Donic Vario Big Slam

Tried my friend’s AR+ Donic racket with this rubber. It is a very light and soft rubber, which provides excellent control. Surprisingly, it also allows for a fair amount of spin. Blocks and service returns are very easy to execute. However, it lacks offensive potential and is likely not suitable for higher levels of play.

Review text:

I decided to switch the Palio CJ8000 rubbers on my Palio Expert 2 bat for something softer, to help my looping and topspin shots generally (I’m an improving intermediate player). My instinct was definitely right!! I’m now landing far more of my shots on the table, blocking is far more accurate and controlled, and because the rubber is non-tacky, my short game is much better and less sensitive to incoming spin, although I can still generate a good amount of spin on serves.

I only wish I’d been less conservative with the sponge thickness I chose (1.8mm), as it feels a little underpowered - but that’s probably the Palio blade which is slow. Once I’ve chosen a faster blade I think this will be a good rubber to develop my game before I move on to something faster.

Very nice playing characteristics. Speed is there when you need it (a tad slower than Formula Donic F3 Big Slam). Offers nice spin capabilities (a tad more than Formula Donic F3 Big Slam). Very nice control rubber. Blocks very well and ball placement comes easy. Very nice rubber to play with. Not a whole lot of difference when compared to Formula Donic F3 Big Slam.

This rubber is best for blocking. It has a nice feel and is especially suited for an all-around style, particularly for backhand play.

I’m an all-around player with excellent ball control. I use a relatively fast blade, and this rubber provides exceptional speed while maintaining excellent control.

It offers a great feel of the blade and is highly reliable, allowing for consistent loops, pushes, chops, lobs, blocks, and more. However, the downside is that the sponge is too soft for the forehand and can bottom out, particularly during smashes.

A good rubber for an offensive forehand. It provides a good arc, offering more table for loopers. When used with strong top spin, it performs excellently.

Excellent for flat smashes, producing a satisfying “Crack” when hit with enough force. Consistency slightly suffers on chop, which could be attributed to poor technique and the rubber’s lively nature.

Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying this product.

Works great when combined with a fast, stiff blade. Provides great control from loops all the way to pushes, but with a bit less spin and speed than expected. However, both are still present to some degree.