Friendship 729 Battle II vs Palio AK47: Which Should You Buy?
| Friendship 729 Battle II | Palio AK47 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| best_side | FH | both |
| control | 8 | high (best on the softer Blue) |
| speed | 8 | medium-high (Blue softer and more linear, Red fastest) |
| spin | 9 | high |
| sponge_hardness | hard | Blue around 38-40 deg, Yellow around 40-42 deg, Red around 45-47 deg (Euro scale) |
| type | tacky | non-tacky inverted tensor (offered in Blue, Yellow and Red sponges) |
| weight_uncut_g | 68 | 67 |
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Both rubbers are built around value, but they chase opposite feels. The Battle II is a hard, tacky Chinese topsheet that loads serves and brushed loops with huge spin from a small wrist motion, delivering a low, diving arc and long dwell that reward close-to-table looping. The Palio AK47 is a light, non-tacky tensor that imitates a near-premium feel for a fraction of the cost, and it comes in Blue, Yellow and Red sponges so you can dial in control or pace.
On style, the Battle II is the spinnier, grippier sheet and stays linear with no catapult, but it demands committed strokes and fades close to the table on flat smashes far back. The AK47 is the easier sheet to control, especially on the softer Blue for pushes, blocks and the short game, while Red runs faster with a lower, aggressive arc.
Pick the Battle II if you want to learn Chinese-style serving and looping with maximum tacky spin and do not mind a hard sheet that needs full strokes. Choose the AK47 if you are building a first custom racket and want a lighter, more forgiving non-tacky tensor, leaning Blue for control or Red for offense. The Battle II earns the slightly higher 8.5 rating here.
FAQ
Which has more spin, the Battle II or the AK47?
The Battle II generates higher spin thanks to its hard tacky topsheet, with elite serves and serve receive from a small wrist motion. The AK47 is still grippy and spinny for a non-tacky tensor, particularly on the Blue sponge, but it does not match the tacky Chinese bite.
Which is better for a beginner building a first racket?
The Palio AK47 is the friendlier choice for a first custom racket. It is light, non-tacky and forgiving, and the softer Blue sponge offers excellent control on pushes, blocks and the short game. The Battle II demands stronger technique and full committed strokes.
Is the AK47 lighter than the Battle II?
Yes. The AK47 is remarkably light across all colours, listed around 67 grams uncut, while the Battle II is around 68 grams uncut and plays heavier as a hard tacky sheet.
Which sponge of the AK47 should I pick?
Pick Blue for a controllable backhand or all-round game, Yellow for a balanced middle, and Red for a faster, more aggressive offensive sheet.