Friendship/729 General (Cross sponge)
Rubber description:
This is a hybrid rubber designed primarily for training and skill development. It features a medium-hard sponge and offers a distinct performance difference based on the topsheet color: the black version provides higher tackiness and spin potential, making it suitable for forehand play, while the red version is less tacky, more grippy, and better suited for backhand applications.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed and Control: The rubber is generally slow to moderate, prioritizing control over high-gear performance. It lacks the built-in catapult effect found in modern tensors, which makes it effective for learning stroke mechanics and short-game control.
- Spin: Performance varies; the black version is noted for its ability to generate significant spin on serves and loops, while the red version offers moderate grip for controlled play.
- Durability and Feel: Known for high durability, the rubber maintains its characteristics well over time. It has a relatively low throw angle compared to some high-end alternatives.
- Sponge/Topsheet: The sponge typically ranges between 42° and 46° in hardness, depending on the variant. The topsheet is tacky out of the box but tends to settle into a high-grip, non-tacky state after a short break-in period.
This rubber is widely considered an excellent choice for beginners transitioning from pre-made rackets to custom setups, as it provides a predictable, consistent feel for mastering foundational techniques. While not suited for high-level competitive play without modification, it responds well to boosters for players looking to increase its speed and catapult capabilities.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — October 2021
I bought this as a spare rubber and it surprised me very much in a positive way. Don’t let the cheap price mislead you to think that it’s a bad rubber. This rubber has a very good cost-benefit relation. As a traditional penholder, the rubber has proportioned me the things I need for my play style: good control for blocking, good spin for both chop blocking and forehand top spin.
#2 — June 2018
729 General Table Tennis Rubber Review
Overview:
The 729 General is an excellent training rubber designed for both forehand (FH) and backhand (BH) use. It features a medium hard topsheet available in three sponge hardness options: 42, 44, and 46 degrees.
Black Topsheet (FH):
The black topsheet is highly tacky, providing exceptional grip for spin generation. It comes with a blue sponge. Despite its medium hardness, the black topsheet offers moderate speed, allowing for controlled play. However, it can also deliver powerful shots when needed.
Red Topsheet (BH):
In contrast, the red topsheet is only slightly tacky and has a red sponge. It prioritizes control with a lower spin and speed than the black topsheet. It is generally preferred for BH use.
Comparison to Hurricane 3 Neo:
Compared to the popular Hurricane 3 Neo, the black 729 General is slightly slower but offers better control. It matches the spin capabilities of the H3 Neo and is slightly lighter.
Value for Money:
The 729 General is an affordable option for players seeking a tacky Chinese rubber. Its price-to-performance ratio makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget or wanting to experiment with tacky rubbers.
Note: The manufacturer has updated the packaging for this rubber. The image on this website may not reflect the current design.
#3 — March 2018
Great hybrid style rubber. Yes, you read that right: hybrid. I agree with site reviews and specs out of the pack. However, after a short adjustment phase, it settles at a low tack and high grip that is not suitable for classical Chinese strokes.
Out of the pack, it has enough tack to lift the ball off the table for a fraction of a second. However, now it can only lift a plastic cover. Without tack and catapult, it is a “dead car” with no high gear, fit for a beginner to develop their strokes. It was getting tiresome, so I decided to boost it.
The medium-hard rubber responded very well to the booster. I used two layers of liquid paraffin, leaving it with no dome. It has more catapult than unboosted Sriver. It is closer to European than to Hurricane 2.
63g uncut, 48g cut. I rated the specs after the adjustment phase and after the booster, as that is how it will be played most of the time. It is great for backhand but does not suit my style on the forehand, as it tends to slip on brushing strokes.
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