Nittaku Moristo SP

Nittaku Moristo SP – this is a legendary short pips-out table tennis rubber that has long remained one of the most popular in Nittaku's lineup, especially among aggressive attackers who play close to the table. This rubber, used by Japanese star Mima Ito, combines the high tension technology features previously seen in the smooth Moristo rubbers with the advantages of short pips, providing superb elasticity, fast hits, and excellent blocking. Made in Japan with sponge made in Germany, ITTF approved, Moristo SP is a versatile rubber suitable for various tactical solutions, emphasizing control, spin, and speed. Ideally suited for players looking for a balanced short pips rubber on the backhand side, with the ability to perform spin shots and stable blocks.

• Rubber type: Short pips-out

• Speed: 12.5/20

• Spin: 7.5/20

• Sponge hardness: 30° (soft, close to 40° on the ESN scale)

• Sponge thickness: Medium (1.4–1.7 mm), Thick (1.7–1.9 mm), Super Thick (1.9–2.1 mm), MAX (2.1 mm+)

• Colors: Red, black

• Country of origin: Japan (sponge made in Germany)

• Approvals: ITTF approved

• Weight: ~43 g (uncut, 180x170 mm), ~31 g (cut, 157x150 mm)

• Technologies: TENSION system, vertical pips structure, ESN sponge

Nittaku Moristo SP features a modern construction that balances speed, spin, and control, tailored for aggressive offensive play close to the table:

• Sponge (30°): Soft, dynamic sponge (30° on the Nittaku scale, equivalent to ~40° on the ESN scale) made in Germany using ESN technologies. It features a fine-pored structure ensuring excellent ball rebound and a "catapult effect." The sponge provides a lively but controlled feel, ideal for short strokes and blocking. Compared to Moristo SP AX (also 30°), the sponge of Moristo SP is identical, but paired with a different pips structure emphasizing control and disruption effect. The sponge is white, with no visible pores, and contributes to the rubber’s light weight (~31 g cut), allowing pairing with heavier blades.

• Top sheet and pips geometry: Moristo SP has a vertical, low, conical pips structure with a grippy surface on a thin top sheet. This geometry differs from the horizontal structure of Moristo SP AX, offering more control and disruptive effect but less spin (7.5/20). The top sheet is slightly tacky, optimized for fast hits, light spin, and stable blocks. Compared to Moristo SP AX (spin 8.5/20), Moristo SP generates less spin but is more forgiving and less sensitive to incoming spin, making it ideal for the backhand side.

• TENSION system: Moristo SP uses Nittaku’s TENSION technology, which increases top sheet elasticity, giving additional speed and liveliness without added boosters. This technology, combined with the soft ESN sponge, creates a “sharp” feel, allowing players to precisely regulate shot power and spin. The rubber strongly conveys the blade’s feeling, which is especially suitable for accurate shots close to the table.

• Lightweight: Moristo SP is a light rubber (~31 g cut), slightly heavier than Moristo SP AX (~30 g), but lighter than Yasaka Rakza PO (~35 g). This lightness allows it to be paired with heavier blades, such as the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC, without losing racket balance.

The rubber is offered in four thicknesses: Medium (1.4–1.7 mm) for maximum control and backhand side, Thick (1.7–1.9 mm) for balanced play, Super Thick (1.9–2.1 mm) for fast hits, and MAX (2.1 mm+) for aggressive offensive forehand strokes. Colors – red and black – comply with ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glue, such as Nittaku Fine Zip, when assembling the rubber.

• Speed (12.5/20): Moristo SP is a fast short pips rubber, suitable for flat hits, backhand attacks, and third-ball attacks. Even with a 1.8 mm sponge, combined with an All+ blade, it ensures high speed. Compared to Moristo SP AX (13/20), Moristo SP is slightly slower but offers more control and disruptive effect. Compared to Nittaku Royal Large (15/20), it is slower but more forgiving. The rubber features a “catapult effect” that is milder than Moristo SP AX, making it easier to control.

• Spin (7.5/20): Due to the vertical pips structure, Moristo SP generates sufficient spin for a short pips rubber, suitable for serves, pushes, and light topspins. Compared to Moristo SP AX (8.5/20), the spin is lower, but the rubber is less sensitive to incoming spin, making it great for stable blocks and passive receive. Compared to Tenergy 80 FX (61/100), the spin is limited but effective in the short pips context.

• Control: The soft sponge (30°) and vertical pips provide high control in blocking, short pushes, and precise hits. Compared to Moristo SP AX, Moristo SP offers more control and disruptive effect, making it more suitable for players seeking stability on the backhand side. The rubber suits a wider range of players, including intermediate-level players transitioning to short pips.

• Trajectory: Low, flat, and straight, ideal for flat hits, blocks, and quick attacks close to the table. The trajectory is straighter than that of inverted rubbers (e.g., Tenergy 80 FX, arc 63/100), making it unsuitable for mid-distance play but excellent for fast play near the table.

• Drives (attacks): Moristo SP is fast for backhand and forehand attacks (9.0/10), offering great speed and a “sharp” feel. The trajectory is flat with light spin, making shots disruptive and putting pressure on the opponent. Compared to Moristo SP AX, Moristo SP is slightly slower but easier to control, especially on the backhand side.

• Hits against spin: The rubber is suitable for hitting against backspin (8.8/10), with good stability and accuracy. Thanks to its speed and disruptive effect, the ball easily clears the net, ensuring a high hit percentage in third-ball attacks.

• Blocking: Blocks against topspin are fast, flat, and very stable (9.5/10). The soft sponge and vertical pips reduce sensitivity to incoming spin, making the rubber very forgiving even when blocking strong topspin shots. Compared to Moristo SP AX, Moristo SP offers more control and disruptive effect.

• Flat hits (smashing): Moristo SP is effective for flat hits (8.9/10), generating strong, disruptive trajectories. The rubber suits both forehand and backhand hits, especially when paired with a harder blade, such as the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC.

• Pushes: Long pushes are controlled (9.0/10), and short pushes and touch shots are of high quality (9.2/10). Due to the “deader” feel on low-impact shots, the rubber provides stability in the short game, especially for spinny pushes.

• Flicks: Moristo SP suits banana flicks (8.7/10), especially when attacking through spin, but is less effective than Moristo SP AX due to lower spin potential. Shots are stable when executed precisely at the top of the ball's trajectory.

  Nittaku Moristo SP is suitable for various blades, especially those with a harder or composite structure (e.g., carbon), which complements the soft sponge and vertical pimple geometry. Recommended for players seeking a modern short pips rubber with great control, elasticity, and disruptive potential on the backhand side.

  Moristo SP is a high-performance choice in the world of short pips, distinguished by its unique structure and excellent manufacturing quality. Ideal for players who want to combine classic short pips control with modern speed and spin. A rubber that has stood the test of time and remains relevant thanks to its refined design and Mima Ito’s success using it on the professional stage.