Nexy Demian review by APW 46.

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Narrative review.
I was sent two sheets of Demian Max one red one black to review. I think it is difficult to really get to know a rubber unless yopu either play with it for a long time, or play with it on your usual blade, so I have been swapping the Demian with my usual T05 for review purposes, and also cross matching the two.
like the Nexy blades, the rubbers are well packaged with an 'expensive look' about them and the usual miss-matching translation in to English on the back of the packet, which explains in great detail how speed is not everything, control is important, which I implicitly agree with, however the word 'slow' seems to be a dirty word in TT, so best not use it. Instead make a new one up that means the same thing, 'Integrity'..... So this rubber turns things upside down, instead of being a ultra fast rubber that has masses of control, its the opposite, a rubber with masses of control, that has power on tap when you need it, I was sceptical to say the least. 'Get ready to meet the face of Janus' was the powerful statement on the reverse of the packet, well I was hoping it was the Janus from Greek mythology and not the one called Hugh.

The Rubber has a thin delicate topsheet with small pimples, clearly visible through the thin membrane of smooth slightly tacky topsheet, tacky, by no means sticky. The orange sponge is soft smooth and dense, but not 'jellylike' as is the sponge on Tenergy.
So no problem affixing to my WRB classic allround, I first Tested the Demian Red Max on my B/hand, using Tenergy 05 black on the f/hand, and I had carefully chosen the moment at a training camp, so my sparring partner was a fellow coach, Helen Lower former English no1 lady and ex Olympic player. 
First impression within hitting two balls? Slow! my arm speed being used to Tenergy, I needed to compensate, but when I did there was a huge gear kick up and the ball missed by a mile. This was during b/hand counterhits, If I stepped back slightly to make room and unleashed b/hand topspin drives, there was med to fast pace, loads of topspin and consistency, but once again, if I opened my batface for a flatter contact there was a massive gear 'kick up'  plenty of pace, but at the expence of spin. Helen moved on to loopdriving to my b/hand block, she is very consistent and powerful, I could block her easily, though there was a  'thud' as the ball seemed to bottom out with every block. So far so good, the rubber seemed to do what it said on the tin, until I tried absorbing (fishing) loops back off the table, there was little 'springback' quality in the rubber, unlike playing with Sp/glue or Tenergy, the rubber does little for you, its OK if you are positive, but for subtle guiding back of the ball from distance, T05 and the established rubbers of that Genre win hands down.

Of course, short game play was superb with all that control, flicking Helen's international standard serves was easier than with my Tenergy, dropshots and pushes all were easy with this high control rubber, as was serving, I was getting a quite magnificent long dwell on my high throw serves. Flat hitting/slapping was easy too and the high control made for easy chopping back of loopdrives ( an attackers chop that is) 

I tried playing with the Demian on my F/hand, it was OK but just a little too slow, its not a good loop and re-loop rubber because you have to impact too highly to achieve the desired gear kick up which leads to inconsistency, I personally see Demian as a good B/hand Rubber, I have retained it on my bat because although I lose some fishing ability, I like the control and the fact that I can really let rip with topspin on my b/hand loop with high consitency, yet I need to Tenergy on my f/hand to power the ball away, Demian would not be fast enough. I see a market for this rubber as a compliment to a combination players armory, high control and spin, yet a big slice of power when needed, by players used to hitting/looping with slower rubbers because of their style of play. If you are looking to powerloop your way to victory this rubber is not for you.