DHS Hurricane 3 Neo Provincial 38° Blue Sponge completely unboosted how does it really play?

[Archosaurus]

Agreed. I like a rubber that I feel is bottoming out on flat hits because I feel or believe that is helping me catch the ball for a split second and then smashing through the spin will be more executable.
That’s why I wanted Rakza 7 soft.
I just realized though that this is not the soft version, LOL.
Sounds and feels like a good ‘tok’ through to the blade though, so I’m good with it.

I had to go to a softer backhand sponge because I couldn't (reliably, safely) sink the ball enough, and it'd slip sometimes. The benefit from not netting some balls was higher than whatever largely theoretical performance gain from a harder sponge on shots that are already good enough.

On the forehand it's the opposite, and I benefit more from higher performance when sunken than I benefit from whatever theoretical control gains there are to softer sponges. In fact sometimes the softer sponge isn't as controlled due to what I expect from it. Going to a super soft option doesn't eliminate some major mistakes either, so it doesn't really impact my scoring positively.

Even if my play level doesn't improve a lot, the choice of sponge may change as my backhand improves or if my forehand strategy changes, though.

 

[ajtatosmano2]

Don't do it unboosted. Just get a D09C.

 

[passifid]

Really please use 8 80 power or 09c. I only use unboosted H3 because I started for years with unboosted 40d globe 999 national and are not particularly good. Or else I would probably still use z03

 

[Archosaurus]

Don't do it unboosted. Just get a D09C.

"Just get a 3 times more expensive rubber" is one way to put it, but he did say price isn't an issue.

 

[Peter93]

OP, just try it out. I've had tons of success against multiple >2000 rated players with 37 deg. orange sponge and 38 deg. blue sponge, both unboosted. Zero trouble with smashes, and the spin is immense. I did just boost the 38 deg. just for fun, but I don't think it's necessary, I just wanted to see what it feels like.