Xiom Vega Asia DF

Based on the reviews of this rubber on various sites, I was persuaded to purchase a set. However, they proved to be somewhat disappointing.

The primary reason for my disappointment is that this rubber is heavily boosted, and the boosting effect diminishes noticeably even within a three-month period. Despite its relative sturdiness, the topsheet does not appear to be particularly durable, and I anticipate a loss of grip over time. In its pristine state, the rubber is exceptionally bouncy, making precise play near the table challenging. It performs better at a distance of around 2-4 steps. While it is easy to generate highly spinny balls, the trajectories are relatively low due to the high base level of catapult and the sparse, thin arrangement of topsheet pimples. This also increases the likelihood of balls going too long. Despite its bounciness, this rubber lacks a top gear.

Harder impacts easily penetrate the rubber (although the topsheet is thick, it is relatively soft), creating difficulties in finding the proper stroke during the period when the tension effect is still active (it becomes much more controllable later). After three months of infrequent use, I observed a significant reduction in bounciness, making the rubber more manageable, but the ball spinning ability also diminished slightly. From the fifth month onward, I have noticed no further changes in the rubber’s playing properties. The depletion of the boosting effect is also visually apparent as horizontal topsheet shrinkage around the edge of the bat (resulting in a raised edge).

On the positive side, this rubber is exceptionally lightweight. If you intend to wear out the rubber surface faster than the boosting effect diminishes, it could be a suitable option if you require a fast, low throw rubber (with frequent rubber replacements due to extensive training hours per week). Subsequently, it can be repurposed as a control rubber with a medium throw.

Tensor Rubber

I have been using this Tensor Rubber for three months. With proper technique, you can produce impressive speed. It offers a direct angle, making it less bouncy on short games and an excellent choice for smashing. The rubber produces a pleasing sound, reminiscent of speed glue. Despite being lightweight, it feels comfortable to use.

The rubber provides excellent spin, making it ideal for backspin lifts. It is durable and resistant to chipping, ensuring its longevity. In my country, it costs around 30 euros, which I believe is good value for the money.

I have a playing style where I impart a lot of spin on my forehand, and the evolution of my blade has been a 42-degree hardness on average, with a 1.8mm thickness. The rubber transmits moderately, quite linearly in all strokes, whether in the small game or in acceleration.
The limit of this rubber is playing with a plastic ball on slow tables and in halls with soft floors.
With the use of the plastic ball, I recommend a change of hardness of five degrees higher, i.e. 47 degrees for those who already play in 42, so this coating would be suitable for those who currently play in 37 degrees, this avoids tennis elbow.

After putting Omega V Europe on FH, I was searching for something similar for BH with a softer sponge. Although the name “Asia” might confuse people, I was convinced that it wasn’t like the old Vega regarding sponge hardness, so I decided to give it a shot. Bingo! The 42.5 degrees suits my BH technique perfectly. It has a slightly harder rubber surface, which I initially disliked, but I got used to it after a few sessions. To produce good spin with this rubber, a bit higher brushing is needed. There’s no room for error, but if done correctly, you’ll be rewarded with dangerous spin. The arc is lower and more direct than any other rubber I’ve tried so far. Speed is high but not excessive. Control is excellent. Since I’ve only had a few sessions, these are just my first impressions. I’ll update my review in a month or two. For now, it’s an excellent rubber for plastic balls.

Nice, quite light rubber. In max cut, it weighs about 44 grams. It’s not super fast or ultra spinny, but it has great touch and control. It’s a little softer than medium hard. For developing players, it’s highly recommended.