Reviews by MindTrip

Control, control, control. I found myself missing the Zylon feeling and thought I would give this blade a try after selling my ZJ ZLC and TB ZLF a few months ago. Between those 2, the Treiber plays and feels more like the ZJ ZLC. Treiber Z has a slower gear than the ZLC offers. This is very useful for soft contact shots, where I could easily get double and triple bounces with a simple push. Blocking took me a minute to wrap my head around. When blocking passively, which took a very soft hand when using ALC or flexy 5-ply blades, the ball would come off dead and roll into the net. Either gripping tighter or blocking more actively corrected this issue. Looping is delightful with this blade. People have stated in other reviews that the throw is really low when looping. I found this to be true when opening up and when looping a ball with little spin. When relooping a loop, the throw was plenty high and would dive down sharply with plenty of net clearance. Driving is quick, spinny and low throw for the most part. When I first tested this blade I was delving into soft sponged rubber with high sound output such as Donic Z3, but have since went back to Tenergy 05. The blade plays better with medium rubber, as a softer rubber and the soft top ply made for a mushy feel.

I've been a fan of Donic rubber during my playing career. Beginning with Acuda S2/3, then the M2/3 series, I had to give the Z a whirl. I bought a black sheet in Max+ that will replace my shrunken M3 on the forehand. Comparing the physical aspects of the 2, the Z3 sponge looks the same thickness as the max M3. The top sheet is noticeably thinner and feels softer and more supple than the M. Playing, the two are very similar. I vaguely recall the M3 being quite bouncy and slightly unpredictable catapult when fresh out of the package. I didn't get that sensation at all with the Z3, it plays like a broken in M3. Twiddling between the two, I could tell a difference in feeling. The Z3 feels softer when looping, the top sheet seems to grab the ball a little better and catapult it out at a medium high arc while creating a loud crack sensation. I could get very good rotation on the ball, as most loops cleared the net by 8-12" and dove downward sharply a few inches short of the baseline. The rubber reminds me a lot of Stiga Airoc Astro S with higher throw and more spin. I have no cons about this rubber and plan to replace my BH T05 with a sheet of Z3 in due time.

I'm a 2 winged loop, Allround offensive minded player just shy of 1800 (USATT). The Evolution started out as a gift for my 12 y/o daughter. I sanded the wings, handle and face, then finished it off with a thin coat of sealant. At which time I thought I'd hit with it for a session, gluing on a couple old sheets of Tenergy 05 and taking it to the club. That's when I was hooked. This blade has many gears! I feel confident reaching in for a surprise drop shot or stepping back and driving the ball down the sideline. The throw angle is medium high. The blade isn't stiff, but doesn't flex much either. This feature helps in passive play when I'm out of position, just trying to get the ball back on the table. Whereas the Nittaku Violin or Butterfly Grubba, both of which flex a bunch, a simple block or out of position stretched out return is likely to go long off the table due to its catapult like nature. With the Evolution, it's easier for me to get back on the offensive and out loop my opponents. I don't chop, so won't comment on that, but my main practice partner does play a modern defensive style with his backhand. He wanted to try out the Donic Z3 on my blade and he seemed to get good rotation and variation with the combo. I've tried Tenergy, Donic M2, M3 and Z3 on the blade and it worked well with each. Double T05 was a bit heavy for my liking, but played decent. Boosted Skyline Neo didn't play so well for me. I'd say the blade pairs well with med-soft to med-firm rubbers. This blade has really surprised me in how well I play while using it. Who knew a cheap $40 blade would put several high end blades back on the shelf!?!?!