Friendship/729 Dragon-F
Rubber description:
This sticky rubber features a medium-hard sponge that requires active, precise technique to reach its full potential. While the topsheet provides a tacky surface, the overall playing experience is characterized by a firm, solid feel that performs most reliably when boosted. Without modification, the rubber exhibits a low catapult effect, favoring players who prioritize control and accurate ball placement over raw pace.
Playing Characteristics
- Spin and Trajectory: Capable of producing heavy rotation and a low, aggressive arc on topspin shots. However, generating slow, high-spin loops can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the sponge.
- Speed and Control: The rubber offers moderate, predictable speed. It performs best during flat hitting and offensive drives where the user can initiate power, rather than relying on the rubber’s own elasticity.
- Technical Requirements: It is sensitive to blade selection and stroke mechanics. Because of the relatively inert, non-catapulting sponge, short-game play requires very active input to ensure the ball clears the net.
Construction and Feel
- Composition: The topsheet is thick and tacky, paired with a medium-hard sponge. Note that performance can vary between the red and black versions, and the rubber is widely considered to benefit significantly from aftermarket boosters to improve its responsiveness and speed.
- Surface: The tacky nature of the rubber excels in the short game and controlled placement, though it requires a technical adjustment in blade angle to prevent edge-hitting or balls falling into the net during passive play.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — July 2024
Regarding the rubber, the speed is indicated as 7.8. However, I would rate its speed closer to 8.8, making it faster than Yinhe Big Deeper and comparable to Xiom Vega X, with a speed value between 8.8 and 8.9.
The tires are excellent, offering good value for their price. I initially used them on the DHS Fang Bo B2X base, but they performed better on the Butterfly Viscaria.
I also have a 729 Dragon F Medium. Its hardness is around 52 degrees (relative to tensors), sponge thickness is 2.1 mm, and it does not catapult. It provides powerful revs and is enjoyable to play with. The boost enhances its performance. I use it for forehand, though the manufacturer suggests it can be used for backhand as well. However, backhand play requires better technical skills. It generates a good arc.
Despite the soft top-sheet, the sponge gives it a solid feel when playing.
#2 — July 2024
Review:
Used with various blades from defensive to offensive without boosting. For short-to-short shots, an active approach is required to prevent the ball from falling into the net. Topspin with slower blades is challenging due to the rubber’s closed angle, resulting in edge hitting. Slow topspins with heavy rotation are also difficult.
The rubber excels at attacking shots, offering good speed and control.
However, the overall performance was disappointing, leading to frustration. After boosting the rubber, its performance improved to an average level.
Compared to the Battle series, this rubber is not recommended. While it is affordable, it requires boosting to perform effectively.
#3 — April 2023
Comprata per via del prezzo molto basso. L’ho montata sul mio DHS 301 su entrambi i lati. Ottima gomma secondo me. Appiccicosa e abbastanza rimbalzante. Come tutte le gomme cinesi ha bisogno di essere boosterizzata con almeno 2 mani. Ottimo controllo, puoi mettere la palla esattamente dove vuoi se hai buona tecnica. Non puoi avere velocità da queste gomme se non colpisci alla perfezione ma se lo fai avrai una traiettoria bassa e ricca di spin. Qualche dubbio sulla durata ma il topsheet non sembra fragile come su altre cinesi. Da provare senza dubbio.
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