Donic Bluestorm Z3 – this is a table tennis rubber with inward (inverted) pimples, designed for players seeking controlled offense (ALL+, OFF-, OFF). With a soft sponge (~42.5°, Soft+) in a thick porous structure (large-pore sponge) and a thinner, high-tension topsheet, Bluestorm Z3 delivers high spin, controlled speed, and excellent feel, accompanied by a distinctive "thunder" sound. ITTF approved and made in Germany, this rubber is part of the Bluestorm series, known for its dynamism, durability, and suitability for 40+ plastic balls. Suitable for players who value spin and control.

Main features:

• Rubber type: Inverted pimples

• Speed: 100

• Spin: 110

• Control: 100

• High tension: Yes (Bluestorm technology)

• Tackiness: Non-tacky

• Strategy: ALL+, OFF-, OFF

• Surface: Thin, very grippy

• Sponge hardness: Soft (~42.5°, Soft+)

• Sponge thickness: 1.9 mm, 2.1 mm, Max+

• Colors: Red, black

• Country of origin: Germany

• Certifications: ITTF approved

Donic Bluestorm Z3 features a soft, dynamic construction:

• Sponge (Soft+): Large-pore, soft sponge (~42.5°, Soft+), ~5–10% softer than Bluestorm Z2 (~47.5°, Medium Hard) or Bluestorm Z1 (~47.5°). Compared to Vario Big Slam (~35°, Soft) or Vario Soft (~40°–45°), the Z3 sponge is similar but with more modern technology, ensuring a stronger catapult effect. Sponge thickness: 1.9 mm (ALL, DEF), 2.1 mm (ALL+, OFF-), Max+ (OFF-, OFF, thicker than standard Max). Structure optimized for topspin strokes, backspin strokes, and blocking, with long dwell time and a “thunderous” sound.

• Topsheet: Thin, high-tension topsheet, very grippy, non-tacky, generates maximum spin in topspin strokes. Grip superior to Vario Soft, close to Bluefire M2 or Vario Big Slam, but lower than Bluefire Titanium. Durability: ~80–100 hours of intense play, cleaning with Donic cleaner recommended.

• Bluestorm technology: Thin topsheet and thicker sponge (Max+ thickness) provide dynamics compensating for the drawbacks of 40+ balls. Unlike Vario technology, Bluestorm is focused on modern offense, with high bite and fast recovery. Lifetime PLUS™ ensures durability.

• High arc: Bluestorm Z3 generates a high, controlled arc ideal for topspin and backspin shots. Arc is higher than Vario Soft or Bluestorm Z1, similar to Vario Big Slam, suitable for play at the table and mid-distance.

• Spin sensitivity: Low sensitivity to incoming spin due to soft sponge, easily blocks spinny shots but requires technique against strong looping strokes.

The rubber weighs ~50–55 g (2.1 mm, cut), lighter than Bluefire Titanium (~85 g/min), but heavier than Vario Big Slam (~38–43 g). Offered in red and black, compliant with ITTF. Recommended use with water-based glue (e.g., Donic Vario) and protective film.

Donic Bluestorm Z3 technical specs:

• Speed: 100 (controlled). The rubber is of medium speed, suitable for topspin, blocking, and backspin shots. Speed is lower than Bluestorm Z1 (~110) or Bluefire M1 (~115), but higher than Vario Soft (~93). In some sources: 9/10 or 100/120.

• Spin: 110 (high). Due to the thin, grippy topsheet, the rubber generates strong spin in topspin, backspin shots, and serves. Spin is higher than Vario Big Slam (~100) or Vario (~94), close to Bluefire M2 (~112). In some sources: 10+/10 or 115/120.

• Control: 100 (high). High control, especially in blocking and precise shots, due to the soft sponge. Higher than Bluestorm Z2 (~90) or Bluefire M1 (~95), similar to Vario Big Slam (~99). In some sources: 9.5/10 or 100/120.

Trajectory: High, controlled arc suitable for topspin and close-to-the-table play. Users praise the “spin,” “control,” and “sound,” but note that drive shots require more effort and durability is limited (~2–3 months).

• Donic Vario: Speed (95), Spin (94), Control (90). Vario is faster but less spinny, with a harder sponge (~45°–50°), suitable for more versatile offense.

• Donic Vario Soft: Speed (93), Spin (94), Control (91). Vario Soft is slower, with similar spin potential but less dynamic, suitable for DEF and ALL players.

• Donic Vario Big Slam: Speed (~100), Spin (~115), Control (~50). Vario Big Slam is the closest match, with a softer sponge (~35°) and glue-effect, but less control.

Bluestorm Z3 stands out with more modern technology, higher spin, and dynamics, suitable for controlled offense, but requires technique for power shots.

Donic Bluestorm Z3 suits versatile and offensive blades:

• Donic Waldner WC89: Balances speed and control, suitable for ALL+ players.

• Tibhar Samsonov Pro Black Edition: Emphasizes control, suitable for ALL+ players.

• Stiga Allround Classic: Maximizes stability, suitable for ALL players.

• Butterfly Primorac OFF-: Offers dynamics, suitable for OFF- players.

• Donic Persson Powerplay: Harmonizes spin, suitable for OFF- players.

The rubber pairs best with ALL+, OFF-, OFF blades, as the soft sponge utilizes the blade’s elasticity. Not suitable for OFF+ blades due to insufficient hardness for aggressive shots. Suitable for forehand or backhand, especially backhand due to control.

Donic Bluestorm Z3 is meant for players seeking controlled offense:

• For controlled offensive players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) who value spin and control.

• For spin-based play, suitable for forehand or backhand, especially topspin, backspin shots, and blocking.

• For close-to-table and mid-distance play: Effective for topspin, blocking, serves, and backspin.

• Serves and receive: Grippy topsheet generates spinny serves, soft sponge ensures precision.

• Topspin shots: High spin and control make it suitable for topspin attacks.

• Blocking: Exceptional control, easy to disrupt opponents.

Rubber is effective in topspin shots (9.6/10), blocking (9.5/10), backspin shots (9.3/10), serving (9.2/10), returning serves (9.0/10). Requires more effort in drives (8.7/10) and looping shots (8.9/10) due to softness. Users highlight “spin,” “control,” and “sound.”

• Speed (100): Controlled, suitable for topspin shots.

• Spin (110): High, effective in topspin and backspin.

• Control (100): High, suitable for blocking and precise shots.

• Topsheet: Thin, grippy, excellent spin.

• Sponge: Soft (~42.5°), long dwell time, “thunder” sound.

• Dynamics: Bluestorm technology, compensates for 40+ balls.

• Durability: ~80–100 hours with care.

• Affordable price: Good value for money.

• Softness: Too soft for aggressive OFF+ players.

• Drives: Require effort in flat hits.

• Durability: Topsheet wears faster (~2–3 months).

• Technique requirement: Needs technique for looping shots.
  

  Bluestorm Z3 is popular among controlled attacking players due to its dynamic construction, spin-oriented performance, and balanced speed. It is especially favored by players seeking high spin, soft feel, and excellent feedback without sacrificing control. While it may not be the top choice for pure power attackers (OFF+), it shines in technical and spin-heavy styles of play.

  Recommended for:

• Controlled offensive players (ALL+, OFF-, OFF) who value spin and precision.

• Spin-oriented gameplay: Suitable for forehand or backhand, especially for topspin strokes, backspin strokes, and blocks.

• Close-to-table and mid-distance play: Effective for executing topspin shots, blocks, serves, and backspin strokes.

• Serves and return: The grippy topsheet produces high-spin serves, while the soft sponge enables accurate placement.

• Topspin strokes: High spin and control make it ideal for topspin attacks.

• Blocking: Exceptional control, easy to disrupt opponents' rhythm.

Performance ratings (approximate user feedback):

• Topspin: 9.6/10

• Blocking: 9.5/10

• Backspin: 9.3/10

• Serves: 9.2/10

• Serve return: 9.0/10

• Drives: 8.7/10

• Looping: 8.9/10

Strengths:

• Speed (100): Controlled, suitable for topspin strokes

• Spin (110): High, effective in topspin and backspin

• Control (100): High, great for blocks and accurate shots

• Topsheet: Thin, grippy, excellent spin generation

• Sponge: Soft (~42.5°), long dwell time, “thunder” sound

• Dynamics: Bluestorm tech compensates for 40+ ball drawbacks

• Durability: ~80–100 hours with proper care

• Price: Good performance-to-cost ratio

Limitations:

• Softness: Too soft for aggressive OFF+ players

• Drives: Requires more effort for flat hits

• Durability: Topsheet wears down faster (~2–3 months)

• Technique-demanding: Requires proper technique for looping strokes

Approved by ITTF, suitable for competition. Bluestorm Z3 remains a top choice among players who prioritize spin and control within a dynamic and modern offensive rubber.

Donic Bluestorm Z3

Donic Bluestorm Z3

Donic Bluestorm Z3