Donic Baracuda vs Bluefire M2

[Hayashi]

What are the pros and cons of both for the backhand?

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Both the Donic Baracuda and Donic Bluefire M2 are high-quality table tennis rubbers that offer excellent performance on the backhand side. Here are some pros and cons of both rubbers:
Donic Baracuda:
Pros:

• Offers a good balance of speed, spin, and control.
• Provides excellent spin generation, especially on topspin strokes.
• Has a soft sponge that provides good feeling and control on the backhand.
• Durable and long-lasting.

Cons:

• Not as fast as some of the other high-end rubbers.
• May not be suitable for players who prefer a harder sponge.

Donic Bluefire M2:
Pros:

• Offers high speed and excellent spin generation.
• Has a medium-hard sponge that provides good power on the backhand.
• Provides good control on blocking and pushing strokes.
• Suitable for aggressive and attacking players.

Cons:

• The harder sponge may take some time to get used to.
• May not provide as much control as the Baracuda.

Ultimately, the choice between the two rubbers will depend on your playing style and preferences. If you value spin and control over speed, the Baracuda may be the better choice. However, if you are an aggressive player who likes to attack from the backhand side, the Bluefire M2 may be a better fit.

The above is ChatGPT response.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Funny enough, I had always preferred Baracuda on my FH side. So, yeah, if Baracuda and M2 is the only choice, in my personal view, I would put M2 on BH and B on FH.

 

[Hayashi]

Funny enough, I had always preferred Baracuda on my FH side. So, yeah, if Baracuda and M2 is the only choice, in my personal view, I would put M2 on BH and B on FH.

I tend to hit through the sponge on BH except for when I flick or loop against underspin, in which I brush using the topsheet. Against topspin I'll block, loop drive, and punch. I play SP on the FH, so close to the table. Which would you recommend for me?

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

I tend to hit through the sponge on BH except for when I flick or loop against underspin, in which I brush using the topsheet. Against topspin I'll block, loop drive, and punch. I play SP on the FH, so close to the table. Which would you recommend for me?

Baracuda & M2 can do all the above you mentioned. But if you say you can hit through the sponge and reach the wood, then you can consider M1 which is harder ( also what I use on my BH currently ). Even that I also hit through it sometime but I am no going to change it anytime soon because the harder one will be the Turbo version and that is too much for me. As for using SP on FH, pips is not my forte so I'll let someone else more knowledgeable in that subject matter response.

 

[Egon]

Funny enough, I had always preferred Baracuda on my FH side. So, yeah, if Baracuda and M2 is the only choice, in my personal view, I would put M2 on BH and B on FH.

I also tried to play barracuda on the backhand for a long time, but I liked it more on the forehand. Very durable and control rubber for its time. Recently, in a club, I tried a racket with two new barracudas from a friend and again caught myself thinking that it plays better on forehand. But it also seemed outdated to me. There are many better rubber bands for active attacking, although if you need to keep the ball on the table, then this is an excellent choice.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

I also tried to play barracuda on the backhand for a long time, but I liked it more on the forehand. Very durable and control rubber for its time. Recently, in a club, I tried a racket with two new barracudas from a friend and again caught myself thinking that it plays better on forehand. But it also seemed outdated to me. There are many better rubber bands for active attacking, although if you need to keep the ball on the table, then this is an excellent choice.

i guess one can say Baracuda is Donic's version of Rozena.

 

[Kolev]

Barracuda was the answer of Donic for T05. I didn't like it with the old ball because of it's high throw, but with the new it throws lower and I find it way better than many modern and twice the price new rubbers. Most important for me-it isn't factory boosted unlike M2

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Barracuda was the answer of Donic for T05. I didn't like it with the old ball because of it's high throw, but with the new it throws lower and I find it way better than many modern and twice the price new rubbers. Most important for me-it isn't factory boosted unlike M2

Barucuda trying to be a clone of T05? If that is the case, then Donic did a lousy job coz' Baracuda sure did not feel Tenergy'ish at all. It felt ol'skool, it felt safe and secure, like dad's twenty year old Toyota Camry.

 

[Kolev]

As old school as the T05 even a bit younger , but that was their first attempt to create a T05 alike

 

[Kolev]

Barucuda trying to be a clone of T05? If that is the case, then Donic did a lousy job coz' Baracuda sure did not feel Tenergy'ish at all. It felt ol'skool, it felt safe and secure, like dad's twenty year old Toyota Camry.

BTW , I try to stay away from the fancy word "clone" used way too often around here. To me a clone is exacly what it means....but since I'm far from being a native english speaker I am probably wrong

 

[NextLevel]

As easy as it is to knock Baracuda today, it had amazing spin and the main issue with it was speed. But if you put it on a fast blade and play a hitting game, some of its play is very similar to a Chinese style rubber.

In any case, still waiting on that video of Gozo consistently looping backspin. Baracuda is precisely the kind of rubber that helps people attack backspin even when playing with fast rackets.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

As easy as it is to knock Baracuda today, it had amazing spin and the main issue with it was speed. But if you put it on a fast blade and play a hitting game, some of its play is very similar to a Chinese style rubber.

In any case, still waiting on that video of Gozo consistently looping backspin. Baracuda is precisely the kind of rubber that helps people attack backspin even when playing with fast rackets.

This weekend I am having my coaching session. You will see my glorious and magnificent shots. Watch this space... 🤣🤣🤣