Joola Rhyzen ZGR and CMD Rubbers

Joola Rhyzen ZGR and CMD Rubbers Review

 

 

Joola Rhyzen ZGR

 

Weight: 75 grams

Speed: Off+

Spin: Very High

Topsheet: Semi-tacky

 

Joola Rhyzen CMD

 

 

Rhyzen CMD 

Weight: 67 grams

Speed: Off+

Spin: Very High

Topsheet: Semi-tacky

 

 

These 2 rubbers are 2 of the 4 newest rubbers from Joola released on the 3^rd quarter of this year. The Rhyzen rubbers both the ZGR, which is the harder version and CMD, the softer version. At first look, both rubbers have a distinct look on the topsheets and sponges. The grains of the Rhyzen ZGR on its topsheet is almost identical to that of the Dynaryz rubbers only. The topsheet grain of the Rhyzen CMD is obviously different with a much finer surface. The topsheet construction also is different from both rubbers. The Rhyzen ZGR has 0.8 mm pimple height with pimple with of 1.5mm and the distance between pips is 0.9mm while the Rhyzen CMD has 1.0mm pimple height, pimple width of 1.4mm and a spacing of 1.2mm. The sponge of the CMD version has a lighter purple color with much smaller pores. The ZGR version has a much porous sponge and the purple is somewhat darker. Out of the box, the Rhyzen CMD was curling much more. I am yet to confirm if the black CMD rubebr also has this kind of curling out of the box. The Rhyzen ZGR however has a slight or little curving. For the hardness, the Rhyzen ZGR has a hard sponge. If taking into account the topsheet, the ZGR has an approximate hardness of 54 to 55 degrees? I have a 55-degree rubber from other brands and they feel much harder when pressing your fingers against the rubber. The Rhyzen CMD on the other hand has a somewhat soft feel. The topsheet having a softer make, my finger sinks into the sponge easily. It feels like a 45-46 degree rubber including the topsheet.

 

Played with the 2 Rhyzen rubbers using the Joola Santuro KL-C Outer and a 7 ply all wood blade from another brand. When using both rubbers in the same blade back to back, you could feel the difference in both of their arcs and speed. The Rhyzen ZGR and CMD rubbers while considered as OFF+ rubbers, they are not as fast compared to the any variants of the Dynaryz Series. It is possible that the partial tackiness of the topsheets might be reducing the speed of both rubbers. The tackiness of both rubbers is only minimal. They do stick onto their wax paper-like covers out of the box but not as tacky or sticky compared to the Joola CWX rubber. I would say the Rhyzer 53 and Rhyzer 45 rubbers from the past series of rubbers from Joola are faster than the Rhyzen ZGR and CMD respectively. Still, both Rhyzen rubbers are on the off level so they are not slow. It’s just that you would feel the speed gap when you are using any of the Dynaryz rubbers.

 

These 2 Rhyzen rubbers are spinning machines! The semi-tacky topsheet of these rubbers give a high amount of spin. I would say there are differences on how these 2 rubbers produce spin. Please take note that on stronger shots, both rubbers should be more engaged when compressing the sponge especially the at far distance but the ZGR version of Rhyzen spins better when you have good basics in properly brushing the  ball while the CMD version is easier to spin by just compressing the ball against the topsheet and sponge. The ball sinks easily on the Rhyzen CMD’s topsheet and sponge aside from the soft sponge but probably also due to the larger spacing and longer pips. The Rhyzen CMD is ideally suited for players who engages the sponge or compresses the sponge more than just pure brushing the ball with mostly the topsheet. In a way, it is easier to produce spin because the rubber’s softness lets the ball sink both into the sponge and topsheet thereby wrapping the ball mall more. The Rhyzen ZGR on the other hand, rewards you more if you have the correct basic strokes and also has the touch and contact on the ball.  If you are used to using the CWX rubber that plays like a typical Chinese rubber, with some adjustments, the Rhyzen ZGR can also give you with an almost equal spin but with more power and bounce. The arc between the 2 rubbers is also very obvious in their difference. The Rhyzen ZGR has a somewhat higher arc at medium or medium low while the Rhzyen CMD has a low arc when looping. Even with doing drive forehand to forehand, I have noticed the Rhyzen CMD having a much flatter and longer trajectory. The Rhyzen ZGR in a way is spinnier than Tenergy 05.

 

For other strokes, The CMD blocks easier because the soft sponge easily returns loops or smashes. Punchblocks are also easier with the CMD which has a better control. The ZGR version however pushes better and having a hardsponge but not having a sponge that is too bouncy, the ZGR has better drops shots and short pushes. The CMD version also is the most affordable with the new rubbers with a low price of USD 39.  Overall, these 2 rubbers are very affordable that could keep up with the performance of today’s rubbers. The ZGR especially is expected to be rubber suited for high-level players that are wanting more spin on their game without sacrificing the speed while the CMD version will offer good control, power and spin at a much lower price.

Edited by yogi_bear - 10/25/2021 at 6:27pm

i do not think they are as slow as being advertized. Rhyzen is like off to off+ while CMD ia at off or off- in my opinion.  Sone players who have tried them and say they are fast. 

I think not every manufacturer uses the Def, All, Off rating for speed only and it really shouldn't be used that way. An allround rubber/blade can be as fast as an Off rubber/blade, only with an off rubber you should try to play more aggressively, while an allround rubber should be more suitable for blocking, touch over the table but of course it enables opening and finishing shots too.