DHS Gold Arc 8
Rubber description:
The DHS Gold Arc 8 is a premium tensor rubber that has earned high praise from many reviews. It is made in Germany rather than China, which sets it apart from many other Chinese-made rubber options. The rubber is known for its excellent balance of speed, spin, and control.
In terms of tackiness, the Gold Arc 8 is described as a non-tacky rubber, which means it provides good grip and spin without being overly sticky. The weight of the rubber is considered medium-heavy, weighing around 73g for the max thickness version.
Reviewers consistently highlight the rubber’s durability as a major strength. Many report getting 3-6 months of heavy use out of a single sheet before needing to replace it, which is quite impressive for a high-performance tensor rubber.
When it comes to the playing characteristics, the Gold Arc 8 is praised for its versatility. It excels at a wide range of shots, including powerful topspin loops, quick counterattacks, and stable blocking. The rubber has a medium-high throw angle, providing a nice balance between speed and control. Several reviewers noted that the 47.5 degree version offers slightly better control and feel compared to the 50 degree max version.
Overall, the DHS Gold Arc 8 seems to be an exceptional all-around rubber that can suit the needs of both offensive and well-rounded players. Its combination of spin, speed, control, and durability make it a popular choice for advanced players looking to upgrade their equipment. At a relatively affordable price point, it offers excellent value for the performance it delivers.
Recent Reviews
#1 — June 2024
I placed this rubber on a Galaxy Pro V14 with a hardness of 47 and a maximum thickness. For my level (amateur play), it is too bouncy.
In the backhand, it works quite well. However, in the forehand, most of the balls go out. I have a strong topspin stroke and have to reduce the power drastically to center the table.
For pushing and blocking near the table, it is a wonderful rubber. However, it does not suit my forehand style for topspin or backspin outside of the table.
When receiving strong smashes from a distance, it is difficult to center the table. Therefore, it is practically only suitable for an offensive style and fits the European playing style for topspin.
Update (March 2024): I no longer use this rubber. I have replaced it with Friendship Battle 3, which has the same speed but much better control.
#2 — June 2024
GA8 and Battle 3 on Yinhe V14 Pro
Speed:
- GA8 on backhand: Fast, could be slightly faster.
- Battle 3 on forehand: Controlled when pushed, extension not as significant as GA8.
Comparison to Battle 2 Prov Soft 37:
Spin and Catapult:
- GA8 has a high mechanical grip and excellent spin quality.
- Low-speed catapult makes service and touches faster than tacky rubbers.
- Catapult responds linearly as ball speeds increase.
Spin Sensitivity:
Backhand Performance:
- Effective for drives and flicks off the bounce.
- Slight increase in throw angle helps drive the ball on when taken at bounce.
Summary:
#3 — June 2024
I bought this rubber for $20 on Aliexpress in maximum thickness for both forehand and backhand. It feels very similar to Fastarc G1, but with a bit more of everything. It offers more speed, control, and spin. I’m told that its durability is not as long as the G1, which is known for its exceptional longevity. Despite this, I prefer the DHS rubber because I can purchase two sheets for the price of one G1. With this rubber on my second blade, my game has improved slightly. My primary blade is the Hybrid K3, which outperforms any other blade I’ve used.
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