, partially due to the fact that videos are now embedded. Meaning videos from youtube, googlevideo, etc can now be watched from within the forum.

OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Document from ITTF regarding the ban of certain pimple rubbers:

“Treated rubbers.

The authorisation of coverings has so far been given without any reference to playing properties – just physical dimensions, colour and gloss.

We have had this phenomenon with treated rubbers for some years, but it was when it began to be produced in factories that it really called for our attention.

Various methods have been used, from private exposure to sunlight and microwaves, via professional coating with glue or lacquer, to some more advanced and secret processes.

The end result was usually a reduced friction on the pimple tops, which could be easy to discover by moving a finger across. The problem was to find a more precise and reliable method.

We found a company in Germany that is able to measure micro friction on the pimples. This is utilizing highly professional equipment which is partly protected by patent.

This equipment is not suited for bringing into a playing hall. So the first phase – where we are now – was to stop treated rubbers from entering the List of Authorised Racket Coverings by introducing a minimum friction level for pimples-out rubbers.

Some preliminary tests seemed to indicate quite clearly that our rubbers could be divided in two groups – treated and normal ones – based on friction.

A resolution was accepted in Bremen last year. To avoid mistakes we had to measure all pimples-out rubbers, and we began this last autumn.

In Zagreb recently we discussed the results for 220 coverings, and it confirmed what we had seen earlier. The minimum level was then set to 25 microNewton (mN) for new coverings. The introduction date was set to 1. July 2008, meaning that the List should then not contain treated rubbers.

An overview over our 260 pimples-out coverings at present gives:
33 that have too low friction, i.e. less than 25 mN,
25 where the supplier has given instructions “no measurement”,
25 where we have had no answer after repeated messages; we are rounding up these now.

By this action we have said something about what kind of rubbers we want, and it will have the impact that it will not be so easy to buy treated rubbers. We have no other choice then to deal with all these above in the same manner.

However, there will always be some who might want to continue this one way or another, but we do not know how many. What to do then will depend on the size and nature of the problem.

Rubbers change over time, as we know. 25 mN on a new rubber may be around 15 mN after a couple of years under normal conditions.

We have seen a very simple device from a German factory consisting of four pieces of rubber each with a specific friction level. By sliding a ball over the samples it is fairly easy to get a rough idea about status. A problem could appear when we are close to established levels. This can be compared to checking gloss in a hall, where a referee gives his views and makes a decision.

Before we make more out of this, it would be good to have a better idea about the potential problem, and then see if we can attack it accordingly.
It seems to be important to some to be able to link this to long pimples only. However, the picture is more mixed as there are both short and long pimples here. See below.
8.6.2007.

A new website, TSP Online Australia has been set up with lots of information, reviews and picture of the TSP table tennis product range. The website outlines some of the TSP innovations in table tennis, and also provides information and reviews on TSP blades, rubbers and accessories.

The TSP Online Australia home page lists a number of the world top players, and which TSP products they use. The TSP Blades and Rubbers sections provide detailed descriptions, pictures and reviews. The TSP Solutions offer suggestions for TSP blade and rubber combinations that are a good match and suitable for the described style of play. The TSP links section provide a series of links to websites relevant to TSP products. TSP sales and distributors details can be found in the About Us section. The latest products and reviews will be listed below, and will be updated regularly.

Test post for verifying blog by google

If you’re after an oversize modern defender blade, it may be worth checking out the JUIC Euro Chopper blade on the new JUIC Online Australia website. This blade has a soft feel and feels slow for the defensive strokes, but because of the thin springy blade is has good power for looping and hitting, and is excellent value for money… Also covered are reviews of many JUIC rubbers and JUIC blades, and some of their special accessories, like the Ecolo expander II.

A new information website has been set up for Spinmax here:

SPINMAX ONLINE – International Distributor

Spinmax is a unique product specifically designed for table tennis rubbers. It enhances the friction coefficient of the rubber, works under all weather conditions and prolongs the lifespan of the rubber.
The website contains product descriptions, reviews, test results and a frequently asked questions sections. Spinmax online has contact details for spinmax sales and international distributor information.

A site for the Falco range of VOC-free table tennis glues has been setup here:

Falco Online – Australia and New Zealand distributor 

This site contains information on the Falco range of glues. It also has Falco instructions and reviews on how best to use it. The Falco Frequently asked questions (FAQs) has guides on what glues are most appropriate for the rubber and styles that players use.

If you’re looking for speed glue alternatives or normal table tennis glues alternatives, the Falco brand has them all. One of a Kind Trading sells the Falco range of products online and is the Falco distributor for Australia and New Zealand.

An excellent and very details article has been added to the PIPS website on using short pimples rubbers here:

Single-sided Pips-out Penholder Play

This is the most insightful and detailed article on short pimples rubbers I’ve ever seen, and well worth a read….

A new website dedicated to pimple rubbers and players is being built here:

http://www.pipfacts.info

“Pips is a table tennis equipment site set up by a group of like-minded table tennis players that are keen to educate the table tennis community about long pimpled and other pimpled rubbers. We feel these rubbers add great diversity to our game, and it’s something that should be embraced, and not frowned upon or dimissed as a ‘cheater’s rubber’. “

There are already some excellent articles on the website, and more in the pipeline. More reviews will continue to be added on new and old pimples rubbers and it will also have  the latest news.

The site developers are looking for more contributors to the site, on thinse like:

• Funny pimple stories
• Simply pimple strategies that work for you (just a paragraph can be enough)
• Some pimple history – Finding any graphics / pics for the site
• Anyone with a little website design experience that can make the site look a little better than the current very basic effort.

While the site is still being built, discussions and contribution to the PIPS website are currently done on the table tennis forum here.