Friendship/729 Focus 3 Snipe

Rubber description:

The Friendship/729 Focus 3 Snipe is a versatile, European-style non-tacky table tennis rubber that offers a good balance of speed, spin, and control. It is designed to be a more affordable alternative to premium Japanese and European rubbers like the Yasaka Mark V.

In terms of tackiness, the Focus 3 Snipe is described as non-tacky, similar to a Japanese or European rubber. This helps provide reliable grip and control, especially on fast shots, without the extreme stickiness of some Chinese rubber topsheets. The weight is reported to be on the lighter side, around 2.0-2.1 kg/m².

Reviews indicate the rubber’s durability is quite good, with users reporting the rubber maintaining its performance characteristics over extended use. However, some reviewers note the sponge can crumble or tear more easily compared to higher-end rubbers.

The Focus 3 Snipe’s performance is praised for its excellent control and consistency, making it well-suited for all-around players, beginners, and defensive-minded players. The spin and speed are described as moderate - not overpowering, but sufficient for most playing styles. Some users found the rubber lacked the explosive power needed for aggressive looping from distance, preferring it more for close-to-the-table play and control-oriented shots.

Overall, the Focus 3 Snipe appears to be a quality, reasonably-priced rubber that prioritizes control and consistency over raw power. It could be a great option for players looking for a durable, easy-to-use rubber that performs well across a variety of shot types and playing styles without breaking the bank.

Recent Reviews

#1 — February 2023

This rubber is like an affordable Sriver Fx.

#2 — October 2022

Awesome rubber…

Non-tacky Chinese rubber by Friendship, feels similar to G-1.

#3 — July 2022

Review

I have been playing with this rubber for over 3 months. I chose it based on the ratings on revspin. I wanted light rubbers to reduce the overall weight of my paddle. The rubber met my expectations as I returned to playing after a long hiatus from the sport. The rubber’s strength lies in its control.

Pros:

It is not spin-sensitive, enabling consistent blocking with an open bat angle without concern for the rubber reacting to heavy topspin and throwing the ball off the table.
The sponge is not responsive on slow shots, allowing for short pushes with control and precision.
Loops are effective and moderately spinny when performed close to the table.
Flat hits are highly effective close to the table.

I have one paddle with 44 hardness rubbers on both sides and another with 42 hardness rubbers on both sides. The primary difference between the two is that loops (both wings) against backspin are easier with the 44 hardness rubbers, likely due to the ball biting into the sponge more effectively.

Cons:

This rubber may not be suitable if you prefer looping further away from the table. The sponge lacks sufficient springiness for effective looping from a distance, causing the ball to bottom out and fall into the net. I found myself carrying the ball instead of hitting it from behind. Quality loops are difficult to produce from beyond 4 ft behind the table. With my increased experience, I intend to switch to Rozena or Xiom Musa 3.