Medium pips-out rubbers serve as a middle ground between short and long pips, offering a unique blend of disruption, control, and moderate attacking potential. Dr. Neubauer Aggressor Pro is a specialized medium pips rubber built for close-to-table backhand play, combining flat-hit speed, spin resistance, and mild disruptive effects.
Compared to the original Aggressor, the Pro version uses an upgraded sponge with medium-hard hardness, providing a firmer and faster feel without losing essential touch for blocks and passive strokes. It’s ideal for disruptive all-rounders, counter-punchers, and modern pips-out backhand players who want consistent blocking with the ability to apply pressure when needed.
Specs
Type: Medium Pips-Out
Sponge Options: 1.3 mm / 1.5 mm / 1.8 mm / 2.0 mm
Sponge Hardness: Medium-Hard
Speed (Manufacturer): 95
Control (Manufacturer): 92
Effect / Characteristics: Medium disruption
ITTF Approved: Yes
Made In: Germany
Pros
High blocking stability and predictability under pressure
Low trajectory, fast flat hits ideal for countering
Good resistance to spin for serve receive and pushing
Consistent feel across different sponge thicknesses
Cons
May not suit players seeking maximum deception or spin reversal
Medium-hard sponge may require timing adjustment for beginners
Slightly less control in ultra-fast rallies with thicker sponge
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
4.0
Delivers quick rebound and low trajectory on flat hits and counters, especially with a thicker sponge.
Control
3.5
Reliable for most strokes, though the medium-hard sponge demands solid timing and good hand control.
Spin Tolerance
4.0
Handles incoming spin well, allowing easier returns on heavy serves and loops.
Disruption
3.5
Offers moderate disruption. Enough to break rhythm but not overly deceptive like long pips.
Blocking Efficiency
4.5
A standout strength. Blocks are stable, low, and dependable against fast topspin.
Durability
4.0
Well-constructed with long-lasting pips and sponge performance over time.
Core Performance Aspects
Flat Hitting & Counterpunching
Dr. Neubauer Aggressor Pro delivers crisp and direct rebound during punch blocks, flat hits, and counter-hits. Its medium-hard sponge enhances speed without becoming overly bouncy, allowing aggressive players to keep returns fast and flat. The rubber favors direct strokes and suits players who want to apply pressure without relying on topspin.
Blocking & Passive Game
This is where Aggressor Pro truly excels. It’s excellent in close-to-the-table blocking, both in passive and active situations. Even when facing high-speed topspin, the rubber keeps blocks low and controlled. The medium pips structure absorbs and redirects incoming energy with minimal sensitivity, making it highly stable during reactive play.
Spin Tolerance & Serve Receive
Aggressor Pro’s pip structure and sponge combination provide excellent spin resistance. Players can comfortably return spinny serves with short pushes or drop shots. On topspin balls, it stays unaffected enough to allow confident redirection without being overly reactive, a common issue with grippier short pips or inverted rubbers.
Short Game & Straight Flicks
In short pushes and touch play, the rubber maintains good control. Although it doesn’t grip the ball like inverted rubbers, it offers a reliable contact point. Straight-line flicks are effective, especially against underspin. However, players relying on heavy spin flicks may need to adjust due to reduced surface grip.
Strategic Considerations
Rubber Comparison
Compared to the original Dr. Neubauer Aggressor, the Pro version is faster and slightly firmer, providing more offensive potential. Versus SpinLord Gipfelsturm, Aggressor Pro is less spinny but more stable, especially during passive play. It’s less disruptive than some frictionless long pips, but much easier to control in attacking exchanges.
Sponge Thickness & Playstyle
1.3–1.5 mm: More disruptive and controlled; ideal for passive or redirection-focused play.
1.8–2.0 mm: Better for aggressive countering and fast flat hits. Still manageable in control, but requires refined timing.
Blade Compatibility
Dr. Neubauer Aggressor Pro performs best when paired with stiff, fast blades, particularly those with carbon or composite layers. These types of blades enhance the rubber’s low dwell time and amplify its direct hitting style, making flat hits and punch blocks more efficient. Composite blades also help maintain low trajectories and improve pace during counterattacks, which aligns with the rubber’s strengths.
Stiff composite blades (e.g., ALC, ZLC, or carbon-wood hybrids): Enhance the speed and sharpness of flat hits while maintaining low and stable blocks.
Medium-hard 5+2 carbon blades: Offer a consistent bounce and emphasize punchy backhand returns.
All-wood blades (5-ply, flexible): May provide extra control but slightly reduce the disruptive effect and speed.
Ideal User Fit
Aggressor Pro fits:
Players who use close-to-the-table blocking and flat-hitting
Backhand disruptors looking to mix control and mild deception
Intermediate to advanced players who can handle medium-hard sponge timing
Dr. Neubauer Aggressor Pro strikes a versatile balance between disruption and aggressive control. Its medium-hard sponge enables fast, low-arc hits while maintaining enough touch for stable blocking and spin tolerance. A great fit for backhand disruptors and counter-hitters who want dependable control with a dash of unpredictability.
If you’re searching for a medium pips rubber that offers blocking stability, spin resistance, and aggressive flat-hitting potential, Dr. Neubauer Aggressor Pro is a solid choice. Check out current pricing and sponge variations from verified retailers to find the best fit for your setup.
