Following the huge success of the BLUEFIRE M Series, which is considered a milestone in terms of dynamics and was the first to reflect the characteristics of rubbers with a fresh glue effect, DONIC pursued its next goal: to develop a rubber series that offers even more dynamics and sets new standards in spin development.
The two goals were to be achieved within one series through two differentiated rubber concepts, combining different pimple geometries and sponge structures. The top priority was to develop products that would appeal equally to players of all classes and playing styles.
The first step in the innovation process was to create a more grippy, high-tension top rubber, which was to be combined with the modified, highly elastic Turbo sponge in blue.
Regardless of the sponge, rubbers with wide pimple heads and small pimple spacing play slightly harder and thus promote spin development!
The narrower the pimples and the greater the pimple spacing, the softer and more catapult-like the ball contact feeling.
Regardless of the hardness of a sponge, a rubber with larger pores tends to offer a softer ball touch and slightly more dynamics. Conversely, a fine-pored sponge results in a harder touch and slightly more spin.
The diagram illustrates the relationship between pimple geometry, degree number, and sponge structure in relation to spin and catapult effect. The Z1-Turbo and Z1 variants with wide pimples, medium-sized sponge pores, and a harder sponge are particularly suitable for spin- and precision-oriented play.
In contrast, the Z2 and Z3 variants with thin pimples, large sponge pores, and a lower degree are designed more for fast-paced attacking play.
It can also be observed that sponges with a softer ball touch often provide players with a lower level of play or less developed technique with better ball feedback.
For technically skilled players with a higher level of play, the rubbers in the BLUESTORM series in the Ultramax version offer even more power and spin: The top rubber has been slightly reduced to 1.7mm (instead of the usual 1.8mm), while the sponge has been reinforced to 2.3mm (instead of 2.2mm).
When comparing the flight curves of the BLUESTORM Z series, it becomes clear that the spin-oriented Z1-Turbo and Z1 variants generate a higher flight curve with greater curvature thanks to their harder sponge design and special pimple geometry. The more catapult-oriented Z2 and Z3 variants, on the other hand, are characterized by a longer flight path with less curvature.
In the Ultramax version, the thicker sponge combined with the increased dynamics provides greater shot length, a noticeably more pronounced trajectory, and maximum spin.
The popular BLUEFIRE M, with its speed-dynamic properties, has the flattest flight curve curvature, but a particularly extended ball trajectory.
