JOOLA Rhyzm Review: Durable, Spinny, and Surprisingly Forgiving

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-16 · rubber

JOOLA built the Rhyzm for high-level attacking play, with input from former World Champion and German national coach Jorg Rosskopf. It pairs an extra-grippy, spin-elastic top sheet with a firm 48-degree sponge rated Extra High in both speed and spin. Some retailers have dropped it, yet a loyal following stays put for the durability, the spin output, and a rounded offensive game. Players hunting a cheaper Tenergy alternative end up here, and so do players outgrowing a beginner sheet.

Performance

On the forehand, the Rhyzm throws lively, penetrating drives. Loop driving sends out a low, sharp, spinny ball that opponents struggle to read; reviewers keep mentioning how it accelerates after the bounce. Serves are a strong point. Underspin serves come out spinny and low, and topspin serves load on heavy rotation. Smashes stay sharp and controllable rather than wild, so you can go for the winner without flinching.

The backhand is where it does its best work. Several reviewers flag how easily it lifts backspin, which makes it a smart pick for players who get pinned by heavy underspin returns on that wing. Pushes stay consistent and controlled, and backhand topspin drives hold up under pressure. The medium-high control rating checks out in practice: it forgives more than other rubbers that carry the same speed and spin numbers.

On the ladder, the Rhyzm sits above the JOOLA X-plode it outpaces and below top-tier sheets like Butterfly Tenergy 05 or Dignics 09C. Reviewers rate it over Stiga’s Acuda S1 Turbo, calling it more forgiving for similar spin. It gives up ground to Tenergy 05 only at the very top of raw grip and speed, and it pays that back with much better durability and a lower price. The 48-degree sponge feels firm but responsive, the kind of feedback you want if you read your shots off the contact.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

RevSpin, Tabletennis Reference, and TableTennis Reviews all land positive. Average overall scores run 8.6 to 9.4 across most platforms, and spin is the attribute everyone praises. Reviewers agree on the durability edge over comparable premium rubbers and on how easily it lifts backspin. Weight is the main fight: some players say the around-70g figure is earned by the performance, others call it a burden on lighter setups. A few also feel the control, good as it is, trails what more defensive rubbers give you at close range.

Who Should Buy It

Buy the Rhyzm if you are an intermediate to advanced attacker who wants high spin, strong serves, and more durability than premium Japanese rubbers usually deliver. It rewards backhand players who loop aggressively from mid-table. Skip it if you play defensive or all-round, prefer softer sponges under 42 degrees, or are chasing an ultralight setup where every gram counts.

FAQ

What sponge hardness does the JOOLA Rhyzm use?

The Rhyzm runs a 48-degree sponge, on the firmer side, which works out to about 36 degrees on the DHS scale. That firmness is what gives the rubber its lively, penetrating drive and feeds its high spin output.

Is the JOOLA Rhyzm better on forehand or backhand?

It performs on both sides, but reviewers keep singling it out as a backhand rubber. The forgiving feel and the ease of lifting backspin pay off most on that wing. More experienced players run it on the forehand without trouble too.

How does the JOOLA Rhyzm compare to Butterfly Tenergy 05?

The Rhyzm sits a step below Tenergy 05 in raw speed and spin at the very top end. It is far more durable, cheaper, and more forgiving, which makes it a go-to for players who find Tenergy 05 too demanding or too costly to keep replacing.

Is the JOOLA Rhyzm suitable for beginners?

It is built for intermediate to advanced players, given the high speed and firm sponge. The forgiving control still lets serious beginners or early-intermediate players handle it without drowning. A thinner 2.0mm sponge takes some of the power off for less experienced hands.

How heavy is the JOOLA Rhyzm?

It weighs about 70 grams uncut, heavy for an inverted rubber. If you are building a lightweight setup, account for it when you pick your blade and the rubber on the other side.

Is the JOOLA Rhyzm still available to buy?

Some major retailers like Megaspin have discontinued it, but online marketplaces and specialty table tennis shops still stock it. Search the name on Amazon or a dedicated table tennis store and you will often turn up remaining stock or close relatives in the Rhyzm family.