Friendship 729 Battle II vs Yinhe Mercury II: Which Should You Buy?
| Friendship 729 Battle II | Yinhe Mercury II | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| best_side | FH | both |
| control | 8 | very high |
| speed | 8 | medium |
| spin | 9 | high |
| sponge_hardness | hard | medium to medium-soft (36-38 degrees Chinese scale) |
| type | tacky | tacky inverted (budget Chinese) |
| weight_uncut_g | 68 | 60 |
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Both are inexpensive tacky Chinese rubbers, but they target opposite skill levels. The Battle II is a hard, tacky sheet with elite serves, a low diving arc and linear control, best for forehand attackers on a budget. The Mercury II is a softer, more forgiving tacky rubber for around five dollars a sheet, with a genuinely tacky topsheet that kills slippage, high spin on serves, loops and chops, and very high control that suits beginners and defenders.
On style, the Battle II is harder and more demanding, weakening on flat smashes far from the table. The Mercury II rides an elastic, forgiving sponge that is easier than most Chinese rubbers, with a medium throw that keeps the ball low, available in Soft and Medium to tune forehand and backhand, though it is slower than German tensors and mediocre at flat hits and fast counters near the table. It is also lighter at around 60 grams uncut versus 68 for the Battle II.
Choose the Battle II if you are a committed forehand attacker who wants a harder, spinnier tacky sheet for Chinese-style looping. Choose the Mercury II if you are a beginner, improver, control-and-spin all-rounder, chopper or defender who wants a serious but forgiving tacky Chinese rubber on a tiny budget. The Battle II rates 8.5 to the Mercury II’s 8.2.
FAQ
Which is better for beginners?
The Yinhe Mercury II is friendlier for beginners, with very high control and an elastic, forgiving sponge that is easier than most Chinese rubbers. The Battle II demands strong technique and full committed strokes.
Which is harder?
The Battle II is a hard sheet, while the Mercury II is medium to medium-soft at 36 to 38 degrees Chinese scale. The Mercury II also offers Soft and Medium sponge options.
Which is lighter?
The Mercury II is lighter at around 60 grams uncut, versus around 68 grams for the Battle II.
Are both good for choppers and defenders?
The Mercury II is well suited to choppers and defenders thanks to its high spin and very high control. The Battle II is built for forehand-dominant attacking and looping close to the table.