DONIC Bluestorm Z2 Table Tennis Rubber Review

Originally published 2023-08-04 · Translated and republished by UltraSpin with permission

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 blue table tennis rubber showing sponge cross-section

This issue’s subject: DONIC Bluestorm Z2.

Quick Take

  1. A relatively niche series in the DONIC family. The Z1 works well on both sides; the Z2 is optimized for the backhand. Hardness: 47.5 degrees. Bare weight: 68.8 g, which is medium. Retail price: around 210 RMB.

  2. The topsheet is purely non-tacky (tensor-style). The sponge looks very much like the Blue Fire sponge — “beautiful, like blue cheese.”

  3. I tested it on the backhand side of a Niwa all-wood blade. In practice it feels softer than expected (around 43–45 degrees), similar in hardness to ELP, and softer than MXP at the same nominal hardness.

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 rubber front face showing non-tacky topsheet texture

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 blue sponge cross-section showing the cheese-like cell structure

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 rubber laid out beside a Niwa all-wood blade for size comparison

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 sponge thickness measurement at 47.5 degrees hardness

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 topsheet pip geometry close-up showing grip surface

DONIC Bluestorm Z2 uncut rubber sheet weighing 68.8 g on a scale

  1. The classic German-rubber “hollow rebound” hasn’t improved here. Feel is acceptable, grip and dwell are adequate, no standout strengths. Looping performance is the highlight; blocking and flat-hitting are not ideal. Moderate recommendation overall — best paired with a stiffer, more supportive blade.

Note: All content in this review reflects my personal impressions. Individual rubber samples vary, and pairing with different blades will affect performance. Comments and corrections are welcome.

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Original work © Mogu Liao Pingpang (WeChat). English translation © UltraSpin, republished with permission. Original article.