vanjr's Rubber Ratings/Reviews
Back to vanjr's Profile
Here are vanjr's ratings and reviews. These ratings are useful because vanjr has his/her own standard and will rate and review the ping pong equipment accordingly, giving you accurate and useful ratings and reviews to aid you in your next online purchase.
Avalox (AVX) (1)

|
Avalox Sterco
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Avalox StercoThis is a very good rubber. I had a red sheet with 2.0 sponge. I have sense traded it to a club mate who really spins the ball well and he really likes it. The only thing that I did not like about this was that my sheet had a kinda dirty look to the topsheet that did not clean off. The appearance did not affect the play, but kinda bothered me. I would recommend this as a good looping rubber with decent control. Works well without speed glue. Good at service game as well.
Mar 26, 2008 |
Bomb (1)

|
Bomb Mopha
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Bomb MophaThis is the german version tension sponge version w a red topsheet in max sponge. Very nice rubber. It had a very mild tackiness initially which has essentially disappeared with a sesson or 2. Very good speed, spin and power away from the table. Pretty good control. On my blade, throws a little lower than outlaw. Was 30 dollars, so moderately expensive. If I had a good source of this I might switch over to it. Enjoying just playing with it now. Nice for looping.
Feb 26, 2010 |
Butterfly (1)

|
Butterfly Tackifire Drive
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Butterfly Tackifire DriveI had a sheet of red in 2.1 sponge and did not speed glue. Frankly this was a good rubber, but at the price it was nothing special. It was no better than a number of rubbers I have used. It was ok to good for looping, serving and short game. I probably had too high of expectations, but it did not impress me.
Mar 27, 2008 |
CTT (1)

|
CTT National Strike
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
1.0 |
|
Tackiness |
5.0 |
Throw Angle |
2.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of CTT National StrikeA pretty good quality rubber with good spin and very good control. Probably does best with a fast blade. Great control. Very good option for players looking for good spin and control who do not need super "put away" ability.
Nov 15, 2012 |
Darker (1)

|
Darker Provine
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
10.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Consistency |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Darker ProvineThis is an outstanding rubber that may not be available in the US anymore. Very good for serve, loop, hitting and blocking. Versatile. I did have some variations based on the newer sponge-I preferred the older ones, but since it is not longer easy to get I have not used it recently.
Mar 31, 2008 |
Double Happiness (DHS) (1)

|
DHS NEO Hurricane 3
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
7.0 |
Control |
1.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
|
Tackiness |
5.0 |
Throw Angle |
10.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
3.0 |
|
|
Review of DHS NEO Hurricane 3I have tried a couple of sheets of commercial H3 over the years but never really liked them. I decided to give this neo H3 a try. To be honest with you I cannot seem to put the ball on the table. It seems to be the highest throw rubber I have ever seen. I did like the sponge and attaching it to the blade was neat. But despite using a lot of other chinese rubber in the past I can't seem to use this. I also got a sheet of skyline 3 neo at the same time and that is much, much easier to use.
Aug 11, 2010 |
Donic (1)

|
Donic Coppa JO Platin Soft
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
2.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
0.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Donic Coppa JO Platin SoftVery good glue effect rubber. Seems to last a little longer than the few other glue effect rubbers and is not too fragile. Loops well of course and counter loops nicely. I also think it has a decent short game and pushes ok in 2.0 sponge on my defensive blade.
Dec 16, 2008 |
Friendship/729 (8)

|
Friendship/729 Focus 3
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
10.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 Focus 3This is a very good looping rubber. Works best off the table. Not good for chopping. Ok for the short game, but not great.
Mar 26, 2008 |
|
Friendship/729 GeoSpin Tacky
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 GeoSpin TackyThis is a good rubber. Versatile. Very different between the black topsheet (very tacky) and red topsheet (significantly less tacky). Plays well off the table and in close. Good short game. The only weakness is that is it not real fast and players who want a good off the table looping rubber would need to speed glue it significantly.
Mar 26, 2008 |
|
Friendship/729 Faster 3 (Fenghun 3)
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 Faster 3 (Fenghun 3)I found this similar to other 729 rubbers. Except it is a little better off the table. I have not used it with speed glue. A high quality product. It is a little heavy if you have a large headed blade and I can't see many people using it in max thickness on both sides of a large blade.
May 02, 2008 |
|
Friendship/729 Cream on Magic Red Sponge (MRS)
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
5.0 |
Throw Angle |
2.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
7.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 Cream on Magic Red Sponge (MRS)Good close to the table rubber for hitting, serving, looping. Good control when blocking others loops. Not so good for counter looping from off the table.
May 13, 2008 |
|
Friendship/729 Higher 3
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
5.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 Higher 3One of the better friendship rubbers IMO. Good at everything. Better looping at mid distance than cream. Probably not as good in that department as focus 3. Great price.
May 13, 2008 |
|
Friendship/729 729-2 Sensor
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
5.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 729-2 SensorVery good and versatile chinese rubber. Probably one of the best chinese style rubbers that I have used on my backhand. Very good at looping, spinning and pushing.
May 13, 2008 |
|
Friendship/729 729-5
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 729-5This is a nice rubber that plays well at the table and off the table. Certainly more control than european glue effect rubbers. It can chop with control as well. Right now it fits my game better than all other 729 inverted rubbers.
Feb 05, 2009 |
|
Friendship/729 729-08 ES
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
10.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
7.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Friendship/729 729-08 ESVery good control in the short game. Spinny serves. Opens well against underspin. Pushes well. This rubber is really growing on me. Interested to see how long it lasts-especially since it is vacuum wrapped and presumably factory tuned.
Jan 30, 2013 |
Galaxy (Yinhe/Milkyway) (4)

|
Galaxy Venus
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
5.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Galaxy VenusI have this in red with 2.0 sponge. It is a very solid chinese rubber without being extremely tacky. It works well in the serve and short game and close to the table attacking game. One benefit of the softer than normal (for chinese) sponge is that it also has the good ability to play well off the table. I have it on a flexible blade (galaxy lq2) and it works well. I haven't tried it on a stiff blade, but generally I find chinese rubbers to play better on a stiff blade. Very much worth the price. It won't be as good at off the table looping as something like focus 3, but it may make your overall game better due to serving and the short game.
Mar 26, 2008 |
|
Galaxy Earth
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Galaxy EarthI have a sheet of Earth in red on 2.2 sponge rated 36-38 hardness. Playing with it on a soft flexible blade (gambler kevlar oversize) it is a nice soft rubber that loops well. The sponge allows good mechanical spin. Tackiness is is not bad after a little play. It compares favorably with venus (which I have is similar sponge hardness, but in 2.0). I do think it is worth a try if you like chinese rubber that is more euro than chinese. I am not sure if there are many sources for it in the US
Jul 02, 2008 |
|
Galaxy Apollo
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
10.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Galaxy ApolloThe tuned version is very nice.
Mar 12, 2010 |
|
Galaxy Apollo III
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Galaxy Apollo IIIThis works much better on a faster blade. I hav it on a moderately fast carbon double fish blade and it has good spin and good control. Not overwhelmingly powerful and requires a longer stroke than other rubbers. Works well with serve return and flipping over the table. Blocks well.
May 12, 2013 |
Gambler (4)

|
Gambler Six Shooter
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
2.0 |
Gears |
1.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
0.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Gambler Six ShooterI have used this sheet in 2.2 sponge (and used its cousin, magnum in 2 and 2.2) and find it a good looping rubber. Very good control and decent speed based on the control. If you are coming from a japanese/euro rubber this is one you may want to try. Can't beat it for the price. Very good ball feel.
Apr 02, 2008 |
|
Gambler Six Shooter Magnum
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Gambler Six Shooter MagnumThis is very similar to six shooter on soft sponge. As expected it has more speed and a little less feel. Probably a little less spin and a little heavier. Very good rubber. I haven't used it with speed glue. It does curl up a little like a tensioned rubber
Apr 02, 2008 |
|
Gambler Outlaw (Tuned)
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
2.0 |
Gears |
10.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
2.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Consistency |
5.0 |
Overall |
10.0 |
|
|
Review of Gambler Outlaw (Tuned)New 4th generation-grippy, soft topsheet. Low throw. I am not sure why others see this as a hitting rubber-I think it is more for loopers.
Aug 11, 2011 |
|
Gambler Six Shooter AMP Lavender
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Gambler Six Shooter AMP LavenderI thought I would give the new AMP version of six shooter a try. First impressions is that it looks very similar to outlaw. Indeed I had to look close to see the imprint said the right name. I am using it on the Hao Shua blade on the non-carbon side and using it on my backhand. It has good control and decent pop when I loop or hit harder with it. Its no rocket but very nice on a faster blade. Certainly the price is right. Will keep this on my BH for a while and see how it goes.
May 24, 2013 |
Giant Dragon (1)

|
Giant Dragon TopENERGY Hard
Speed |
9.5 |
Spin |
10.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
8.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
10.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
10.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Giant Dragon TopENERGY HardVery heavy, tacky (in black-at least initially) powerful rubber. Only concern is the weight if you have a heavy blade or play with max inverted on both sides. I use LP on one side so the weight actually is nice for me to generate power. Unlike some other very tacky rubbers, this one is not slow at all-the sponge gives is nice power. Also pretty good for hitting at the table while being able to loop from mid-distance.
Later edit-Around the same time I was trying Thors. While I went with Thors for better overall power and all around play-I was able to counterloop off the table with topenergy hard with much greater consistency. Topenergy however lacked the "put away power" of Thors
Feb 04, 2011 |
JOOLA (1)

|
JOOLA Energy Green Power
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
10.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
2.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
8.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
10.0 |
|
|
Review of JOOLA Energy Green PowerThis is a speed glue alternative rubber that is very powerful even with careful strokes. I am coming from a non-speed glue perspective, but if all the speed gluers have been getting control and spin like this rubber has, then you have had a huge advantage. I used this is 2.0 red and it has a good short game as well. Serving may not be as well as some tacky rubbers, but the ability to loop almost any ball with confidence and precision is incredible. The only disadvantage is that is is somewhat fragile, so catching the edge of the table looping a half long serve can lead to catastrophic tears. It is also not cheap. It does seem to last a long time.
May 12, 2008 |
Kokutaku (2)

|
Kokutaku Blutenkirsche 868 Tokyo
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
7.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Kokutaku Blutenkirsche 868 TokyoI bought a sheet of this on a whim and played with in the first time last night. All I can say is wow! This time being an EJ may pay off for me. This rubber was very fun to play with. I could control the ball and topspin anything. I had been using tenergy 64 and this new rubber was just as fun to play with. It had a similar firm sponge, but the topsheet was very non-tacky-not even grippy, yet I could topspin very, very nicely. I immediately ordered 4 more sheets and will get them for the price of one sheet of tenergy. I have now tried in both the hard sponge version and another labeled 40-43 degree sponge which is clearly softer and slower but still very nice. I highly recommend this rubber. Just be careful and ask to get your desired sponge hardness.
I went away from this for 6 months to Thors but now am back due to a new coach who has me playing a more controlled style. Still an outstanding non-tacky buy.
Anyone know who sells the hard sponge version of this? Lots of sources from medium/soft sponge (40-43 degree per package) but looking for a reliable source that says "hard" on the back under sponge heading. thanx!
May 20, 2011 |
LKT (Li Kuang Tsu) (2)

|
LKT Pro XP Gold Dragon
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
2.0 |
Gears |
1.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
3.0 |
Overall |
7.0 |
|
|
Review of LKT Pro XP Gold DragonGrippy, minimally tacky rubber. Light. Good for a control looping game on an Off speed blade. Probably too slow for most fast players unless you speed glue. Good quality. Comes with 2.2 sponge-not good for chopping. Ok for pushing.
Mar 25, 2008 |
|
LKT Red Diamond
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of LKT Red DiamondLooks a lot like cream on MRS, but much better at off the table looping than that rubber. I am not sure how long it lasts. It doesn't look "tuned" but plays like it is.
Mar 12, 2010 |
Palio (2)

|
Palio Blitz
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
7.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
8.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Palio BlitzVery nice looping and counter looping rubber. Works well off the table. High throw. Pushes may be hard to control. Serves OK, but nothing spectacular. If you look off the table looping it is a very nice choice for a moderate price.
Jul 16, 2010 |
|
Palio Thors
Speed |
9.0 |
Spin |
9.5 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
10.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
7.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
9.5 |
|
|
Review of Palio ThorsVery high quality product. Really attacks well. I am having to adjust some in the short game to a more active stroke. Also not easy to counter loop topspin from mid-distance as many other rubbers (its cousin palio blitz for example) but that is not a major component to my game. IMO not easy to chop with.
Re-reading my review, I sound a little critical. I do think there is too much hype for this rubber. However, I must confess that this is the rubber I am currently using for tournament play, so I really do love it. Counterlooping off the table remains difficult.
Jan 21, 2011 |
Sanwei (1)

|
Sanwei T88-I
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
8.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Sanwei T88-IThis inverted has big pips and loops pretty well. It seems to be hybrid between tacky, close-to-the-table chinese rubbers and european-japanese off the table ones. It is heavy.
Jul 11, 2012 |
Sword (2)

|
Sword Hero
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
8.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
7.0 |
Overall |
8.0 |
|
|
Review of Sword HeroPretty decent tuned chinese rubber that seems very similar to the rest. Price is good. If you like tacky tuned rubbers it is a reasonable rubber to try.
Mar 01, 2010 |
|
Sword Maze
Speed |
8.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
6.0 |
Gears |
7.0 |
|
Tackiness |
2.0 |
Throw Angle |
6.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Consistency |
5.0 |
Overall |
9.0 |
|
|
Review of Sword MazeVery solid chinese rubber that plays well on a carbon blade. Not sure how it would play on an all wood or slower composite blade. Does everything well, nothing spectacular. I have just ordered 2 more sheets for all my active blades. I am using on my FH because I do not have any problem generating power on that side. Good price to quality ratio.
this weekend my coach hit looked at it and said that it was almost as fast as the razka 7 on the other side of the same blade.
Note-comes with a nice protective film and has a built in adhesive on the sponge. I do have to use a glue layer on the blade, but not on the sponge.
Apr 25, 2013 |
Tibhar (1)

|
Tibhar Dang
Speed |
4.0 |
Spin |
8.0 |
Control |
5.0 |
Weight |
10.0 |
Gears |
1.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
10.0 |
Overall |
4.0 |
|
|
Review of Tibhar DangI found this hard, heavy, slow with poor control. I can't think of anyone who could benefit from it.
Jun 02, 2011 |
XuShaoFa (1)

|
XuShaoFa 999 LSZ
Speed |
7.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
9.0 |
Weight |
4.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
8.0 |
Throw Angle |
4.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
5.0 |
Overall |
7.0 |
|
|
Review of XuShaoFa 999 LSZNice topsheet. Pretty similar to a number of new, tuned rubbers in initial feel. Not that fast. I can't believe all 28 prior raters have said it has a speed of 10! I strongly suspect ballot box stuffing.
Feb 24, 2010 |
Yasaka (1)

|
Yasaka Rakza 7
Speed |
10.0 |
Spin |
9.0 |
Control |
6.0 |
Weight |
8.0 |
Gears |
4.0 |
|
Tackiness |
0.0 |
Throw Angle |
10.0 |
Sponge Hardness |
7.0 |
Consistency |
10.0 |
Overall |
10.0 |
|
|