Donic Acuda S1 – is a table tennis rubber with inward (inverted) pimples, designed for aggressive attacking players (OFF, OFF+) who dominate close to the table and like to powerfully hit the ball. With a medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium+), spin-optimised topsheet, and FD3 technology, Acuda S1 offers extremely high speed, excellent spin, and precision but requires technique due to its medium control. ITTF approved, made in Germany, this rubber is part of the globally popular Acuda series, suitable for experienced players seeking dynamics and spin-based shots.
Main features:
• Rubber type: Inward pimples (inverted)
• Speed: 96/100
• Spin: 97/100
• Control: 68/100
• High tension: Yes (FD3 technology)
• Stickiness: Non-sticky, very grippy
• Strategy: OFF, OFF+
• Surface: Spin-optimised, spin-elastic
• Sponge hardness: Medium-hard (~47.5°, Medium+)
• Sponge thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max
• Colors: Red, black
• Country of origin: Germany
• Approvals: ITTF approved
Donic Acuda S1 features a dynamic, attack-optimised construction:
• Sponge (medium-hard): Large-pored, medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium+), similar to Acuda S1 Turbo (~47.5°, Medium+) and Bluefire M1 (~47.5°, Medium+), but harder than Acuda S2 (~42.5°, Medium-) or Bluefire M3 (~40°, Soft+). The sponge provides a strong catapult effect and quick response, ideal for smashes and looping shots. Sponge thickness: 1.8 mm (OFF), 2.0 mm (OFF+), Max (OFF+), optimised for topspin and fast close-to-table shots.
• Topsheet: Spin-optimised, thin topsheet (spin-optimised, spin-elastic), very grippy, non-tacky, with narrow, long pimple structure. Grip is superior to Vario Soft, similar to Bluefire M1 or Acuda S1 Turbo, ideal for 40+ plastic balls. Durability: ~80–100 hours of intense play, requires regular cleaning with Donic cleaner.
• FD3 technology: Modern technology combining a blue sponge with a high-tension topsheet provides the rubber with super dynamics, maximum spin, and high trajectory. Unlike Acuda Turbo technology (with speed glue effect), FD3 is focused on speed and spin while maintaining precision. Lifetime PLUS™ prolongs rubber life.
• High trajectory: Acuda S1 generates a high, controllable trajectory suitable for topspin and looping shots, though lower than Bluefire M3 or Bluestorm Z3. Suitable for close-to-table and mid-distance play.
• Spin sensitivity: Medium sensitivity to incoming spin due to harder sponge, allows blocking spinny shots but requires high technique against strong loops.
The rubber weighs ~50–55 g (2.0 mm, cut), similar to Acuda S1 Turbo (~55–60 g) or Bluefire M2 (~50–55 g), heavier than Acuda S2 (~45–50 g). Offered in red and black, complying with ITTF rules. Recommended water-based glue (e.g., Donic Vario Clean) and protective film.
Donic Acuda S1 technical ratings:
• Speed: 96/100 (high). The rubber is very fast, suitable for topspin, looping, and smashing. Speed is lower than Acuda S1 Turbo (110) or Bluefire M1 (112), but higher than Acuda S2 (93/100). In some sources: 10+/10 or 96/100.
• Spin: 97/100 (high). Due to the spin-optimised topsheet, the rubber generates maximum spin in topspin, backspin, and serves. Spin is similar to Acuda S1 Turbo (110) or Bluefire M2 (112), higher than Acuda S2 (95/100). In some sources: 10++/10 or 97/100.
• Control: 68/100 (medium). Control is lower than Acuda S2 (69/100) or Bluefire M2 (94), due to high speed and hardness, so it requires experience. In some sources: 6-/10 or 68/100.
Trajectory: High, controllable flight arc, suitable for topspin shots and close-to-table play. Users praise “speed,” “spin,” and “precision,” but note that control is limited for beginners and durability is average (~2–3 months).
• Donic Acuda S1 Turbo: Speed (110), Spin (110), Control (92). S1 Turbo is faster, with similar spin, but more difficult to control, suitable for OFF+ players.
• Donic Acuda S2: Speed (93/100), Spin (95/100), Control (69/100). S2 is slower, softer (~42.5°), with more control, suitable for ALL+ players.
• Donic Bluefire M1: Speed (112), Spin (112), Control (92). M1 is faster, with similar spin and hardness (~47.5°), suitable for OFF+ players.
• Donic Bluefire M2: Speed (110), Spin (112), Control (94). M2 has similar speed, softer (~45°), with more control, suitable for OFF players.
Acuda S1 stands out for its high speed and spin, suitable for aggressive players, but requires technique.
Donic Acuda S1 is suitable for offensive blades:
• Donic Ovtcharov No. 1: Maximises speed, suitable for OFF+ players.
• Tibhar Stratus Powerwood: Provides dynamics, suitable for OFF players.
• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Harmonises speed and spin, suitable for OFF+ players.
• Stiga Offensive Classic: Balances control, suitable for OFF- players.
• Donic Waldner Senso Carbon: Emphasises spin, suitable for OFF players.
The rubber pairs best with OFF, OFF+ blades, as the harder sponge utilises blade speed. Not suitable for DEF or ALL blades, as it is too fast and hard to control. Suitable for forehand side, less often for backhand unless the player has strong technique.
Donic Acuda S1 is intended for players seeking speed and spin:
• Aggressive attacking players (OFF, OFF+) who like to hit hard close to the table.
• Aggressive, spin-based play, suitable for forehand side, especially for topspin, looping, and smashing.
• Close-to-table and mid-distance play: Effective for fast topspin, smashes, and blocking.
• Serves and receive: Grippy topsheet generates spinny serves, but control is limited when returning strong serves.
• Topspin and looping shots: Maximum spin and speed suit aggressive attacks.
• Blocking: Medium control, requires technique due to speed.
Rubber is effective in topspin (9.7/10), smashes (9.6/10), looping (9.5/10), serves (9.2/10). Blocking (8.6/10) and serve return (8.4/10) are limited by control, not suitable for beginners. Users highlight “speed,” “spin,” and “precision.”
• Speed (96/100): High, suitable for topspin and smashes.
• Spin (97/100): High, effective in topspin, backspin, and serves.
• Topsheet: Spin-optimised, highly grippy, maximum spin.
• Sponge: Medium-hard (~47.5°), strong catapult effect.
• Dynamics: FD3 technology, compensates for 40+ balls.
• Trajectory: High, ideal for topspin shots.
• Durability: ~80–100 hours with care.
• Affordable price: Competitive among high-end rubbers.
Control (68/100): Medium, difficult for beginners or in blocking.
Technical requirements: High – due to the high speed and spin, Acuda S1 demands good stroke technique, timing, and precision.
Weight: Approximately 50–55 g (2.0 mm cut), heavier than Acuda S2 (~45–50 g), similar to Acuda S1 Turbo or Bluefire M2.
Durability: Medium (~2–3 months of intensive play), requires regular cleaning and protective film.
Compatibility: Best paired with OFF or OFF+ blades. Not suitable for DEF or ALL blades due to excessive speed and difficulty in control.
Ideal side: Forehand; occasionally used on backhand by players with strong technique.
Summary:
Donic Acuda S1 is a high-speed, high-spin rubber ideal for offensive players who dominate close to the table with aggressive, spinny shots. Its medium-hard sponge (~47.5°, Medium+), spin-optimized topsheet, and FD3 technology deliver explosive performance with precision, though at the cost of reduced control and increased technical demand. Best suited for experienced players seeking a fast, dynamic rubber for forehand use.
Key Strengths:
• Speed: 96/100 – very fast
• Spin: 97/100 – excellent spin generation
• Trajectory: High and controlled, ideal for topspin and looping
• Technology: FD3 tension system for dynamic play
• Build: Medium-hard sponge, grippy non-tacky topsheet
• Durability: ~80–100 hours with care
• Strategy: OFF, OFF+ players
• Recommended use: Forehand, aggressive looping and smashing
Not ideal for:
• Beginners
• Defensive or all-round players
• Players needing high control or touch play
Player profile:
Aggressive offensive players who favor close-to-table dominance, strong forehand loops, and powerful smashes, and who can handle medium control with high technical ability.