4. THE RACKET

------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.1 The racquet may be of any size, shape, or weight.

4.2 The blade shall be continuous, of even thickness, flat, and rigid.

4.2.1 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood.

4.2.2 An adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or compressed paper but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35 mm, whichever is the smaller.

4.3 The visible surface of each side of the blade, whether used for striking the ball or not, shall be uniformly dark colored and matt. Any trimming or binding around the edge of the blade shall not be either wholly or partly white or brightly reflecting.

4.4 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with either ordinary pimpled rubber with pimples outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 2 mm. or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4 mm.

4.4.1 Only adhesives that have been approved by the ITTF for this
purpose may be used to attach the rubber to the blade.

4.4.2 After August 1, 1995, no adhesive that uses any solvent may be used to attach the rubber to the blade.