Donic Bluestorm Z2

Rubber description:

The Donic Bluestorm Z2 rubber is a standout option for table tennis players seeking a blend of speed, spin, and control. This rubber is designed for forehand and backhand applications, offering a medium to medium-hard feel with a sponge hardness of 47.5° and a thickness of 2.1mm to 2.3mm. Players appreciate its fast speed—rated a solid 10 out of 10—while still maintaining good control, with a rating of 7. This balance makes it suitable for aggressive playing styles that require quick responses and powerful shots.

In terms of tackiness, the Bluestorm Z2 scores lower at 1.8, indicating it is less sticky compared to some other rubber options on the market. This characteristic promotes easier play for skilled players who can generate spin through technique rather than relying on tackiness. Many reviews highlight the rubber’s exceptional ability to produce heavy topspin, especially for well-executed strokes. However, it does demand proper technique, as less experienced players might find it tricky to harness its full potential.

Weighing in at 5.4 on the scale, the Bluestorm Z2 is classified as medium-weight, conducive for players who prefer a blend of speed and maneuverability without excessive heaviness. Durability is rated moderate at 5.4; some users report that the rubber loses its performance edge relatively quickly, especially after extended play, which aligns with feedback from the table tennis community.

For those considering alternatives, the Donic Bluestorm Z1 and Z3 models are popular choices within the same series, each catering to different player preferences regarding speed and spin. Overall, the Bluestorm Z2 is recommended for advanced to club-level players who appreciate a robust rubber that performs exceptionally well for various aggressive strokes.

Recent Reviews

#1 — June 2023

Great backhand (BH) rubber for ALC blades. The uncut 2.1mm rubber weighs 68.5 grams. It’s very easy to open up on the BH against backspin, and topspin drives are easy to execute and powerful. However, it’s softer than the stated hardness of 47.5 degrees. Durability is not good, even by Donic standards.

#2 — March 2023

Equal spin to t05 in high end shots.
Not very powerful rubber.
Very spin insensitive after 2 months.
“New” feeling gone after a month.
Medium hardness but feels soft (39 degree feel).
I used it on my forehand.
I use 50 degree now, which is much better and more stable.

#3 — September 2022

UPDATE! Hi All! I have been testing this rubber on both sides for a time now. I loved it on FH and BH too. Before that, I was using M1. This rubber is faster than M1, has a bit lower throw in some cases, and feels more spongy due to the 2.33 mm thick sponge. Now, I use it on both sides.

Compared to the M1 in different strokes:

Looping is more dynamic, easily varied, and more aggressive due to the spongy feel. Riskier highly rewarding shots can be played close and far from the table. I really like FH and BH flicks.
Counterlooping is the most notable feature of this rubber as it is very solid and fast.
Dropshots are bit tricky. Don’t do passive blocks; always direct the ball with small movements.
Counterhits are good as any. The rubber feels a bit spongy, the throw is lower, but stable.

The main DIFFERENCE is this spongy characteristic! Fine touch and passive strokes are harder to get used to because the balls will fly further than intended. With this rubber, you have to be more dedicated to the shot/touch to engage the sponge of the rubber to get control over your shots. If you just hold your racket passively when handling the ball, you won’t get any good results. But when you hit the ball correctly, you can feel it sinking in the sponge and can immediately feel the control of your ball. Due to the spongy feeling, you may feel like you are playing with the old 40 mm celluloid ball, but with a new 40+ poly.

So to describe this rubber, I may say that this is an M1 mixed with an Acuda Blue, a Rosena in beast mode, a T05 with more dwell time and speed. I can recommend it to an all-round looping attacker, not for chopping but pushes are loaded with backspin. Excellent for different looping styles. Speedwise, I was playing with a Waldner WC '89 OFF blade with M1. I had to put that blade down because I was not able to hit the ball on the table. I had to go to an OFF- blade to get the same speed. So take note that this rubber is really one tempo faster!