Friendship/729 Focus 2
Rubber description:
The Friendship 729 Focus II is a hybrid rubber featuring a medium-hard sponge and an elastic top sheet, designed primarily for an all-round to offensive playing style. While it exhibits a slight tackiness when new, this property dissipates quickly, leaving a surface that behaves more like a traditional European-style rubber. It is noted for a lower ball throw compared to other models in the 729 lineup, providing a flatter trajectory suitable for direct attacking.
Performance Characteristics
- Offensive Play: The firm sponge provides the necessary stability for drives and smashes, while the top sheet’s elasticity allows for effective looping at the table and from mid-distance.
- Control and Dwell: The rubber offers high levels of consistency for blocking and short-game exchanges, making it a reliable choice for players who prioritize accuracy and predictable ball contact.
- Spin Potential: While capable of generating consistent spin, it is characterized more by its balanced performance rather than extreme spin generation or explosive speed, requiring the user to strike the ball with good technique to maximize its potential.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — November 2022
My favorite rubber for a long time has been the Focus II. After trying something new, I always find myself coming back to it.
This rubber does not interfere with my playing style and allows me to execute my shots exactly as I want.
#2 — September 2010
This is a more Euro-type rubber, similar to other Focus rubbers. Focus II features the hardest sponge and a lower throw, which is one of the lowest throws among 729 rubbers. However, there are other brands that offer rubbers with an even lower throw.
While it may not be the best choice for serving, there are better 729 rubbers available for looping. Overall, Focus II is a very nice rubber across many categories.
#3 — July 2010
I have two sheets of 1.8mm rubber on a Yinhe all-wood blade, the M6. This rubber is good, with the black sheet being slightly tacky, while the red sheet was not. The tackiness of the black rubber diminished after about an hour of play and did not return, even with cleaning.
I like this rubber for an all-around to offensive game. I can drive the ball with either topspin or loop from mid-distance and chop or block with consistency. Currently, I am lending this blade and rubber combination to a relative who has just taken up the game.
The control is very good; it’s a nice rubber from 729, so I give it a thumbs up. I also purchased each sheet off eBay for under £1.05, plus £2.99 shipping. Overall, it’s great value for money.
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