Friendship 729 Battle II vs Andro Rasanter R42: Which Should You Buy?
| Friendship 729 Battle II | Andro Rasanter R42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| best_side | FH | both |
| control | 8 | 9.2 |
| speed | 8 | 8.5 |
| spin | 9 | 9.3 |
| sponge_hardness | hard | 42 degrees medium-soft |
| thickness_mm | — | 2.3 |
| type | tacky | inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 68 | 61 |
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These two rubbers approach spin from opposite directions. The Battle II is a hard, tacky sheet with a low diving arc and long dwell that loads serves and brush loops from a small wrist motion, but it asks for committed, full strokes and plays best close to the table. The Rasanter R42 is a medium-soft 42-degree tensor with a higher throw, generous dwell and many gears, sitting closer to a Tenergy 05 feel while staying very light at 61 g uncut.
On style, the Battle II rewards a forehand-led Chinese looping game with linear control and elite serve spin, while the R42 spreads its strengths across both wings, lifting backspin and blocking with easy forgiveness. The Battle II is the faster, lower-arc weapon up close; the R42 trades absolute power for confidence and a flattering, slip-free contact.
Pick the Battle II if you want maximum tacky spin and serve quality on a tight budget and have the technique to drive a hard rubber. Choose the R42, the slightly higher rated of the two, if you want a light, controllable do-everything rubber and a natural backhand. The R42 also forgives developing players far more readily.
FAQ
Which is better for the backhand?
The Rasanter R42 is the natural backhand choice, listed as good on both wings, light at 61 g uncut and very forgiving. The Battle II is forehand-dominant and best for a Chinese-style looping game.
Which has more spin?
Both are very spinny. The Battle II uses extreme tackiness for huge serve and loop spin from a small motion, while the R42 generates spin through grip and dwell with virtually no slippage.
Which is easier for an improving player?
The R42 is easier, with a medium-soft sponge, high forgiveness and many gears. The Battle II demands strong technique and committed strokes to extract its speed and spin.
Which is the better value?
The Battle II is the budget pick, often selling three to four sheets for the price of one premium tensor. The R42 is affordable for a German tensor but costs more per sheet.