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 3rd 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.
------------- Independent online TT Product reviewer of XIOM, STIGA, JOOLA, SANWEI, GEWO, AIR, ITC, APEX, YASAKA and ABROS
ITTF Level 1 Coaching Course Conductor, ITTF Level 1 Coach
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