Compare/Short pips
Short pips
Spectol S1 vs Spectol S3
Same short-pip job, different generation. S1 is the classic Spectol still in European bags. S3 (2023) is the newer sponge/topsheet step — Combined speed a touch lower, spin a touch higher, a higher street price.
Neither loops like inverted. Both hit and block. S2 and Spectol Red are other family members, not hardness letters on S1.
If you are leaving inverted for short pips, start on S1 unless a coach has already timed you on S3. Hexer Pips is the German alternative, not a Spectol sibling.
| Spectol S1 | Spectol S3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Victas | Victas |
| Style | OFF | OFF |
| Type | Short pips | Short pips |
| Speed | 88 | 86 |
| Control | 82 | 78 |
| Spin | 55 | 58 |
| Hardness | 35° | 40° |
| Weight | 42 g | 42 g |
| Price | €36 | €41 |
| Score | 8.7 | 8.6 |
Profile
- Spectol S1
- Spectol S3
Zoomed 40–100 scale · the inner ring is 40, not 0, so gaps around the average actually show.
Speed
88
+2 vs Spectol S3
Spin
55
-3 vs Spectol S3
Control
82
+4 vs Spectol S3
Verdict
S1 for the known Japanese short pip. S3 if you specifically want the newer sheet and will pay for it. Same family, not a hardness fork.
Combined index for filters. Official vs community lives on each product page. Not lab tests.