This is a question I have heard more and more often in recent years:
“Mr. Su, RPB has become such an important part of modern penhold play. Is there a grip design that is specifically made for RPB?”
My answer is:
Yes. This is exactly one of the ideas behind the Su Style Tiger Claw.
RPB Changed the Way We Think About Penhold
Traditional Chinese penhold has a long and successful history.
For many years, penhold players focused mainly on powerful forehand play, quick attacks near the table, and excellent control.
But with the development of RPB (Reverse Penhold Backhand), the demands on the grip have changed.
Modern penhold players need a racket that can support:
- Strong forehand attacks.
- Stable backhand topspin.
- Quick transitions between both sides.
- Comfortable long training sessions.
This creates new challenges for the traditional penhold grip.
Why Do Many Players Struggle With RPB?
When learning RPB, many players focus only on the swing technique.
They practice the motion again and again.
But they often overlook one important foundation:
The relationship between the hand and the racket.
A good RPB requires a stable grip.
If the racket moves slightly in your hand during the stroke, the racket angle changes, and the quality of contact becomes inconsistent.
Many players experience:
- Unstable racket angles.
- Difficulty repeating the same stroke.
- Finger discomfort after long practice.
- Lack of confidence during backhand attacks.
Sometimes the problem is not the player’s effort.
It is the connection between the hand and the racket.
Sanwei Su Style Tiger Claw
- ITTF Approved: Fully compliant with ITTF regulations, the Sanwei Su Style Racket is certified for use in any level of table tennis competition, ensuring you stay competitive and compliant with official standards.
- Ultimate Pen-Holding Solution: Specifically engineered for pen-hold players, the Su Style Racket offers unmatched comfort and control, addressing the unique needs of pen-hold enthusiasts.
- Ergonomic Swing Design: Utilizing ergonomic principles, the traditional CS handle is transformed to align the racket face parallel to the palm. This design reduces strain and enhances the natural swing motion, providing better control and precision.
- More structures are available for selection.
- The handle design has been updated to make it more comfortable
- Free Shipping Worldwide!
Why Did I Create the Su Style Tiger Claw?
After more than 30 years of studying penhold players, I wanted to answer one question:
“Can we design a penhold grip that naturally supports modern RPB?”
This idea became the foundation of the Su Style Tiger Claw.
Instead of asking players to constantly adjust their hand position to fit the racket, I wanted the racket to better match the player’s natural hand structure.
Designed for a More Stable RPB Grip
One important feature of the Su Style Tiger Claw is the support area around the palm.
The thenar area (the muscle area at the base of the thumb) provides additional support, helping the player hold the racket more securely.
This creates a more stable connection between the hand and the blade.
Another important design is the specially shaped angled support area for the index finger.
Traditional penhold grips often place significant pressure on the index finger.
Over long training sessions, this can become uncomfortable and affect grip stability.
By increasing the contact area of the index finger, the pressure is distributed more evenly.
The result is a more comfortable and stable holding experience.
Comfort Helps Create Better Technique
A comfortable grip is not only about feeling good.
It directly affects performance.
When your hand is comfortable:
- You can maintain a more consistent grip.
- Your racket angle becomes easier to control.
- Your strokes become more repeatable.
- You can focus on timing and placement instead of adjusting your hand.
High-quality shots come from repeatable movements.
And repeatable movements start with a stable foundation.
More Than Just an RPB Blade
The goal of the Su Style Tiger Claw was never simply to create a different-looking penhold racket.
The goal was to create a tool that helps modern penhold players fully develop their game.
A racket that supports:
- Powerful forehand play.
- Stable RPB attacks.
- Comfortable long-term training.
Final Thoughts
After decades in table tennis, I believe equipment should follow the evolution of technique.
When RPB became an important part of modern penhold, racket design also needed to evolve.
The Su Style Tiger Claw was created from that idea:
A grip designed around the needs of today’s penhold players.
Because when the hand feels natural, the technique becomes easier to express.
And when the technique becomes easier to repeat, better shots naturally follow.
—
Su Zhimin
Founder of SANWEI Sports
