Acuda now obsolete?

Let me preface this by saying that I think there is still a place for S1 Turbo and it is NOT obsolete.

Now then. With the release of Bluefire M1 M2 and M3, doesn't this make Acuda S1 S2 and S3 obsolete?

Both lines are of a very similar price so you can't say you are getting a better value by buying any of those 3 Acudas.

The Bluefire line seems to have equal or better ratings in speed, spin, and feeling.

Many have said that Bluefire plays extremely similar to Tenergy. Something Acuda has come short on.

So my question is; what reason is there for someone to choose Acuda S1, S2, or S3 over Bluefire? Furthermore, what reason does Donic have to continue to manufacture Acuda S1, S2, and S3.

I am using S1 Turbo and I like it better than M1.

I wouldn't say the Acuda series is completely obsolete just yet. Personally, I still think that Acuda S3 is one of the best backhand rubbers I've had the opportunity to try. As far as Acuda for forehand, Bluefire is the natural successor but the feel of the two series' is quite different I'd say.

GeneralSpecific wrote: Let me preface this by saying that I think there is still a place for S1 Turbo and it is NOT obsolete. Now then. With the release of Bluefire M1 M2 and M3, doesn't this make Acuda S1 S2 and S3 obsolete? Both lines are of a very similar price so you can't say you are getting a better value by buying any of those 3 Acudas. The Bluefire line seems to have equal or better ratings in speed, spin, and feeling. Many have said that Bluefire plays extremely similar to Tenergy. Something Acuda has come short on. So my question is; what reason is there for someone to choose Acuda S1, S2, or S3 over Bluefire? Furthermore, what reason does Donic have to continue to manufacture Acuda S1, S2, and S3.

I use Acuda S1 on FH and BH. I have Turbo glued on FH right now because I had one sheet of Turbo left while I was out of regular S1.

Comparing S1 to S1 turbo, I feel there is a difference in speed, but that is not what I am looking to get from the rubber. Extra speed on S1 makes it a more like an in between version of close to mid distance rubber. While S1 is really close to the table rubber, which depending on your style may or may not suit your game.

The fact that S1 Turbo is advertised as spinnier to me only shows that the softer sponge vs harder sponge produce different dwells for the same topsheet. Yet, I do not feel the difference in spin between these two. I guess it depends what kind of strokes one has and how these rubbers suit the game.

I tried M1 briefly ( and not on my blade ), but my overall impression was that it felt softer and stable for slower strokes. With fast hard drive shots and flatter shots, the rubber behaved slightly  differently. That alone will make someone choose a different type of rubber than M1.

Lastly, the harder sponges are easier to control in short game. So the softer counterparts of M1 and S1T make touch shots less controllable.




Edited by Leshxa - 10/29/2012 at 9:50pm

Acuda is definitely not on its way to the knacker's yard just yet.

I just glued the regular S1 back on my blade and feel a significant difference. S1 control over S1 Turbo seems superior to me.

I bought one red max two years ago and it still has perfect spin and throw. Did not reglue it though. Looks almost as new.

popperlocker wrote: Imo, Acuda is the perfect forehand rubber, and Bluefire is the perfect backhand rubber. Acuda has that sticky chinese feeling that I like for FH. Bluefire has that euro short stroke pop control that I like for BH.

Ineteresting statement. I would have said the exact opposite. I don't think either "feel" sticky though they both have good grip compared to alot of other rubbers....

Leshxa wrote: I tried M1 briefly ( and not on my blade ), but my overall impression was that it felt softer and stable for slower strokes. With fast hard drive shots and flatter shots, the rubber behaved slightly  differently. That alone will make someone choose a different type of rubber than M1.

AcudaDave wrote: I thought I would never leave Acuda, but I have now switched to Bluefire.

How to call you now - M3Dave or BluefireDave?

petermoo wrote: Regarding the original message. Acuda S1 is harder than Turbo which is more of a medium rubber. I found that as I improved as a player, I gravitated more towards harder sponges and whereas medium is probably more preferable to most people

Edited by slevin - 11/02/2012 at 1:01pm

I find it interesting that I have never given the Acuda series a try before.  With all my EJing too... maybe I settled on Baracuda too early...

but in general which one is faster? the acudas or bfs?

Obsolete is a rather strong word in this case. Perhaps older generation would be more suitable. Example, Mark V is not "obsolete" in fact it still remains a top seller. Mark V Max + BTY Primorac Carbon= nice! :)