Pinyi Pi Shan Purple Sponge Rubber Review: Solid but Heavy

Originally published 2023-07-21 · Translated and republished by UltraSpin with permission

This issue: Rubber Review No. 12 combined with an equipment feature — Pinyi Pi Shan Purple Sponge. Test blade: Sanwei Blue Marlin Pro.

Quick Take

1. Pinyi is a newer domestic Chinese brand that turns heads with its distinctly Chinese-themed names and packaging. But looks alone don’t cut it — performance matters. So let’s take a closer look at the Pi Shan.

2. Pinyi Pi Shan Purple Sponge: thickness 2.15 mm, hardness available in Soft (37–38 degrees) and Medium (39–40 degrees), sticky backhand rubber, bare weight 74.5 g (heavy), retail price 128 RMB.

3. In terms of physical characteristics, this rubber is similar to the organic Hurricane 3 Soft; in terms of product positioning, it’s comparable to Hurricane 8-80. Let’s break down the details.

Playing Impressions

4. At low force levels, the overall feel leans toward steady and stable. Dwell transparency is moderate, sitting between Hurricane 3 and Hurricane 8-80.

5. Topsheet durability is good, with solid tackiness for ball pickup.

6. The sponge isn’t a powerhouse, but thanks to the 2.15 mm thickness and heavy weight providing sponge support, it holds up reasonably well. Under hard loops and flat hits, there’s a crisp metallic sound — satisfying in the hand, though it also signals that the construction quality isn’t premium. Power output is roughly equivalent to a 37-degree Hurricane 8-80.

7. Best suited for players with an established backhand framework who can use body movement and stroke mechanics to drive the ball out. Leverage the surface tack and sponge support to generate spin and speed variation. It’s very similar to a 2.15 mm, 37-degree Hurricane 3 Soft. The Pi Shan’s entry barrier is lower than Hurricane 3, its ceiling is lower too, but its floor is higher.

Overall Comparison

Weight: Pi Shan greater than Hurricane 3 greater than Hurricane 8-80 greater than Hurricane 8

Power: Hurricane 3 greater than Pi Shan approximately equals Hurricane 8-80 greater than Hurricane 8

Speed: Hurricane 8-80 greater than Hurricane 8 approximately equals Pi Shan greater than Hurricane 3

Tackiness: Hurricane 3 greater than Pi Shan approximately equals Hurricane 8-80 approximately equals Hurricane 8

Feel: Hurricane 8-80 approximately equals Hurricane 8 greater than Pi Shan approximately equals Hurricane 3

The Pi Shan can be understood as a no-boost version of the organic Hurricane 3 — a product sitting between Hurricane 3 and Hurricane 8-80. Performance-to-price ratio is fair. The obvious drawback is the weight, so moderate recommendation overall. If they can get it under 70 g someday, it’d be even better.

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