DHS Skyline 2 Provincial Blue Sponge

The ratings for this rubber in terms of speed are exaggerated. In reality, this rubber isn’t very fast; it’s actually quite slow. If you swing as hard as you can, you might achieve decent speed, but I strongly disagree with the speed rating. I want to share this critical detail to ensure no false expectations are set. I would rate the speed at about 8.5.

Everything else about the rubber is fairly accurate. The throw angle is relatively low, and this rubber doesn’t propel the ball as far as Hurricane 3, so be warned. I’m still trying to figure it out, but I can say that it is consistent. The short game and service are good, but it doesn’t perform as fast as the ratings suggest. I am using this rubber boosted with Haifu Seamoon, applying three layers until the sheet curled like a taco.

I have played with both Skyline 3 and Hurricane 3 Provincial. The main difference between the two is that the angle of the racket needs to be more closed on harder shots and flatter on touches when receiving spin serves.

Aside from that, this rubber has incredible spin qualities. To control this rubber effectively, you must have a solid foundation of spin rotation, along with sufficient arm strength for drives, as the rubber’s speed is largely dependent on your technique and strength.

The touch and playability (TPB) is good. When successfully looping underspin, you can create shots that are hard to return. This rubber feels faster than Hurricane 3 and Skyline 3, despite its reputation for being spin-control based. I find Hurricane to be the most controlled, while Skyline 3 offers the best loop quality, which feels the safest during play.

Ultimately, I believe that achieving the best results with these rubbers comes down to technique and your personal preferences in strategies and gameplay.

Table Tennis Rubber Review

Update 26/6/22: In comparison to the Prov Skyline 3 “UNBOOSTED,” this rubber offers a unique feeling. I found it easier to play from a distance from the table and to manage short balls near the net. Keeping serves short has become simpler as well.

The TPB plays exceptionally well. The unique feeling allows you to absorb energy when receiving balls with TPB, enabling a more effective short game. This rubber can generate enormous spin and power, making it a versatile choice.

I use this rubber with the YEO7 blade. I have also tried the boosted version, which features a 3-layer Falco. However, I found it quite difficult to control due to its low throw angle. In contrast, the unboosted version is much easier to play with, providing a more enjoyable experience.

The speed rating of this table tennis rubber is over-exaggerated, even with three layers of national yellow.

However, the spin capability is incredible! The serves are extremely spinny, and making pushes is very easy as well.

As someone who hits very hard, I found the speed to be satisfactory. It didn’t bother me at all.

This rubber is excellent for hard-hitting players who want to achieve powerful topspins.

This rubber is not particularly speedy; its speed is medium-fast, even after boosting. The throw angle is low, which means that if you’re too relaxed when shooting, the ball may not clear the net.

The topspin and serve characteristics are phenomenal, and the chop block topspin is impressive. Additionally, countering topspin shots is easy with this rubber. In my experience, it performs better when paired with a harder blade.

However, it does require good technique and is more physically demanding to produce effective shots.

This review discusses the 40’ version of the table tennis rubber, highlighting its performance when played both unboosted and boosted. The unboosted rubber performs better on softer, more flexible blades, while boosting with one layer of FT Long Booster yields better results on harder, stiffer blades.

In terms of specific ratings:

• Looping: 9.7/10
• Driving: 8.5/10 (performing better when boosted)
• Serve/Receive: 10/10
• Blocking: 9/10 (note that the ball’s trajectory isn’t linear, as it tends to curve, which may not be ideal for training)
• Countering: 9/10 (both spinning and hitting back the ball are relatively easy and adjustable).

Overall, the rubber is best utilized on mildly stiff blades such as the Barwell Fleet, Gauzy SL, or Infinity VPS when unboosted, or on the Viscaria when boosted. These recommendations are based on above-average looping mechanics and emphasize that this rubber requires more effort to master compared to T05 or even the Dignics series. However, it offers a significant safety advantage under pressure, ensuring the ball will land regardless of the shot.

The opening third ball with this rubber remains classic and is much more powerful than the Hurricane series, in my opinion. I appreciate the rubber’s flexibility in hitting, looping, and even loop driving. Weighing in at a modest 48-49 grams on a 157/150 blade, it’s not excessively heavy.

This rubber is particularly suitable for players who prefer heavy, hard countering without the bottoming out associated with the Hurricane or Tenergy series. It provides immaculate control for short games and allows for flat hits against heavy topspins, offering ease of redirection without any loss of control.

While it takes more work than tensors, the shots are much more fulfilling and can be deadlier, especially with unusual ball spins such as flat or sidespin from opponents. I tested this rubber on various blades, including the Nobilis, Gauzy SL, Nittaku SKC, and some basic five-ply blades. My least favorite pairing was with low dwell blades, as they didn’t allow the rubber to sink and generate the necessary energy for effective spinning.