Gambler GLine X Fast Carbon

Product Review: Gambler Table Tennis Equipment I have been using Gambler equipment as far back to when the distributor was known as Zero Pong. Their low price allowed me to systematically experiment with the same rubber across multiple blades without having to transfer it from one blade to the next. I was able to compare how they perform side by side. I use the same rubber on both sides of the blade unless I am evaluating something. If I like it then I will order a sheet for the other side and play with it until I am ready to move onto a slightly faster blade. I will limit my review(s) to equipment that is currently available and still in my possession (some things I’ve bought and given away because it didn’t suit me). RUBBERS GSX Oh-Toro (short pips) • Tried PIPs out of curiosity and it is not for me. Gave it to a PIPs player at the club and they like. Sevens • I only purchased this rubber to compare it to the Nine Ultra Tack. The Sevens is not a bad rubber; it all depends on where you are in your development. I had already gotten accustomed to Nine so this would be a step backwards. Nine Ultra Track Oh-Toro • I used this extensively across multiple blades and really enjoyed it until I was ready to take the next step to VOLT-T VOLT-M • Once again, I only bought this to see how it plays in comparison to another rubber, in this case to the VOLT-T. This rubber (Volt-M) is not for me because I prefer tacky rubbers. VOLT-T • I loved it and would still be playing with it if Gambler did not introduce the Volt Pro, Volt Speed and X3D. I used this across multiple blades: AC Hero, Pure 7, all three Fire Dragons (Fast, Hinoki, and Touch), Stiga Clipper CR, and Nittaku Tenaly Carbon. X3D • This is now my go to rubber, and I am currently playing with it on the GLine X Fast Carbon, Dragon Fire Fast, Nittaku Tenaly Carbon, and Butterfly Harimoto Innerforce ALC. I will eventually get around to testing it out on the Stiga Clipper CR. Volt Pro and Volt Speed • Tested 1-sheet each on a DONIC Original True Carbon INNER. Gambler came out with three modern rubbers X3D, Volt Pro, and Volt Speed. As stated earlier, I love the X3D and it is my current rubber of choice. If it wasn’t available, I can see myself playing with Volt Speed but not with Volt Pro. The Speed had more grip than the Pro and I just prefer tacky. BLADES Before I list individual Gambler blades, I must warn you that I’m disappointed in their straight handles (only the handle portion of the blade). The manufacturing of the handle (not the blade) is inconsistent. I’ve bought the same blade twice and difference is noticeable. I recommend selecting flared, better consistency and more forgiving when trying to reshape with a sanding sponge. Pure 7 • I bought this to see how it played in comparison to Stiga Clipper CR. The speed wasn’t there. At some point I’ll get around to see how it was with X3D. At the time both blades had VOLT-T on them AC Hero • I was searching for something like the original Gambler ALC. I did not find it in this blade, nor did I like it and gave it away. Fire Dragon series • Fast – This was my main blade until I progressed to the Gline X. I’ve since gone back to it because of injury and some experimentation. I’ll revert to Gline X once I’ve gotten my consistency back. • Hinoki – I was enjoying the Fast some much, I was curious about the rest of the Dragon series. The play and feel between the Touch and Hinoki are almost indistinguishable. Hinoki just edges it out on speed ever so slightly. Both allow you to place the ball wherever you want, phenomenal control. • Touch – see Hinoki review. After owning the Touch I decided to treat myself to the “real” thing, a Harimoto ALC Innerforce. Believe it or not, I prefer the Touch; this could be due to head size of the Harimoto. Gline X Carbon • This was my current blade of choice with X3D rubber (2.1) on both sides unit I got injured. I am rebuilding my consistency with Fire Dragon Fast, then I’ll revert to Gline X. My journey to the Gline X began with Fire Dragon Fast (Volt-T rubber). Then I stepped down to the Touch and progressed to Hinoki, and back to Fast; all with Volt-T. Then I placed X3D on the Fast and eventually graduated to the Gline X. What’s the point of speed and power if you cannot control it? Having played with slower equipment I built up my consistency and defense. Now I have the power to end rallies, while still maintaining defensive capabilities. This would not be possible if I did not put in the work on the other blades. SUMMARY I would recommend any of Dragon Fire series (Fire, Hinoki, Touch) or the Gline X Carbon, all by Gambler. Their modern rubbers (X3D, Volt Speed, Volt Pro) are great too but I prefer tacky and really love X3D.