Friendship/729 Xi EnTing
Rubber description:
This is a non-tacky, Japanese-style rubber that emphasizes control and stability in close-to-table and mid-distance play. It features a medium-hard sponge and a firm topsheet, providing a direct feel that makes it easier to receive serves and place the ball accurately. When paired with carbon blades, the rubber exhibits significantly increased speed, though its performance is generally more limited when playing from a distance.
Playing Characteristics
- Performance: The rubber delivers a low throw angle with a flat trajectory, which is effective for direct forehand attacks and smacking.
- Spin and Dwell: The topsheet is non-tacky, which results in lower spin generation compared to tacky Chinese counterparts. While the Japanese sponge variant offers a moderate level of dwell time for control-oriented shots, the hard topsheet prevents the ball from sinking deeply into the sponge.
- Suitability: It is well-suited for beginners or players looking for a controllable, budget-friendly option. It is less effective for high-level chopping or extreme topspin loops due to the lack of surface tackiness.
Physical Attributes
- Construction: The rubber is characterized by a heavy, thick, and hard feel, even when configured with a thicker sponge.
- Durability: Reports indicate potential concerns regarding consistent topsheet quality, particularly around the edges of the rubber.
Submit a Review
Recent Reviews
#1 — August 2017
I’m a novice, I know. However, I’ve been playing for a long time and have experimented with various rubbers and blades. Therefore, I feel qualified to provide the following review:
- Positive point: This rubber is highly controllable, allowing you to receive almost anything.
- Negative point: It’s heavy, thick, and hard. I had anticipated more softness from the 2.2 mm sponge. This characteristic may not be considered a disadvantage for some, but it is for me.
- Observation: The rubber is not tacky. If you prefer topspins, this rubber may not be the best choice.
#2 — December 2016
Review
This rubber is inexpensive, but has some quality issues on the topsheet, particularly around the edges. I purchased it in black with maximum Japanese sponge.
Despite its low price, it offers medium speed, which is significantly faster than most beginner rubbers and comparable to H3 Neo. However, the hard topsheet surface lacks tackiness, making it behave more like a Japanese rubber with a harder surface. The pips have minimal height and, in combination with the medium-hard sponge, prevent the ball from sinking in, resulting in shots with less spin.
On forehand attacks, loops and topspins produce a low throw angle with a flat trajectory. Backhand play is better suited for pushing due to the lack of tackiness, which makes chopping challenging.
Overall, this rubber is above average in quality, provided it does not exhibit problems with topsheet quality.
#3 — March 2014
Japanese Sponge Type
This rubber is an excellent choice for beginners due to its Japanese sponge composition. Its user-friendly nature makes it ideal for those just starting out in table tennis. However, it is not recommended for competitive play as its performance may not be sufficient for advanced players.
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