Donic Acuda S3 – this is an inverted table tennis rubber designed for players who enjoy powerful spin shots, active blocking, and a pleasant sound (ALL, ALL+, OFF-). With a very soft sponge (~37.5°, Soft), a spin-optimised topsheet, and large pores, Acuda S3 offers excellent spin, high control, and controlled speed, accompanied by sensational feel and a “fascinating” sound. ITTF approved, made in Germany, this globally popular Acuda series rubber is an ideal choice for all-round players seeking spin shots and stability.
Main features:
• Rubber type: Inverted
• Speed: 102
• Spin: 109
• Control: 99
• High tension: Yes (Spin Speed technology)
• Tackiness: Non-tacky, highly grippy
• Strategy: ALL, ALL+, OFF-
• Surface: Spin-optimised, highly grippy
• Sponge hardness: Very soft (~37.5°, Soft)
• Sponge thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max
• Colours: Red, black
• Country of origin: Germany
• Approvals: ITTF approved
Donic Acuda S3 features a soft, spin-optimised construction:
• Sponge (very soft): Large-pored, very soft sponge (~37.5°, Soft), softer than Acuda S2 (~42.5°, Medium-), Acuda S1 (~47.5°, Medium+), or Bluefire M3 (~40°, Soft+). Compared to Vario Big Slam (~35°, Soft), the S3 sponge is close but more modern, ensuring very long dwell time, mild catapult effect, and “fascinating” sound. Sponge thickness: 1.8 mm (ALL), 2.0 mm (ALL+, OFF-), Max (OFF-), optimised for topspin shots, backspin shots, blocking, and serves.
• Topsheet: Thin, spin-optimised topsheet, very grippy, non-tacky, with a narrow, long pip structure. Grip superior to Vario Soft, similar to Acuda S2 or Bluefire M3, suitable for 40+ plastic balls. Durability: ~80–100 hours of intense play, regular cleaning with Donic cleaner is essential, as grip decreases after ~2–3 months.
• Acuda technology: Spin Speed technology with integrated speed-glue effect provides the rubber with spin, control, and feel reminiscent of the speed-glue era. Unlike FD3 (Bluefire series) or Acuda Turbo (S1 Turbo), Acuda focuses on balanced dynamics and spin. Lifetime PLUS™ extends the rubber’s service life (~50% longer than older-generation rubbers).
• High arc trajectory: Acuda S3 generates a very high, controlled flight arc, ideal for topspin and backspin shots, higher than Acuda S2 due to the soft sponge. Suitable for close-to-the-table and mid-distance play.
• Spin sensitivity: Very low sensitivity to incoming spin due to the soft sponge, easily blocks spin shots, suitable for backspin shots and serve return.
The rubber weighs ~40–45 g (2.0 mm, cut), lighter than Acuda S2 (~45–50 g), Acuda S1 (~50–55 g), or Bluefire M3 (~50–55 g). Offered in red and black, compliant with ITTF regulations. Recommended water-based glues (e.g., Donic Vario Clean) and protective film.
Donic Acuda S3 technical specifications:
• Speed: 102 (controlled). The rubber is medium-speed, suitable for topspin shots, backspin shots, and blocking, slower than Acuda S2 (93/100), Acuda S1 (96/100), or Bluefire M3 (107). In some sources: 8+/10 or 102/120.
• Spin: 109 (high). Due to the highly grippy topsheet, the rubber generates maximum spin in topspin, backspin shots, and serves. Spin is lower than Acuda S2 (95/100) or Bluefire M3 (112), but higher than Vario Big Slam (100). In some sources: 10+/10 or 109/120.
• Control: 99 (high). The highest control in the Acuda series, higher than Acuda S2 (69/100), Acuda S1 (68/100), or Bluefire M3 (96). In some sources: 9+/10 or 99/120.
Trajectory: Very high, controlled flight arc, suitable for topspin and backspin shots. Users praise the “spin,” “control,” and “sound,” but note that speed is limited for aggressive shots and durability is moderate (~2–3 months).
• Donic Acuda S2: Speed (93/100), Spin (95/100), Control (69/100). S2 is faster, harder (~42.5°), with less control, suitable for OFF- players.
• Donic Acuda S1: Speed (96/100), Spin (97/100), Control (68/100). S1 is faster, harder (~47.5°), with less control, suitable for OFF players.
• Donic Bluefire M3: Speed (107), Spin (112), Control (96). M3 is faster, slightly harder (~40°), with less control, suitable for OFF- players.
• Donic Vario Big Slam: Speed (96), Spin (100), Control (99). Vario Big Slam is faster, similar softness (~35°), with less spin, suitable for ALL players.
Acuda S3 stands out with a very soft sponge, high spin, and the best control in the Acuda series, suitable for all-round players.
Donic Acuda S3 suits all-round and offensive ALL to OFF- blades:
• Donic Waldner Exclusive AR+: Maximises control, suitable for ALL+ players.
• Stiga Allround Classic: Provides stability, suitable for ALL players.
• Butterfly Primorac OFF-: Harmonises speed, suitable for OFF- players.
• Tibhar Stratus Powerwood: Emphasises dynamics, suitable for OFF- players.
• Donic Appelgren Allplay: Balances spin, suitable for ALL+ players.
The rubber pairs best with ALL, ALL+, OFF- blades, as the soft sponge benefits from the blade's elasticity. Not suitable for OFF+ blades, as it is too soft for aggressive shots. Suitable for both forehand and backhand, especially backhand due to high control.
Donic Acuda S3 is for players seeking spin and control:
• For all-round and offensive players (ALL, ALL+, OFF-) who like powerful spin shots and active blocking.
• For spin-based play, suitable for forehand or backhand side, especially for topspin shots, backspin shots, and blocking.
• For play close to the table and mid-distance: Effective in topspin shots, backspin shots, blocking, and serves.
• Serves and receive: The grippy topsheet generates spin serves, and high control facilitates return.
• Topspin shots: High spin and control are suitable for spin shots.
• Blocking: High control, suitable for active and passive blocks.
The rubber is effective in topspin shots (9.3/10), blocking (9.2/10), backspin shots (9.1/10), serves (9.0/10), serve return (8.9/10). In looping (8.7/10) and smashing (8.5/10), performance is limited by softness. Users highlight “control,” “spin,” and “sound.”
• Speed: 102, controlled, suitable for topspin shots.
• Spin: 109, high, effective in topspin, backspin shots, serves.
• Control: 99, high, the best in the Acuda series.
• Topsheet: Spin-optimised, highly grippy, maximum spin.
• Sponge: Very soft (~37.5°), long dwell time, fascinating sound.
• Dynamics: Spin Speed technology, compensates for 40+ balls.
• Arc: Very high, ideal for topspin shots.
• Affordable price: Competitive with high-end rubbers.
• Speed: Limited for aggressive OFF+ shots.
Durability: Topsheet wears after ~2–3 months (~80–100 hours of intense play, requiring regular cleaning to maintain grip).
Donic Acuda S3 stands out with its very soft sponge, high spin, and the best control in the Acuda series, making it suitable for allround players.
Donic Acuda S3 is suitable for allround and offensive blades:
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Donic Waldner Exclusive AR+: Maximizes control, ideal for ALL+ players.
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Stiga Allround Classic: Provides stability, suitable for ALL players.
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Butterfly Primorac OFF-: Balances speed, suited for OFF- players.
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Tibhar Stratus Powerwood: Emphasizes dynamics, fits OFF- players.
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Donic Appelgren Allplay: Balances spin, perfect for ALL+ players.
This rubber pairs best with ALL, ALL+, and OFF- blades, as the soft sponge benefits from the blade’s elasticity. It is not suitable for OFF+ blades, as it is too soft for aggressive strokes. It can be used on either forehand or backhand, and is especially effective on the backhand side due to its high control.
Donic Acuda S3 is designed for players seeking spin and control:
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For allround and offensive players (ALL, ALL+, OFF-) who enjoy powerful spin shots and active blocking.
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Optimized for spin-based play, suitable for forehand or backhand, especially topspin, backspin, and blocking.
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Designed for close-to-the-table and mid-distance play: highly effective in topspin, backspin, blocking, and serving.
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Serves and returns: The grippy topsheet allows spinny serves, and the high control helps with consistent returns.
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Topspin play: High spin and control make it great for loop-heavy play.
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Blocking: Offers high control for both active and passive blocks.
Performance ratings (out of 10):
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Topspin: 9.3
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Blocking: 9.2
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Backspin: 9.1
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Serving: 9.0
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Serve returns: 8.9
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Looping: 8.7
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Flat hits/smashes: 8.5 (limited by soft sponge)
Users frequently praise the rubber for its "control," "spin," and "sound", though some note its limited speed for aggressive strokes and average durability (~2–3 months).
Summary:
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Speed: 102 – Controlled, suitable for topspin play
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Spin: 109 – High, effective in topspin, backspin, and serves
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Control: 99 – Very high, best in the Acuda series
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Top sheet: Spin-optimized, highly grippy, non-tacky, max spin
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Sponge: Very soft (~37.5°), long dwell time, fascinating sound
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Dynamics: Spin Speed Technology compensates for 40+ balls
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Arc: Very high, ideal for topspin
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Affordability: Competitive price for a high-end rubber
Limitations:
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Speed: Not suitable for powerful OFF+ strokes
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Durability: Top sheet wears after ~2–3 months (~80–100 hours of use)
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