Stiga DNA Dragon Grip

I used this rubber on a ViscariaFL. If you’re looking for a sheet that doesn’t “add bounce” to the ball, this is it. My observations are based on several months of usage. This rubber does not “spring” the incoming ball when it bounces on it. While some players prefer their rubbers to add speed, this one is suited for those who favor a close to 1-to-1 feeling. Some reviewers describe this rubber as “slow” because it doesn’t behave like an over-inflated basketball.

Out of the package, the rubber is very hard. However, after about a month, the feeling softens. Therefore, I would rate it as close to medium hard/hard, rather than hard/very hard.

When fresh out of the pack, the topsheet is very grippy. Yet, after 1 to 2 months of use, that exceptional grip begins to fade. The topsheet may show signs of wear in the areas where the ball hits most frequently. While there is still grip, it decreases significantly from when it is brand new.

It has a grippy texture but isn’t tacky or sticky. The ball does not stick to the topsheet as if it were coated with glue. Instead, the grip comes from friction, not stickiness.

This rubber pairs best with a soft blade like the Viscaria. The hardness of the rubber is balanced by the flexibility of the blade. If paired with stiff blades, it may feel like a brick wall.

Directionally controlling where your ball goes—left or right—is very easy. However, when it comes to generating lift in terms of throw angle, you’ll need to rely on your stroke or “brushing” motion. This sheet utilizes the grip of the topsheet instead of dwell time to create angle and spin, making it effective for keeping the ball low in touch rallies.

Some players claim that Dragongrip is close to Dignics 09C, but I believe it is closer to Dignics 80 after the break-in period.

The biggest issue I have with this rubber is its durability. After just 2 months of everyday use, I noticed changes in its characteristics. When you hold the sheet under the light, the topsheet displays faded sections where the ball commonly hits. A fresh sheet feels quite different from how it performs during the longer part of its lifespan.

One of my favorite table tennis rubbers! It provides excellent grip for a variety of shots. Whether it’s short shots or full stroke loops, this rubber grips exceptionally well. It is faster than most other hybrids while maintaining the same grip or even better.

The best feature of this rubber is its ability to perform even when you can’t hit a full stroke. If you find yourself pressed for time and can only manage a half stroke, this rubber can still help you get the ball over the net, where other hybrids might fall flat. There is a large margin of error with this rubber, making it very user-friendly.

I use it on both sides of my paddle. For the backhand, it excels at flipping and executing full loops. The forehand generates loads of power, whether you are positioned close to the table or far away. I appreciate that I can block incoming spins and control placement effectively.

That being said, this rubber is better suited for more advanced players. Lower-level players might find it too fast to control. Although it is rated at 55 degrees, it doesn’t feel that hard. Compared to other rubbers, it feels softer, possibly because it softens slightly after breaking in.

The only downside is that it wears out quickly. After about two months, when it begins to turn transparent in the middle, the performance fades rapidly. The tackiness disappears, leaving you with a rubber that lacks grip. The decline in performance is not gradual; rather, it falls off a cliff. Once it goes, it goes quickly!

I successfully use this paddle face on my forehand, and I also bought the Stiga DNA Platinum hard variant, which I use on my backhand. This is my first time playing with a hard rubber, and I don’t regret my decision at all.

Transitioning from soft to hard rubber has been an interesting experience. I had the opportunity to compare the two types, and I can say that the Dragon Grip has average durability compared to the Platinum. The Dragon Grip tends to lose its grip in humid conditions, especially in rooms without air conditioning. In such environments, the rubber becomes loaded with moisture, causing the ball to slip. In contrast, the Stiga Platinum is less sensitive to moisture.

While the Stiga Dragon Grip is a very good rubber, it does have these two inconveniences. Once it breaks, I plan to replace it with the Stiga DNA Platinum Extra Hard.