Hello, there are few words about R47 and little comparation with Hexer series.
Today I focus on the flagship of Andro - Rasanter R47. Generally, the launch of the Rasanter line made a big fuss. Perhaps the most of brands were looking for (and certainly still are looking for) the answer to the change to plastic balls. In Andro it was the development of the Rasanter series which was launched for sale around mid-2017 and was supposed to replace the previous Rasant series. Now it is not a hot news, but rather a classic, but I personally was very interested in looking at the comparison with the newer Hexer series. Back to the Rasanters - they come with a new concept (for cell free balls) thicker sponges and a thinner topsheet rubber. The topsheet has only 1.7 mm and the sponge could be up to 2.3 mm thick = ultramax. In an effort to maintain the overall thickness of the rubber, the player should be given more energy and speed. The series is divided into two V (Velocity) branches, focusing on the velocity and flatter curve of the ball, and R (Rotation), focused on rotation and a more arc. The sponge remains the same, it differs only in the chosen hardness. The upper rubber differs in pimple geometry for R and V. In total there are 6 different variants in the series.
Classic packaging, variations are nicely colored, typical green color dominates. My red square with ultramax sponge weights 71 grams. Compared to Hexer Powergrip 2.1 with the same sponge hardness, the weight is just one gram higher. Even in this case the ultramax concept seems to play a role - the rubber is generally stronger, but the heavier rubber on the topsheet is minimized. I put the rubber on andro Treiber FI using TSP Bio Fix. Generally, the sheet rubber looks a little different from the Hexers, where it is a little bit shinier, softer, and more adhesive. This is "drier" and tougher.
While the first moments of play there was no extreme surprise, the rubber played quite pleasantly. Its arc is lower and flatter than Powergrips one. In a stronger topspin game, the rubber will comfortably hold the ball and send it with a spin really low over the net. Initially it was uncomfortable also for me and myself, because I was already sure that the ball would fall into the net, but to my surprise, it flies to the opponents side clearly.
Spin
The rubber has a tougher impression on touch, so if you want a spin you have to “go for it”. With Hexer it is possible to play strikes more freely, higher spinny balls in standard effort have enough spin, with Rasanter it is necessary to play more in the ball, more forcefully. It means more effort, but in general it helps you to put more pressure on opponents and end rally quicker. It certainly depends on the technique and the style of the game. Hexers allow me to play more safely and prepare the ball better, Rasanter is stronger, stricter and more punishing inaccuracies (both the opponents and the players himself).
Speed
The R47 suits an aggressive game in which you play every ball on the full effort. Sometimes it may mean going to a greater risk, but overally I had the impression that some more "playing around" and "trying any trickshots" wasn't paying off. At the table, the rubber will serve greatly to open the topspin to the chop or to play prepared block too. With the R47 I didn't have to worry about going further from the table, playing from medium distance is absolutely no problem. On the contrary, it is once again confirmed that if you play contratopspins (which are almost never played softly) the rubber works really excellent.
In general, I found (not surprisingly) R47 in ultramax faster than Powergrip 2.1.
Control
Control is always quite a subjective characteristic. I'll repeat again – the control comes with activity. The rubber is more demanding on good technique, good footwork and overall skills. Interestingly, for a short game over the table, short game, chops works really well thanks to tougher upper rubber. You play these strokes without a need to sink the ball into a sponge, the catapult is suppressed, and no kicking and bouncing takes place. The problem is with those last-minute blocks when you play just in a reflexive movement and hope to return the ball somehow. The rubber wasn't forgiving much and the ball was occasionally catapulted further than I wanted. This should be probably better after more hours of play and more getting used to it.
Overall impression
I really see the R47 as the flagship of andro and probably also of the Rasanter series. This is confirmed by its frequent use of the pro players of this brand. This offensive cover is built on a very active (even aggressive) game. Compared to Hexers, the rubber does not forgive too much and one might say that it is more dangerous (whether the player or the competitor is always on the player's skills). This corresponds to the intention of andro to create two partially different series in which everyone, according to their best consciousness, conscience and skills, finds a suitable variant.