Victas V15 Sticky Max Review: A Real Alternative to D09C?
This Issue: Victas V15 Sticky Max 52.5 Degrees
Test setup: Unmarked Hurricane King ACB, V15s on forehand
Quick Notes
- In recent years, overseas manufacturers have noticed the spin advantage of sticky topsheets on the large plastic ball and have begun embracing the sticky market. The V15s is a 2025 new release combining a semi-sticky topsheet with a high-elasticity German cake sponge.
- I tried this rubber at the Victas booth during the 2025 Nanchang Sports Expo and came away with a strong impression. I categorized it as a German-style sticky rubber suitable for both forehand and backhand.
- Sponge hardness is roughly equivalent to Hurricane 3 at 39 degrees. Uncut weight is 72.4 g; around 50 g after trimming — slightly heavier than D09C.
Forehand (Primary Focus)
- Forehand drive: Feel is very transparent and open. The rebound sits between Tibhar K2 Pro and DNA Dragon Grip in liveliness, with slightly lower hardness — the ball clearly sinks into the sponge.
- Forehand topspin: Breaks through easily. The usage threshold is similar to Hurricane 3 at 39 degrees. Overall character: easy to push through, easy to control, very soft sponge. Speed and arc are both unremarkable, spin isn’t particularly heavy either, but it’s more than adequate. Feel is great, error tolerance is high, and the arc becomes more stable the harder you hit. It rewards moving in early.
- Forehand mid-distance: I’d recommend using the V15s close-to-table or mid-close range. When retreating from the table or playing a large court, the lower sponge hardness means quality drops noticeably — the ceiling isn’t high here.
- Forehand defense: Despite the soft sponge, defense feels comfortable. My go-to DNA Dragon Grip is known for crisp, punchy defense that holds up under heavy incoming balls. The V15s is softer, but very lively — it gives you plenty of adjustment room and error tolerance in defensive situations.
- Special mention: The sponge activity on the V15s is extremely high — it’s incredibly grabby. I’d call it “a European rubber that plays like Hurricane 3.” Whether you’re hanging arcs or lifting backspin, it handles it without issue.
Backhand (Quick Comparison with D09C)
- Backhand feel: Slightly heavier than D09C. The feel difference is noticeable. The V15s sponge is livelier; the D09C sponge is more solid with better directional precision.
- Backhand push/touch: Sticky sensation feels slightly higher than D09C. Short game touches feel more controlled and comfortable.
- Backhand topspin: D09C is more comfortable to topspin, especially once you’re generating full power — almost nothing else comes close. The V15s has a slightly vague feel; once you adapt to the sponge and focus on meeting the ball early and driving forward, it actually works quite well.
Final Verdict
The V15s performance is built on topsheet and sponge working together to provide arc and control. The D09C primarily relies on the topsheet for arc and control, with the sponge providing solid quality and direction. There’s a very clear difference. Quality-wise, the V15s definitely doesn’t match the D09C, and the feel isn’t as similar to D09C as some people online claim.
That said, the V15s is excellent value for money. I personally love the feel of this rubber on the forehand.
Overall score: 8 out of 10. Highly recommended.
