Speed ​​Glue: improve the rubbers of your table tennis

Why do players speed up the glue?

Quick gluing refers to re-gluing the rubbers before playing matches, with a special glue that improves the performance of the rubber. Almost all of the best players in the world use this technique, as do many at the top levels of competition in the league. Quick pasting is usually only done by advanced players as it can be a hassle and quite expensive after a while. People use fast glue because they want maximum spin and speed in their shots. Heavy loopers do most of the time, as this style takes full advantage of the rubber enhancements.

The name ‘quick glue’ is a bit misleading, as quick glue actually often increases the spin of the rubber more or as much as the speed. This is because the so-called ‘gum molecules’ in VOC speed glue add more tension and elasticity to the sponge, giving a faster feel, but also a much more prickly ball because the ball sinks deeper into the rubber and maintains a longer contact. The effect that quick glue has on rubbers depends largely on:

  • the type of rubber
  • the quick glue type
  • your gluing procedure
  • how much glue (how many layers) do you use

The quick glue effect is for a limited time only … the most commonly used quick glues have an effect for only a few hours, long enough for a single session of table tennis. However, many new products are now hitting the market that perform similarly and last much longer.

So is quick gluing right for you?

Well, as you can see, there are many factors to consider, and then there is the cost of the glue, the shortened life of the rubbers, and the hassle of having to re-glue every now and then. However, it can be a lot of fun … There is a wide variety of opinions on how to hit fast effectively so it might be wise to speak to one of your club’s regular hitters for some tips on how to hit.

Please note: Quick glue will reduce the life of the rubber due to its effects on the sponge. Also note that not all rubbers are suitable for use with quick glue. On some rubbers, the fast glue effect is not significant enough to be worth it. For some rubbers, the solvent in the quick glue (and repeated stripping of the rubbers) can cause the topsheet to loosen from the sponge after several applications, creating ‘bubbles’ that will make the rubber illegal to play under the sponge. ITTF. rules.

Most traditional quick glues are toxic and / or flammable, so they cannot normally be transported through the normal mail system. Only some special courier services can deliver the glues. Some of the newer express queues are non-toxic and supposedly ‘water-based’ so they CAN be transported via normal mail services. Therefore, if you buy the fast glue from another local store or dealer, make sure it is transported in the proper way, otherwise it may be confiscated.

Also note that all solvent adhesives (even those approved by the ITTF) pose a significant health risk. Use all glue products with good ventilation and avoid prolonged exposure.

Note: that ALL VOC based quick glues are new illegal to use at any ITTF endorsed event.

NEW VOC-Free Quick Glue Alternatives There are several VOC-free fast glue alternatives on the market today, offering performance very similar to traditional VOC sheet glues, but without some of the health and handling issues. They basically come in 2 types:

1. Water-based VOC FREE GLUE: used in a similar way to traditional quick glues. Glue should be applied to both the sheet and the rubber, and after a waiting period they are attached and fastened, after which it is ready to play. The Falco Tempo Unlimited is one example of this, and there aren’t many others (any?) Like it. The effect lasts for about a week, after which you simply peel off the gum, allow it to shrink, and re-glue the top of the previous coat.

2. Booster or Tuners – These are used as a sponge treatment, after which you still need a glue to attach the rubber to the blade. The treatment usually takes between 1 and 2 days to be successful, but the effect is usually a little stronger and last longer. An example of this is the Falco Tempo Booster. These boosters or tuners have an effect for about 3-4 weeks, after which the gum is removed, any glue still on the back of the sponge removed, and re-tuned / boosted … although it is usually requires less amount of boost / tuner after the first time.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider if you are deciding whether you want to speed up the gluing / increase or not. Quick glue will improve your tires for offensive-type players, but you have to come up with a consistent procedure and spend the cost of having to replace your rubber more often. Of course, alternative rubbers, tensioners and the like, which have (just a few) speed glue effects built in, cost a lot more up front and are not known to be durable either, so they will likely cost you even more.

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