Friendship/729 729 OEM
Rubber description:
This rubber is a classic sticky Chinese-style inverted sheet that balances affordability with versatile all-around performance. Out of the package, it features a pronounced tackiness that excels in serve execution, short-game touch, and generating heavy spin on pushes. While the initial tackiness diminishes after several hours of play, the rubber transitions into a more mechanical, grippy surface that maintains consistent performance for general offensive and defensive strokes.
Playing Characteristics
- Spin and Control: The topsheet provides excellent control for serve receive and pushing. It allows players to manipulate incoming spin effectively, making it a highly reliable option for the backhand side or for players focusing on a controlled, spin-oriented game.
- Speed and Dwell Time: While capable of producing spinny loops and drives, it is best suited for close-to-table and mid-range play. It responds well to boosting or tuning, which can significantly enhance its speed and responsiveness for players looking to increase their offensive output.
- Versatility: This rubber is well-regarded for its all-around capabilities, including blocking, flicking, and looping. It is a durable choice for players who prioritize consistency and value over high-tension, fast-paced performance.
- Application: It is particularly popular as a budget-friendly solution for beginners and intermediate players. Its ability to perform across various facets of the game—from passive blocking to active top-spin attacks—makes it a staple for those seeking a predictable and reliable setup.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — October 2017
I have been testing Chinese tacky rubbers for the past 12 months, using the Friendship 729 RITC (which I believe is the OEM) for the last 7 months. I usually order it from this link:
Friendship 729 RITC on AliExpress.
I paired it with the Stiga Allround Classic, and I have found it to be the perfect backhand rubber for me. The performance in various aspects—serve, serve receive, spinny push, flip, drive, and block—is excellent.
Wrist action is crucial due to the tackiness of the rubber. My spinny serve receive often fails if I do not counter it with my own spin. The long backspin push works great and frequently results in an opponent fault or a high ball, which I appreciate. I can generate moderate topspin with this rubber.
However, on the forehand side, I lacked the power to finish points effectively, and my lobs weren’t as good. As a result, I switched to the Palio AK47 red for my forehand. While the 729 provides better control and leads to improved consistency, the AK47 scores me more points.
Each 729 topsheet lasts me about 100 hours of play. It loses tackiness after around 10 hours and becomes less grippy after about 50 hours. After 100 hours, it is no longer playable due to the lack of grip. I clean the rubber with water daily. Currently, I am on my fourth topsheet and have already ordered two more. It is hard to find a better tacky backhand rubber for under £5!
#2 — April 2015
I just got this rubber on both sides with the Galaxy N9 paddle, and I am impressed with how it picks the ball up into the air.
The black side is noticeably more alive than the red side. While it may not be ideal for far-range looping, it handles close to mid-range play very nicely. I experienced good spin right from the first day of use.
However, I did find it to be slower than my T11+ carbon blade.
#3 — December 2014
I applied this rubber to my backhand. Considering the price, it performs remarkably well, and it was faster than I expected.
The red 2.1 model weighs 45 grams, which is average, while the 2.0 model weighs 42 grams. I believe the uncut 2.0 rubber was around 60 grams.
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