Friendship 729 Battle II vs DHS Gold Arc 5: Which Should You Buy?
| Friendship 729 Battle II | DHS Gold Arc 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| best_side | FH | backhand |
| control | 8 | very high |
| speed | 8 | ALL-OFF |
| spin | 9 | high |
| sponge_hardness | hard | 42.5 deg |
| type | tacky | inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 68 | 71 |
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The 729 Battle II is a hard, tacky Chinese rubber delivering elite serve spin and close-table loops but declining in quality after two months. DHS Gold Arc 5 is a non-tacky inverted rubber tuned for control, reliable blocking, and consistent feedback without tensor bounce.
Battle II demands strong technique and full committed strokes to extract spin and speed. It plays best close to the table with a low, consistent arc. Gold Arc 5 offers a predictable, linear speed curve with excellent durability and moisture resilience, plus superior block consistency close to the net.
Choose Battle II for high-spin forehand loops and serve-receive on a budget, understanding its short lifespan. Pick Gold Arc 5 for developing reliable stroke mechanics with consistent feedback and durability, especially in humid environments or for backhand play.
FAQ
Which lasts longer?
Gold Arc 5 dramatically outperforms for durability, holding grip for many months. Battle II noticeably declines after two months of regular play.
Which has more spin?
Battle II rates 9.0 spin versus Gold Arc 5’s high rating. However Gold Arc generates strong topspin through grip rather than tackiness.
How do they differ in control?
Gold Arc 5 delivers very high control with reliable blocking. Battle II offers 8.0 control but demands precise technique to achieve consistency.
Which is better in humid conditions?
Gold Arc 5 is less moisture-sensitive and maintains grip in humidity. Battle II’s tackiness can play poorly on dusty or humid floors without cleaning.
What about ball trajectory?
Battle II produces a low, diving arc suited for loops and pushes. Gold Arc 5 offers linear, predictable speed with no catapult effect.