Description Neottec Hinomi-S

Neottec Hinomi-S: Description

Neottec Hinomi-S is a high-quality Japanese table tennis rubber designed as a soft, versatile option for all-round to offensive players, offering excellent spin, control, and durability at an affordable price. According to the official Neottec description, the Hinomi series is developed for players using a variety of strokes, from all-round to offensive styles, standing out for its **durability and consistency in playing characteristics**. The S version (softer than Hinomi-M) features a springy sponge, special pimple geometry, and extreme elastic rubber mixture, providing increased speed for active strokes while ensuring excellent control in short game. It is ideal for beginners and intermediate players, excelling in flat hits, blocking, and spin-oriented play close to the table, with a higher throw angle that makes opening on backspin easy and generates substantial spin on deep pushes.

Technical Specifications
Type: Inverted rubber, ITTF approved.
Topsheet: Soft, grippy natural rubber with special pimple geometry for enhanced spin and control.
Sponge: Springy, soft sponge (approximately 35–38° ESN/German scale, softer than Hinomi-M), promoting dwell time and forgiveness.
Thickness Options: 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm – thinner options (1.5–1.8 mm) for maximum control, thicker (2.0–2.2 mm) for added speed and spin.
Weight: Approximately 42–45 g g uncut (2.0 mm), ~30–35 g cut on a standard 157x150 mm blade; lighter in thinner variants.
Colors: Black, red; white sponge.
Production: Made in Japan, eco-friendly with low-VOC composition.

Official Neottec Description and Key Features
Neottec describes the Hinomi-S as a top-quality rubber for offensive players, featuring a springy sponge, special pimple geometry, and the latest extreme elastic rubber mixture for increased speed in active strokes and excellent control in short game. The two main distinguishing features are its **durability and consistency**, making it suitable for various playing styles from all-round to offensive. It offers good spin with a higher throw angle than Hinomi-M, facilitating easier spin generation and net clearance, though it may have control issues against hard shots as the ball penetrates the sponge.
Speed Rating: OFF- (~7.5–8.0/10) – fairly fast for flat hitting and blocking, but softer than Hinomi-M, with a moderate catapult effect.
Spin Rating: 8.5/10 – good spin potential, especially for opening loops on backspin and deep pushes, with a higher arc for safe shots.
Control Rating: 9.0/10 – excellent in short game and passive blocks; forgiving for beginners, but can feel bouncy on hard shots.
Feel: Soft, classic response with a lively, consistent touch; higher throw angle than Hinomi-M, but comparable to slightly boosted European rubbers like Sriver.

Performance Characteristics
Speed: Moderate rebound suitable for flat hits and counters, less gear-heavy than Hinomi-M; excellent for blocking and close-to-table play, but slightly slower for aggressive looping.
Spin: Strong grip for spinny shots and serves; the soft topsheet and higher throw angle (~45–50°) make it easy to generate spin on backspin balls and deep pushes, though less explosive than harder rubbers.
Control: Outstanding (9.0/10) in short game, flicks, and passive blocks; forgiving dwell time builds confidence for recreational and intermediate players, but may struggle with very hard incoming shots.
Feel: Soft, classic rubber feel with good touch and consistency; bouncy yet controllable, ideal for developing technique, with a satisfying sound on impact.
Durability: High – lasts 4–6 months with regular use (10–15 hours/week), retaining spin and control longer than many budget rubbers; very good value for the price.

Pairing Recommendations
Blades: Best with all-round (ALL) or light offensive (OFF-) blades like Stiga Allround Classic, Nittaku Acoustic, or Butterfly Joo Saehyuk – balances speed and dwell time.
Forehand: Suitable for spin-focused play; pair with Hinomi-S (1.8–2.0 mm) on softer blades for easy loops and serves.
Backhand: Excellent for control-oriented backhand; use 1.5–1.8 mm thickness on all-round blades for precise blocks and flicks.
Accessories: Use water-based glues like Free Chack II for adhesion; clean with water after sessions to preserve the topsheet.

Conclusion
Neottec Hinomi-S is a soft, classic rubber with an outstanding price/quality ratio, ideal for beginners and intermediate players focusing on spin and control. Its springy sponge and special pimple geometry deliver consistent performance for flat hits, blocks, and spinny loops, earning praise for durability and ease of use. Compared to similar soft rubbers like Yasaka Mark V or Xiom Vega Intro, Hinomi-S offers a higher throw angle and better value, making it a reliable choice for developing an all-round game without overwhelming speed. It's a budget-friendly entry to Japanese quality.

Neottec Hinomi-S

Neottec Hinomi-S

Neottec Hinomi-S