GEWO Hype KR Pro 47.5 Korean Version Rubber Review
This issue covers the GEWO Hype KR Pro 47.5 Korean version — “the safety guard of rubbers.”
Test blade: Banda Alloy Carbon PRO (Stiga)
Background
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The Hype series is a relatively niche mid-to-high-end ESN German rubber, but niche doesn’t mean bad — it could well be a pearl forgotten at the bottom of the sea. In my view, the Hype series is a “pearl” worth picking up.
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The Hype series comes in four variants: Hype 42.5 EL, Hype KR 47.5 EL, and Hype XT 50. The suffix number indicates hardness — 50 for forehand, 47.5/42.5 for backhand.
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Currently, the Hype series holds a solid position in the market as GEWO’s rising mid-to-high-end product line.
Assessment
Specs: Hype KR Pro 47.5 Korean version — European hardness standard 47.5 degrees, 2.1 mm thick, bare weight around 70.2 g (medium-heavy), retail price around 230 RMB.
Texture: Strong surface grip, good pips, pink large-pore cake sponge similar to the Hype and Revolution series — looks textured visually but actually sits flat and smooth.
Feel: Mounted on the medium-firm Alloy Carbon PRO, there’s no hollow or “floaty” sensation right out of the gate. Attacking and looping gives a somewhat slow, dwell-like feeling — good internal energy and solid elasticity.
Integration: The topsheet and sponge bond is excellent — absolutely no disconnect.
Short game: Very solid for pushing and chopping. The sponge grips the ball well, and the surface isn’t overly sensitive to incoming spin — similar in feel to the Victas V20E. It won’t eat your serve, but it also won’t produce heavily loaded pushes. For amateurs, that’s actually a good thing; not getting caught by the opponent’s serve is a real confidence booster.
Defense: The sponge feels doughy with a cushioning effect — very easy to defend with. Even adding a little pressure can push the ball back, and some counter-attacks off the defensive shot are doable.
Attack: The Hype KR 47.5 is a “control-type” rubber that balances defense and attack, but it is not a “power-type.” If you want more explosiveness, consider the harder Hype XT 50 or Stiga’s DNA series.
Summary
The Hype KR Pro 47.5 Korean version is a well-balanced rubber — attack and defense in harmony. Choosing it means choosing peace of mind and consistency. My nickname for it: “the safety guard of rubbers.” Not the hardest hitter, but it will never let you down.
Note: All Mushroom Field Guide content reflects the author’s personal impressions. Rubbers vary between individual sheets, and performance also differs depending on the blade used.