Friendship/729 Sky Wing

Skywing by Friendship is a rubber known for its excellent manufacturing quality. Notably, the red topsheet possesses a nice transparent quality. The rubber has a medium-tacky surface, and the sponge provides medium hardness.

I have played four sessions with this rubber on my backhand (BH) using a 7-ply all-wood Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Special blade. My verdict is that this is a very unforgiving rubber, much like the H3 on my forehand (FH). Skywing does not accommodate poor technique; it demands precision in your shots. It will teach you the Chinese style of play, emphasizing only backhand topspin and looping. Every attempt— and I mean every attempt— at a BH push or flat hit will likely result in the ball missing the table or hitting the net.

This rubber has highlighted my technical shortcomings. However, when used correctly, just like the H3, both your technique and the effectiveness of the rubber can improve over time. Therefore, I strongly recommend it for training in technique and developing topspin and loop strokes, but not necessarily for competitive play. Even with a good topspin, the speed and spin generated are often insufficient to overwhelm your opponent.

Overall, I would rate this rubber a 5.8 to 6 out of 10.

Update!

Despite the absence of an existing approval number and the rubber being offered only in a thickness of 2 mm, I was pleasantly surprised to find such a flawless (slightly sticky) surface in this price range. The light yellow sponge, specified by the manufacturer as 40 degrees, is also of good quality. Consequently, the rubber can be cut very easily without fraying.

My selected, extra light rubber measures 166 x 165 mm and weighs 56 g, including the protective film. In the original packaging, it weighed 85 g, and after cutting it to size for my offensive blade (which is 156 x 150 mm), its weight is now 41 g.

Having played with this rubber many years ago, I remembered its very low weight, which prompted me to order it again. Unfortunately, the rubber now weighs significantly more (between 3 and 5 g heavier cut), resulting in a final weight of 41 g. Additionally, I recall the spin level being considerably higher in the past.

Conclusion: The rubber is not as light as it used to be! While the control and speed are good, the catapult effect is acceptable, and the spin is “not even mediocre!”

This rubber is perhaps slightly lighter than traditional Chinese rubbers, but it is heavier than European ones. It is not particularly soft; I would rate it around 40°.

It is a good choice for defensive play and pushing, but I find it difficult to loop with this rubber. Personally, I prefer the classic 729 FX Super.