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Friendship/729 729-08 ES is a versatile table tennis rubber designed for players who prioritize control and spin in their game. Known for its unique “ES” (Energy Sponge) technology which enhances its performance, this rubber comes with an impressive combination of speed (11/20), spin (12/20), and control (12/20), making it suitable for all-around play. It features a medium tacky topsheet that provides sufficient grip for generating spin while remaining user-friendly for various playing styles.
When it comes to tackiness, the 729-08 ES stands at a commendable 4.9, allowing players to execute spin-heavy serves and effective loops with ease. This rubber possesses a low weight rating (5.1), making it suitable for players who prefer a lighter setup without compromising on performance. The durability of the 729-08 ES is rated at 7.2, indicating decent longevity, and it’s particularly appreciated by those who value a consistent playing experience over time.
Players often note that the 729-08 ES offers good alternatives for those who are transitioning between different styles, as its forgiving nature helps in developing skills. Recommendations for alternatives include other Friendship rubbers or brands like DHS’s Hurricane series for those seeking a more pronounced offensive touch. Though some players have experienced variability in performance depending on their choice of blade, the 729-08 ES remains a popular choice for those looking to enhance their backhand attacks and control in the short game, proving its value as a reliable and economical option in the highly diverse world of table tennis rubbers.
729-08 ES features the same topsheet as the original 729-08 rubber and is available in three sponge hardnesses: 45, 47, and 49. The ES sponge offers increased springiness compared to the original 729-08.
In terms of spin and control, the ES and the original rubber exhibit comparable performance, with both aspects being exceptional. However, there are two notable differences between 729-08 ES and the original.
Firstly, ES feels slower and generates a higher throw angle than the original 729-08. Secondly, while the ES can handle power in loops and drives, it lacks the speed and stability of the original when significant force is applied.
Overall, ES is generally more forgiving than the original. Aggressive attackers may prefer the original 729-08, while spin-oriented allrounders may find 729-08 ES more suitable.
Have the red topsheet, being using it for two months on my FH on a Galaxy Sweden Classic blade. It is non-tacky, can’t lift the ball a millimeter from the table. Control is good. Speed is mediocre, maybe due to the soft blade. Spin is average, noticeably lacking when playing slow over-the-table shots. In this aspect Hurricane 3-50 I have on my BH is much better.
Topsheet rubber is rather hard, with a thick layer and short thick pips. The sponge is medium hard. Close to medium range looping was a problem for me - you need good technique and quite a bit of power to engage the sponge. Only blocking was solid.
Overall, I’m not impressed with this rubber, it does not excel in anything. Being a 729 fan, got lured by the “Energy Sponge” technology, hoping it to be a kind of Chinese tensor. Well, this is not the case…
Update: It was not my type of rubber and I replaced it with CJ-8000 36deg. The durability of the product is good; it detached nicely intact. Weighed after that 44gr with some glue residues :).
A pretty meh rubber to me. I was using it on both forehand and backhand. While it generates big spin, the arc is quite high, therefore setting up dangerous replies from opponents. It’s bouncy, but good for defensive push games, as well as backspin and sidespins. Other than that, it’s pretty subpar in my humble opinion.
If you’re using it for practice to develop your game in terms of defense and placement of the ball, you might be interested in this rubber as it has the attraction of a low price tag. If not, don’t even touch it. It’s pretty basic at what it does. Maybe it’s the blade I put it into, so I might try it in the future on different blades just to see how it fares up on a more offensive blade.
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