Nittaku Hammond Z2 Review: A Hard-Sponge Powerhouse from Japan

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · rubber

Released in 2022, the Nittaku Hammond Z2 is the Japanese brand’s flagship offensive rubber, manufactured in Japan rather than the ESN factory in Germany that produces most European-branded rubbers. This distinction matters: the Hammond Z2 has a character of its own, separate from the wave of ESN tensors that dominate modern offensive play. Nittaku describes it as a powerful and spinny rubber suited to top players, and the table tennis community has largely agreed. With a topsheet that is slightly tacky and noticeably grippy, a hard red sponge measuring approximately 52 degrees on the ESN scale, and an uncut weight around 70 grams, this rubber targets the serious attacking player who demands maximum performance from every stroke.

Performance

The Hammond Z2 shines most obviously in the looping game. Topspin drives feel clicky and stable, with the ball exiting the rubber quickly and with authority. When you open up against backspin, the combination of topsheet grip and sponge hardness generates very high amounts of spin and a medium arc that keeps the ball from sailing long while still threatening the opponent. Racket Insight, which tested the rubber extensively, observed that even at around 70 percent power you obtain adequate speed and spin, and the rubber scales linearly with harder strokes rather than plateauing early. This distinguishes the Hammond Z2 from rubbers like the Hurricane 3 NEO that require near-maximum swing speed to unlock their potential. Counterlooping with the Hammond is exceptional. The feeling of gripping through the ball is confident and rewarding, and the resulting shots carry tremendous pace. Multiple reviewers noted that it sits between the Tenergy 05 and Dignics 05 in terms of character: not quite as instantly explosive off a soft touch as the Tenergy, and not quite as maximally grippy or controllable on power loops as the Dignics, but competitive with both and available at a lower price. Blocking is another standout attribute. Active blocks with the Hammond are described as dangerous, carrying natural pace and good placement. Passive blocks still move fast enough to trouble opponents. Serve production is also above average, with the topsheet generating good spin from a relatively compact motion. The short game is manageable by the standards of a rubber this hard, largely because the Hammond does not have the hair-trigger reactivity of softer tensors. Receive is workable with proper acceleration and wrist, though the rubber will punish hesitant or passive flicks. The Revspin community awarded it a consistency score of 9.5 out of 10 and durability of 8.1, both well above average, and several long-time reviewers noted it outlasts most ESN tensors by a significant margin in playable condition. Its unusual topsheet texture creates unpredictable ball behavior for opponents, contributing to its reputation as a rubber that is difficult to read from the other side of the table.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

The overwhelming community consensus is that the Hammond Z2 is an excellent high-performance offensive rubber. On Revspin it holds a 9.5 aggregate overall rating from 79 reviewers, which is extraordinary. Racket Insight awarded it 4.8 out of 5. Reddit threads are broadly positive, though several community members flag that the rubber produces very polarized initial impressions: first-time users who approach it like a softer tensor often find it underwhelming, while those who adjust to its demands and use proper accelerating strokes typically rate it very highly. The main point of disagreement is whether it is a forehand-only rubber or can serve effectively on the backhand. Most professional reviews recommend it for the forehand, but community users report satisfying backhand experiences, particularly on modern penhold setups and for players with strong backhand technique. There is also some debate over blade pairing: stiffer carbon blades can make the rubber feel less comfortable, and reviewers consistently recommend OFF-minus or flexible composite blades to bring out its full potential.

Who Should Buy It

The Nittaku Hammond Z2 is ideal for upper-intermediate to advanced players who favor an aggressive forehand looping game and want a hard, spinny rubber with staying power. It suits players who have developed consistent swing mechanics and can benefit from a rubber that scales with stroke quality. Athletes looking for a competitive alternative to the Butterfly Tenergy or Dignics series at a more accessible price point will find the Hammond Z2 a compelling option. Beginners and intermediate players who rely on the rubber to do much of the work should look elsewhere, as the Hammond punishes passive play and rewards active acceleration. It is also worth considering for strong backhand attackers who can handle its hardness on that side.

FAQ

How hard is the Nittaku Hammond Z2 sponge?

The sponge measures approximately 52 degrees on the ESN hardness scale, making it a hard rubber comparable in feel to the Butterfly Dignics series. It is noticeably harder than most ESN tensors and softer-market forehand rubbers.

Is the Hammond Z2 suitable for backhand use?

Most professional reviewers recommend it for the forehand side due to its hardness and power. However, community players with strong backhand technique report excellent results, and some describe it as the best backhand rubber they have used. Players who are comfortable with hard rubbers on the backhand can try it.

How does the Hammond Z2 compare to the Tenergy 05?

The Hammond Z2 sits at a slightly higher hardness (approximately 52 degrees vs 48 for the Tenergy 05) and has a higher base speed that does not require full swing to activate. The Tenergy 05 is more explosively catapult-like and somewhat easier to spin with a loose wrist, while the Hammond rewards harder, more deliberate contact. Durability is reported to be better on the Hammond.

What blade pairs best with the Hammond Z2?

OFF and OFF-minus blades in all-wood or soft composite construction are recommended. Very stiff carbon blades can make the rubber feel harsh and reduce arc. Flexible blades like the Donic Waldner OFF and similar all-wood offensive blades bring out the best in its speed, spin, and feeling.

Is the Hammond Z2 a durable rubber?

Yes. Community data on Revspin rates durability at 8.1 out of 10, which is above average for high-performance offensive rubbers. Several reviewers note it outlasts typical ESN tensors by a meaningful margin, making it a better long-term investment despite its upfront cost.