Victas V15s: The Affordable Alternative to D09c?
Victas V15s: The Affordable Alternative to D09c?
Welcome to another edition of Mushroom’s Table Tennis Review Diary! Today, we dive into the Victas V15 Sticky Max 52.5 degrees rubber, often touted as a budget-friendly alternative to the popular D09c.
About the Rubber
- Manufacturer: Victas
- Model: V15 Sticky Max
- Hardness: 52.5 degrees
- Type: Semi-sticky with high-elastic German sponge
Initial Impressions
The V15s is a relatively new release, introduced in 2025. It combines a semi-sticky top sheet with a high-elastic German sponge, making it suitable for both forehand and backhand play. During the 2025 Nanchang Sports Expo, I had the opportunity to test this rubber at the Victas booth and was quite impressed.
Technical Specifications
- Sponge Hardness: Comparable to ~39 degrees DHS Hurricane 3
- Uncut Weight: 72.4 grams
- Cut Weight: Approximately 50 grams
- Notable: Slightly heavier than the D09c
Playing Experience
Forehand Performance
- Forehand Drive: The rubber feels very lively and produces a good amount of speed. The elasticity is between Tibhar K2 Pro and DNA Dragon, with slightly lower hardness, allowing the ball to sink into the sponge.
- Forehand Loop: The V15s is easy to play with, similar to the 39-degree Hurricane 3 in terms of ease of use. It offers good control and a high level of forgiveness. The arc becomes more stable with increased power, requiring a more forward approach.
- Distance Play: The V15s is best suited for close to medium-distance play. Due to its lower hardness, it lacks power when playing from a distance.
- Defense: Despite its softer sponge, the V15s provides a comfortable defensive experience. It offers good adjustment space and forgiveness, making it easier to handle powerful shots.
- Special Note: The V15s has a highly active sponge that grips the ball well, earning it the nickname “the Hurricane of foreign rubbers.” This makes it versatile for both looping and initiating attacks.
Backhand Performance (vs. D09c)
- Feel: The V15s is slightly heavier than the D09c, with a more active sponge compared to the D09c’s more solid feel and better directional control.
- Push: The V15s has a slightly higher sticky feel than the D09c, making it more comfortable and precise for pushing.
- Backhand Loop: The D09c is more comfortable for powerful backhand loops, offering a feel that is hard to replicate. The V15s feels a bit less solid but is still very usable with a slight adjustment in technique.
Final Verdict
The V15s offers a balanced performance with a focus on arc and control, while the D09c relies more on the rubber surface for arc control and the sponge for power and direction. The V15s may not match the D09c in terms of quality, but it offers excellent value for its price. I personally enjoy the feel of the V15s on the forehand and would rate it 8 out of 10. It’s definitely worth a try for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends. Feel free to leave a comment if there’s something specific you’d like to see covered in future reviews. I’m Mushroom Table Tennis, and I’ll see you next time!
Author: Mushroom Table Tennis Design: Kaiping Wang