Harkany 2008

Welcome to the BRIBAR world of TABLE TENNIS

Dear Table Tennis Enthusiasts

Another year, another change!  The only bonus for me, as a slightly more mature player, is that I may now stand a small chance of keeping up with the youngsters! The Speed Glue ban, or rather the banning of glues containing “volatile organic compounds”, has left everyone in a bit of a dilemma.  When to change and what to use instead? 


Guess who? A former European Champion dressed to impress. (John Hilton at Draycott Table Tennis Centre)

Alex Murdoch & John Bylis at the opening of the Draycott Table Tennis Centre


England European Junior Team Champions, July 2007, wearing JOOLA/BRIBAR clothing.

The ITTF would prefer all players to cease using glue forthwith, but as I write, the total ban comes into effect for juniors from 1st January 2008 and for seniors from 1st September 2008.  This may change to “immediate implementation” if there are any other serious health incidents in the meantime.  There will be testing at international and national tournaments, which I’m sure will gradually roll out to county and local tournaments over time.  The ITTF will no longer “approve” glue.  They will produce a list of “clean” glues on their web site but no glues or tuners will be “approved” as in the past.

Some of you will, no doubt, chose to carry on using glue until the last possible minute, and we will continue to supply it as long as stocks are available.  It would be remiss of me, however, not to point out that anyone buying or using glue does so at their own risk.  It should only be used in a well-ventilated area and never in the playing arena – whether that be a sports hall or a village hall!  Parents and coaches should be particularly cautious when juniors are involved.

Players who have made the decision to change now, have plenty to think about.  The move is towards ”tuned” and “pre-speed glued” rubbers and faster blades.  Add to this the selection of water-based glues, tuners and pressure/tuning boxes (see page 15) and a whole new world of choice opens up.  We have only recently received samples of these new products and are now trying and testing, ready to give you the benefit of our findings as you make your choices for the forthcoming season.  It is too soon for us to comment here on the long-term effects of these new glues and tuners or on the longevity of the new rubbers, but keep an eye on the web site or give us a call for advice.

The “pre-speed glued” rubbers to consider are the Joola range of Mambo GP and Energy X-tra, (both of which we have had an opportunity to test and initial results are impressive), the Synergy Tech rubbers form Stiga and the Nimbus range from Tibhar. “Tuned” rubbers, where the sponge is tuned with gas, include Mambo Tuned and Samba Ntec Tuned from Joola, Dr Neubauer’s Domination Tuned and Rapid D Tec Soft Tuned from Tibhar. All of these rubbers can be used alone or in conjunction with the new glues, tuners and tuning/pressure devices.  Those of you who chose to use these will have to adopt a completely different attitude towards the timing and use of glue.  The drying time is considerably longer than historical speed glue, so gone are the days of gluing in between matches. 

My apologies to those of you who are not interested in speed glue, for going on so long, but it is an important element of the modern game and therefore requires comment. 

2006-7 has been a tremendous season for us, our sponsored countries, clubs and players, too numerous to mention individually this year.  New ventures such as the Draycott and Long Eaton club have finally come to a fantastic conclusion after years of planning and hard work from a dedicated team of volunteers.  Purpose built venues such as this must surely be the way forward! 

Thank you all for your continued support.  Without it, we would not be able to continue our support of table tennis at grass roots level.  My other dream is to see a home-grown World and European Champion, so anything that we can do to support the development of young talent, we will continue to do.

2007 – 8 will be a season of change but remember – Bribar Table Tennis is constant.  We compromise on price but never on quality!

Best wishes

Barry Chapman
St. Andrews British League womens team Great Britain Deaf Team Blaenafon TTC members with coach Dave Allen Cippenham British League boys team

For newcomers to the game we recommend that you begin by using a 'made up' bat; most serious players will progress to bespoke blade and rubbers, designed to suit their strengths and weaknesses. We have eased your path through the complex maze of both rubbers and blades by producing technical charts that will assist you in making the correct choice. The charts have been carefully developed in house by the BRIBAR team of technicians but if you are still unsure send us an e-mail for individual advice.

AGENTS

Ever wondered why BRIBAR is the fastest growing company in Table Tennis. Perhaps it's because

  • we are at the forefront of Table Tennis development and promotion
  • we are constantly seeking, testing and introducing new products
  • we offer the most competitive prices we carry massive stocks
  • and provide a service second to none.

Interested in joining the BRIBAR team of professionals - give us a call for details.

Phone for details of our exclusive 'Club Partnership' scheme.

BRIBAR - at the forefront of Table Tennis Promotion, Development and Grass Roots Support.

TOURNAMENT STANDS

Do you want to improve the image of your tournament? The BRIBAR team will bring our tournament stand and staggering range of products to your tournament + subject to availability a robot and bat test kit to enable you to make the correct choice. Phone for details.

TOURNAMENT HIRE

We offer a full tournament hire service including tables, surrounds, umpires' tables and scoring machinies. Tournament equipment comprises ITTF-approved tables of the highest quality and replaced on an annual basis. Our tournament distribution warehouse in the Midlands enables easy access to all areas of the UK. Phone for quotation for the highest quality equipment.