Donic Desto F4

RUBBER Facts:

• Selected red rubber with 1.8 mm sponge thickness
• 40-degree sponge hardness
• Weight: 90 g (packed), 55 g (uncut), 38 g (cut on Zhang JK SZLC replica blade)

Performance:
Despite its 40-degree rating, the Desto F4 feels relatively hard due to a tight top sheet. It is advisable to avoid pairing it with a hard blade, as this can result in a stiff and unforgiving feel. However, it surprised me with its decent spin development, making it a good option for beginners, advanced users, and players seeking a controlled backhand rubber.

Additional Notes:

• A German review at tt-spin.de provides more detailed information, although it lists the sponge hardness as 37.5 degrees.
• Please refrain from using maximum ratings (10) for speed, spin, or control. Such extreme ratings are not realistic and can be misleading.
• Consider writing a review before entering ratings in the tables. Simply entering ratings without providing context does not add value to the discussion.

DONIC DESTO F4

The DONIC DESTO F4 is a quality rubber that I have been using on the TIBHAR STRATUS POWER WOOD ply for some time now, without encountering any issues. It provides ample speed, making it an ideal choice for forehand play. While it also offers some spin, it may not be sufficient for exceptional topspins; however, average topspins are achievable with this rubber. The combination of speed and spin can contribute to effective topspins.

The rubber exhibits consistency, ensuring reliable performance. I highly recommend this rubber for forehand use. However, employing it as a backhand rubber may present some challenges. Overall, the DONIC DESTO F4 is an impressive choice for table tennis players seeking a high-quality rubber. My backhand rubber, the STIGA AIROC M, complements the DESTO F4 well, providing a balanced combination.

Coming from Chinese tacky and heavy rubber, this was a surprise. Despite the lack of tack, I’m astounded by the speed and spin effect of this rubber. It’s absolutely worth the price!