Friendship/729 Sky Wing

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.

The rubber offers impressive accuracy and produces an excellent chop. Overall, it performs well in matches and training. I am quite satisfied with its performance. :-)

Well, this rubber offers pretty good control. I use it for my backhand, and it is effective for keeping the ball in play.

However, I just wish it were a bit faster. I’m considering changing this rubber because it’s too slow for my current style, as I’m getting used to faster swings.

This rubber could be really great for beginners who want to develop their control.

The Sky Wing is not a bad choice for an inexpensive tacky rubber. It is remarkably lightweight; in fact, it is around 50% lighter than the DHS Hurricane 2 or Dipper, and about 20% lighter than the Avalox AVX Sterco.

In terms of playability, it surprisingly performs well for pushes and forehand chops.

After using it for two months, I found that it held up reasonably well. Although the shiny surface dulled and the speed decreased, the spin remained satisfactory. This could be attributed to the soft sponge, which seems to provide the rubber with a somewhat hybrid mechanical grip. However, control became an issue after two months of play. Long-distance loops became inconsistent, often resulting in more shots hitting the net due to uneven speed.

Still, given its price point, it is definitely a solid deal.

Cheap and light, this table tennis rubber offers excellent value for players on a budget. Its lightweight design allows for swift movements and quick adjustments during play. Overall, it’s a great option for those who prioritize affordability without compromising on performance.

Light and relatively slow, this rubber is very affordable. The sponge hardness is labeled as 42 degrees on the package, but it actually feels more like 36-37 degrees.

It is excellent for controlled blocking, as it effectively absorbs the incoming ball’s speed. However, durability is an issue; the top sheet’s tackiness diminishes after only a month of use.

Once the tack is lost, the rubber begins to play similarly to premade rubbers.

This rubber is quite impressive, offering good all-around performance. It excels in generating slow, spinny loops, primarily due to its excellent ball control. When executing faster shots, players can take advantage of its precise ball placement rather than relying solely on speed.

The spin produced comes from the dwell time offered by the softer sponge, rather than from tackiness. This rubber is suitable for most players, although it may be less ideal for those who primarily focus on driving shots because of its slower speed. Nevertheless, even an occasional power shot can be very effective due to the rubber’s control.

For players who prefer faster shots, utilizing the rubber’s superior ball control can help manipulate the opponent’s positioning by targeting the sides of the table. As a great control rubber, it is well-suited for all-round attackers or players with a weaker loop, especially when paired with a speed-oriented rubber on the opposite side. This combination can provide a significant tactical advantage, particularly for those able to switch effectively between forehand and backhand shots during the game.

Additionally, this rubber is highly versatile and can be used effectively for virtually any serve.

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.