Review: Galaxy Mars Refresh

Mars 2  Red 2.3 mm, 41 deg hardness review

I obtained the above rubber for testing from TTXonline, based in Chicago area. (Thanks to Arcot and Jason). Played couple of 2-3 hour sessions to date, and here’s a brief review based on that experience.  I used Yasaka Maxwood SH blade, and compared this rubber to T64 Red 2.1mm.

I initially tried the Mars 2 on the FH, but it seemed to lack the power, especially away from the table,  in comparison to T64, so mainly used it as a BH rubber.

First impression: The packaging is very nicely done (you can see the pic on ttxonline blog: http://www.ttxonline.com/Blog/post/2010/10/07/REVIEW-The-New-Galaxy-Mars-Rubber.aspx), comes vacuum sealed.

Topsheet/Sponge: Topsheet has a nice shine to it, brighter red color compared to T64, and non-tacky. Comparing the topsheets, the pips on Mars 2 was shorter, and more densely placed (similar to T05 in this aspect) than the T64.

The sponge on the Mars 2 I tested was thicker since it was 2.3 mm, but the color was very similar, and more dense than T64 (which seemed more porous in comparison).

Speed: Definitely slower than T64, but at mid-distance, it was more than sufficient. Mars 2, however, was easier to control since less bouncy, and better for slower touch shots, like the flips.   For speed, I would say, Mars 2 is about 80-85% of T64. T64>Mars 2 

Spin/Serving: Compared to T64, Mars 2 was not as spinny, but when serving to my opponents, and based on my opponent’s comments, the serve using Mars 2 still has plenty of spin, although not as much as T64. Personally, I was able to control the serves better with Mars 2, and didn’t hit as many off the table, which was more frequent using the T64.

Comparing spin, Mars 2 is about 85-90% of T64.

Serving/control: Mars2 > T64

Looping : I still believe that there is no rubber out there that compares to Tenergy rubbers in  power looping (especially from long distance), but I was quite pleased when looping with Mars 2. For such an inexpensive rubber, it has enough power from mid-distance. The throw arc is lower than T64, so from farther distance, one needs to really use more force, but in this aspect, played very similar to Xiom Vega Pro Max rubber (which is my current normal setup).

For looping, I would have to say it will be a toss up between T64 and Mars 2, because it will depend on the style, and how far away from the table one plays.

T64=Mars 2

Smash/Flat hitting: I thought this is where Mars 2 was excellent! When playing with T64, I often had my shots sail off the table, but when hitting flat shots with Mars 2, the ball seemed to dwell a little longer and I was able to hit more accurate flat smashes on a lot more consistent basis. I was surprised how close it played to Xiom Vega Pro Max in this respect.

Mars 2> T64

Blocking: Eventhough the Mars 2 was 2.3 mm and 41 deg, the blocking was a lot easier, due to less bounciness of the rubber, in comparison to T64.

Mars 2>T64

Pushing/Flips: As stated already, the touch shots were much easier with Mars 2 than with T64.

Mars 2 > T64

Therefore, after playing couple of 2-3 hour sessions, I am very pleased, and optimistic about this rubber.  For such an inexpensive rubber, Yinhe/Galaxy did a very good job in coming up with a SIMILAR rubber to Tenergy. As with some of the Chinese rubbers (Globe 999, Gambler Outlaw, Hurricane 3) that I have tried, however, I am a bit concerned about the durability. I will keep testing it, and will advise on the durability. However, as of now, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try this rubber as a replacement of T64 or even T05 or Xiom Vega Pro Max. I would recommend a slightly softer version of Mars2 if one is using it as a replacement of T64, and the harder version that I am testing as a replacement for T05, and for those who use Xiom Vega Pro Max, the Mars 2  (2.3 mm. 41 deg) plays almost 85-90% similar to it, although slightly less spinny. For such an inexpensive rubber, I am sure more people will experiment with it.