Andro Hexer Powergrip Review: Spin-First Tensor for Aggressive Loopers

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-16 · rubber

Andro launched the Hexer Powergrip in late 2018 as the harder sibling of the Hexer Grip, aimed at faster swingers who want more catapult and power. It comes out of Germany on a 47.5-degree green sponge, under a grippy non-tacky topsheet of 100% natural rubber cut for the modern plastic ball. At 169x169 mm uncut and 71 grams, it is a heavy sheet. The reviews shrug at the weight. 46 Revspin members put it at 9.4 overall, and BladeRubber and the TableTennis11 editorial blog land in the same place.

Performance

Spin comes easy, and that is the headline. Even on warm-up loops and slow pushes against backspin, the natural rubber topsheet bites clean and throws high-arc topspins that back opponents into awkward positions. Wind up to full power from mid-distance and you reach what one TT11 tester called an ‘unparalleled ability to make alternating diagonal, down-the-line, and around-the-net loops with high consistency.’ The feel is firm but lively. The sponge plays around 45 degrees despite its 47.5 rating, so the comfort zone is wider than the number implies.

Blocking and counter-looping are where it really holds together. The rubber soaks up incoming spin instead of deflecting wildly, so you redirect fast loops with barely a grip adjustment. Flat hits leave quick and land hard to return. Serves come off well too: backspin and sidespin load naturally, and fast float serves play off the firm sponge’s low dwell time.

The trade-off shows up close to the table. The rubber pushes a lot of forward momentum, so short loops and flicks played from inside the end-line fly long until you learn to hold back. Spin runs very high for a European tensor, but it stops short of Chinese tacky sheets like the DHS Hurricane 3. If maximum spin is the only thing you care about and you will trade control for it, a softer tensor or a tuned Chinese sheet is the better buy.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Revspin, BladeRubber, and TableTennis11 line up on the core strengths: easy spin access, reliable control, and a multi-gear feel that keeps players coming back. Weight is the sticking point. Several BladeRubber reviewers flag 71 grams uncut as a real drawback, especially on large blades or in long sessions. A minority also report grip fading over time, so durability tracks with playing style and maintenance. Backhand suitability splits the room: TT11’s editors keep the recommendation to forehand use or players with high arm speed, while some Revspin members get good backhand results.

Who Should Buy It

The Hexer Powergrip fits intermediate and advanced attackers who want a high-spin, high-control forehand rubber with a European tensor feel. It is a natural step for players moving up from medium rubbers like Rasanter R42 or Vega Pro who want more power, and for anyone after Tenergy 05-class performance without the Butterfly price tag. Beginners, pure defenders, and close-table blockers who live on short, low-dwell contacts should pass.

FAQ

How does the Andro Hexer Powergrip compare to Tenergy 05?

Several reviewers put the Hexer Powergrip in the same tier as Tenergy 05. The Powergrip feels a touch more controlled and forgiving close to the table; Tenergy 05 has a marginally higher speed ceiling. The Powergrip costs significantly less and is made in Germany.

Is the Hexer Powergrip good for the backhand?

It is a forehand rubber first. The 47.5-degree sponge needs fast arm speed to come alive, which makes the backhand harder work. Advanced players with quick backhands have made it sing, though, especially for backhand looping and blocking.

Does the Hexer Powergrip feel as hard as 47.5 degrees?

No. Most reviewers put it around 44 to 45 degrees in actual use, softer than the number on the package. That widens the comfort zone and opens it up to players who would otherwise steer clear of anything above 45 degrees.

How heavy is the Hexer Powergrip after cutting?

The uncut sheet is 71 grams. Cut to a standard blade around 158 by 151 mm, it drops to roughly 51 grams. That sits on the heavy side for a European tensor, so anyone sensitive to racket weight should account for it.

How long does the grip last on the Hexer Powergrip topsheet?

With normal care, most reviewers find the grip lasts, though a minority report topsheet shrinkage and grip loss over heavy use. Keep a protective sheet cover on it and clean it after every session to hold performance.

What blade pairs well with the Andro Hexer Powergrip?

Reviewers have run it happily on the Andro Novacell OFF and similar all-wood or carbon OFF blades. The rubber already supplies plenty of power and spin, so a blade with moderate speed and good feel complements it better than an ultra-fast carbon frame.