Description Friendship 729 Battle II Provincial

The Friendship 729 Battle II Provincial (also known as Battle 2 Provincial) is a high-performance Chinese-style table tennis rubber produced by Friendship (729 brand), renowned for its tacky topsheet and provincial sponge variants. It is an upgraded version of the classic Battle II, offering a balance of explosive speed, exceptional spin, and reliable control, making it a favorite among intermediate to advanced offensive players. This rubber is particularly praised for mimicking the feel of the original DHS Hurricane 3 without requiring boosting, and it excels in generating heavy topspin while maintaining stability on blocks and counters. Available in provincial sponge options (typically blue or orange), it is ITTF-approved and suitable for competitive play with 40+ mm balls.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Inverted offensive rubber, ITTF approved.
• Topsheet: Highly tacky natural rubber topsheet for superior grip and spin generation.
• Sponge: Provincial sponge (blue or orange variants), medium-hard hardness (38-40° on DHS scale, approximately 42-45° ESN/German scale), with Energy Preset System (EPS) technology for enhanced elasticity.
• Thickness Options: 2.1 mm (standard for max performance).
• Weight: Approximately 45-48 g uncut (2.1 mm), ~35-40 g cut on a standard 157x150 mm blade.
• Colors: Black (only for provincial blue sponge variant); red available in standard Battle II but limited in provincial.
• Production: Made in China by Friendship (729), eco-friendly with low-VOC formulation.

Friendship positions the Battle II Provincial as a versatile offensive rubber that combines the tackiness of classic Chinese rubbers with modern speed. Key highlights from official and verified specs:

• Speed Rating: OFF (8.5-9/10) – Faster than standard Battle II, with a dynamic catapult effect for powerful drives and loops.
• Spin Rating: 9.2/10 – Exceptional tackiness (8.7/10) grips the ball deeply, enabling massive topspin and spinny serves; less affected by incoming underspin compared to softer rubbers.
• Sponge Hardness: 38-40° (provincial blue sponge is softer at 39° for better control, orange at 40° for added speed).
• Official Notes: Built with EPS technology for optimized energy transfer; the blue sponge variant is highlighted for its balance, while orange provides extra punch. Cleaning is simple with water and a sponge wipe after each game.

Performance Characteristics

Based on manufacturer specs and consistent user testing:

• Speed: Explosive rebound on flat hits and meaty drives, outperforming Hurricane 3 in unboosted speed; ideal for mid-distance counters and blocks, with good placement despite tackiness.
• Spin: Supreme ball grab for heavy loops and banana flicks; the tacky topsheet creates a high throw angle (~40-45°), making it deadly on serves and topspin rallies—even from mid-distance on backhand.
• Control: Excellent (8.7/10) for short game and passive blocks; forgiving dwell time reduces errors on incoming spin, though it requires stronger strokes for full power away from the table.
• Feel: Crisp, vibrant feedback with a "dead yet powerful" sensation similar to tuned Hurricane 3; minimal vibration, but loses tackiness after 3-6 months of heavy use (10-15 hours/week).
• Durability: High resistance to wear; maintains tackiness longer than many Chinese rubbers without boosting.

Pairing Recommendations

• Blades: Pairs best with OFF or inner-carbon blades like Nittaku Acoustic Carbon Inner, Sword Blue Feather, or Stiga Clipper CR for balanced power; avoids overly stiff outer-carbon for better dwell.
• Forehand: Excellent for spinny loops and serves
• Backhand: Effective for counters and blocks; provincial soft (37°) variant recommended for easier placement.
• Accessories: Use water-based glues like Friendship's own for adhesion; clean with water post-game to preserve tackiness—no boosting needed.

Conclusion

The Friendship 729 Battle II Provincial stands out as a cost-effective powerhouse in the tacky rubber category, delivering Hurricane 3-like spin and speed without the hassle of tuning. With its provincial sponge innovations, it offers versatile performance for spin-dominant attackers, earning high marks (9.1/10 overall) for its grip, durability, and value. It's a go-to for players seeking raw Chinese aggression in a modern package.

Friendship 729 Battle II Provincial

Friendship 729 Battle II Provincial

Friendship 729 Battle II Provincial