Friendship/729 Battle
Rubber description:
Performance Overview
This is a tensor rubber designed with a medium-hard sponge (approximately 42°). It functions as a versatile hybrid, blending the linear, predictable nature of traditional Chinese rubbers with the dynamic feel of European-style tensioned sheets. It provides a satisfying “click” sound upon contact and offers a gear-driven experience that is less hyper-sensitive and springy than many modern high-end tensors, making it more forgiving during aggressive play.
Playing Characteristics
- Spin and Dwell: The rubber produces high levels of spin, capable of generating excellent topspin, side spin, and spinny serves. While it features a grippy topsheet with slight tackiness, it remains less sensitive to incoming spin than ultra-fast tensors, which aids in service reception and control.
- Speed and Trajectory: It features a medium to high throw angle, facilitating effective looping and lifting of underspin. While it offers solid speed for attacking, it is generally considered more controllable and linear, preventing the erratic bounce often associated with overly springy rubbers.
- Control and Versatility: The rubber excels in the short game, blocking, and flicking. Its stability makes it particularly effective as a backhand option, allowing for easy, controlled chopping and consistent counter-topspin exchanges. Players will find it forgiving enough for intermediate use, yet capable of performing at advanced levels.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — December 2017
I tested this rubber on a Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon blade, pairing it with a 729 08 on the forehand (FH) and a Battle 1 red on the backhand (BH). The hardness of the rubber is 42, which is almost equal to that of Rakza 7, making it medium hard.
The rubber offers very good grip with some tackiness, and its large pips provide a throw angle around 7. It also has a tensor feeling, which eliminates the need for boosting; its speed is comparable to that of Rakza 7. The spin is excellent, including both topspin and sidespin, which enhances play. Currently, I am using Rakza 7 on my BH, but this rubber serves as my backup paddle.
Blocking with this rubber is impressive, and looping is excellent as well. Close-to-net play feels great, and chopping is very easy due to its lack of springiness, especially when compared to Tenergy 05. Overall, it is a fantastic rubber for the backhand. Once my Rakza 7 wears off, I plan to transition to Battle 1 on the BH and Battle 2 on the FH.
I am in love with 729 rubbers; they are high-quality products available at a great price and they outperform DHS rubbers by a significant margin.
#2 — January 2017
I have a new black rubber with a hardness of 42 degrees. It is slightly harder than the 40-degree option, resulting in less catapult effect. The loop generates excellent spin.
Durability is very good, but as the rubber approaches the end of its lifespan, it began to lose consistency.
#3 — September 2015
Typical for a spin rubber at this price point, it offers impressive speed. I found the throw angle to be medium rather than high. In general, I believe the rubber is similar to Gambler Outlaw, but it features a softer sponge.
However, the topsheet grip is below average, which comes with its well-known advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the topsheet is very fragile, raising concerns about its durability.
Overall, this rubber performs well as a backhand option, significantly improving service reception, albeit at the expense of sacrificed service spin generation.
Popular Friendship/729 rubbers
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- 729-08
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