Nittaku Sonic AR

In my opinion, Sonic AR is the best vertically aligned short pip on the market. It can hit through spin like it's nothing, but it can still generate enough spin for flicks, rolled loops, and strong serves. This rubber replaced Nittaku's Hammond FA Speed and it is better in every way. Sonic AR is technically not a high-tension rubber (at least Nittaku doesn't market it that way). It's made in Japan, so not ESN. The most amazing thing about this rubber for me is the gears. In 1.8 sponge, I can play a deadly blocking game or I can hit drives and winners away from the table. The other big pluses are weight (light!) and price: very high price-to-performance ratio for a Japanese rubber. Unlike Rakza PO (which is 1.5 times the price), Sonic AR doesn't feel dead after 1 month. There's a new version called Sonic AR VA, which has a softer sponge that only comes in 2.0 thickness. If you are a more technical player, the softer sponge will give you more control and a bit more spin. The regular sponge (not VA version) is better for hitting hard and countering big loops. Highly recommended for anyone coming from the discontinued Spectol rubbers. It is better than S2 and S3 (same speed, more control, more gears) and better than Moristo SP.

The best short pimple. Better if you add a layer of oil in the sponge to get more control. The improvement is considerable. Backhand block and forehand drive are very fast with great control. Great for penholders.

Great speed and feel like a a moristo sp on super speed! -Naoki

Terrific short pips. Fast, great control and many gears.

excellent control, adequate speed, very nice touch, is possible to attack almost any ball with confidence