Donic Bluestorm Z2: A Backhand-Focused Rubber
Welcome to this issue of the Mushroom Field Guide, which is purely a public-interest column meant as a reference for fellow players. Today’s subject: the Donic Bluestorm Z2.
Mushroom’s Quick Take
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This is a relatively niche series within the Donic family. The Z1 works on both wings, while the Z2 is geared toward the backhand. Hardness is 47.5 degrees, bare weight is 68.8 g (medium weight), and it sells for around 210 yuan.
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The topsheet is purely grippy (non-tacky), and the cake sponge looks a lot like the Bluefire sponge — “as pretty as blue cheese.”
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I tried it on the backhand of an all-wood Nittaku blade, and the actual feel was softer than I expected (about 43-45 degrees), similar in hardness to ELP, and softer in feel than MXP at the same rated hardness.
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The hollow, springy feel typical of German rubbers hasn’t been fixed here. The feel is okay — the grip and ball-grabbing are passable, with no obvious standout traits. Its looping performance is fairly strong, but it’s not great for flat hits. I’d give it a medium recommendation, and suggest pairing it with a stiffer blade that offers more support.
PS: Everything in the Mushroom Field Guide reflects the author’s subjective impressions. Rubbers vary from sheet to sheet, and pairings with different blades will change things too. Comments and corrections are welcome.